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The Redfish (Edmure SI) chapter 113
🕑 Added 2023-10-14 08:28:52 +0000 UTCToo far gone
Daenerys POV
Sitting on the terrace of my chambers, I looked at the skies where my dragons flew. I could see that they savored the freedom that I had taken before. They were too big to land anywhere on the Great Pyramid. I miss the days when they would snuggle on my shoulders and lap, looking to be scratched and petted.
I miss the days when I was a naïve girl who could trust her brother to protect her. But days have changed, and so has I changed. Time flew faster than I could catch up to it. People left me and joined me. And now I was the Queen of Meereen and Yunkai, Mother of the Dragons. Yet, nothing felt real anymore.
“Your Grace,” Ser Barristan announced himself, even though I heard his armor cling as he took heavy but hurried steps. “I was informed that a message from Yunkai has come.”
“Lord Tully has taken Yunkai in my name,” I replied, giving him the letter a messenger had delivered this morning.
“It was a decisive victory, your grace,” Ser Barristan said after reading the letter. “And even the remnants of the Golden Company were defeated.”
“And all of the Wise Master were massacred,” I added. “No one could defy my rule over the Slaver’s Bay. Volantis may scheme and plan, and New Ghis will wait, but they alone won’t do anything.”
“There still, Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.”
“Cities far away, always fighting over the Disputed Lands,” I said. “I would be more worried about Qarth.”
“Then congratulations should be in order,” Ser Barristan smiled, trying to wash away my worries.
Instead of answering him, I turned to the city below me. The vastness of it was overwhelming. I looked down at the people going on their business. They were mine to rule, mine to protect, and mine to guide. And another city now fell under my rule. Yet, it didn’t feel right. I have won no battles. I have not defeated any great villains.
“Be truthful, ser. Am I right, Queen?”
“You are just and honorable. Unwavering in your commitment to justice. Your compassion makes you a better ruler and set apart from many others I have served.”
“But am I the right ruler for these people?” I asked. “Am I a rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms?”
“Your Grace,” Ser Barristan was looking for the right words, but I didn’t wait.
“Leave me.”
Ser Barristan wanted to say something, and part of me wanted him to stop me from thinking that way, but he, as ever faithful, did as I said. Maybe sensing my emotions, my children screeched through the skied, scarring the common people of Meereen. I sat down and couldn’t hear the heavy footsteps of Ser Barristan.
Just and honorable? Was I? I condemned families for one man’s actions. Compassionable? How could I be so, after facing so many treacherous actions? Each day, I felt more detached from my people. I am just a little girl playing a game she doesn’t understand. But I was gone too far into this game, and I knew if I tried to back off now, it wasn’t only my head that would roll.
There might not be any winners in this game, but I refused to lose. Lord Tully’s words that he could kill me any moment he wanted were right, but I will ensure that it never comes to that. I will make it so that killing me would be more costly to him than he could imagine. He thought he scared me and was right, but I needed a push.
I might not be the good queen, but I will make sure that I am the right queen to rule over Meereen and Yunkai. I will not repeat my mistakes and let my people live the lives they want, not the ones they were forced into. But to do that, I would need allies—someone who shared my vision and ideals. Someone who was in the same boat as me.
…
Meereen erupted in jubilation as our victorious warriors returned to their homes. The grand procession wound its way through the crowded streets, with Lord Tully leading the way, flanked by the imposing giant of a man I didn’t recognize flanked him. The Tattered Prince and Daario Naharis waved and smiled at the crowd, his flamboyant nature as bright as ever.
Their presence was met with cheers and adulation, a stark contrast to the shadows of doubt looming over the city not long before. The people celebrated their champions, those who had fought and won in my name. But I turned away from the exuberant parade and approached the courtroom. They had their place among the people, and I had mine.
I will await them from my throne. Ser Barristan at my side, I looked at the entrance, waiting. There was nothing they could say that I didn’t know, but I still needed my commanders to say it out loud so my people could hear it. Yet the silence before they came was deafening as I closed my eyes and focused.
The doors of the courtroom opened loudly, and announcements were made. The Tattered Prince, Daario, and Lord Tully knelt before me. Grey Worm was left at Yunkai to oversee the security and rebuilding of the walls. Missandei and I missed his presence. But I couldn’t leave Yunkai for the vultures. Asha Greyjoy has still not returned, as I have ordered her to escort Queen Shireen.
“Your Grace,” Daario’s voice echoed through the courtroom as his triumphant grin spread across his face. “I am proud to inform you that we have taken Yunkai.”
I ignored the celebratory whispers. Yunkai, the final stronghold in Slaver's Bay, had long been a thorn in my side, and everyone knew. They have not only returned to their slavery but also conspired with Volantis and attacked Astapor. It was only a question of time before they turned their blades at Meereen. But now, it didn’t matter as Yunkai lay defeated, like my other enemies.
“This is a momentous victory; your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” I said. “So, please stand and enjoy your well-earned rest, as a feast for our heroes will be held tonight.”
The nobles in the courtroom erupted in applause, recognizing the significance of this moment and the triumph of my rule. That should be enough for now. The people were already festive. There was no need to hold a ceremony to reward them. The nobles of Meereen will only get this one chance to submit to my rule.
…
As the night descended upon Meereen, the city came alive with celebration. A grand feast held in honor of our victorious heroes drew citizens from all walks of life. The streets and squares were adorned with colorful banners, and the aroma of spices and roasted meats wafted through the air. Those who couldn’t come to the Great Pyramid celebrated outside.
In the heart of it all, I stood, resplendent in a gown of deep crimson and black, the colors of my house, the dragon sigil emblazoned on my waistcoat. The same fiery emblem adorned the banners and decorations throughout the city, a symbol of my authority and the unity of my people. It was a show of my power to ensure everyone saw it.
Well-wishers and supporters approached me individually, their voices filled with gratitude and admiration. They congratulated me on the victory and offered pledges of loyalty and assistance. Yet, with each coming to me, I couldn’t help but expect they would draw their hidden blades and attack me in the name of their history and traditions.
“Your Grace,” Lord Tully, " The man of the hour, Lord Tully, approached me with a greying and balding man by his side. “Let me introduce you to ser Davos Seaworth, Hand of Queen Shireen.”
“Your Grace,” Ser Davos bowed before me.
“Sit,” I motioned him for a seat beside me.
“Thank you, your Grace.”
“Please enjoy a drink or two,” I said. “Without your support, we might not have taken Yunkai and abolished their vile and evil practices.”
“It wasn’t my decision, but Queen Shireen’s to help you in your crusade,” I couldn’t tell if he was clever or honest.
“Then I will wait for your Queen’s arrival to express my gratitude,” I replied. “But before that, please tell me more about your Queen.”
“Queen Shireen is kind, but her intelligence and desire to learn are her most endearing quality, your Grace,” Ser Davos said. “I just want you not to look down on her for her age.”
How many have looked down on me for my age or because I was a woman who didn’t know anything? I would not make the same mistake as they did. I noticed that Ser Davos didn’t speak anymore since I didn’t reply. Did he have nothing else to say, or didn’t know what to say? I didn’t see the man to tell what he was thinking. But it didn’t matter much as it was just an introduction. I would learn about him and Queen Shireen later.
“Ser Davos, I apologize for the interruption, but I need to steal her Grace.”
“Of course, Lord Tully,” Ser Davos nodded as he felt uncomfortable around me.
“You need to forgive him,” Lord Tully said. “Ser Davos is honest to the bone, so sometimes, when he doesn’t have anything good to say, he stays silent.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“The show of power,” He answered, motioning at the banners. “It is a bit on the nose.”
“Should I hide my heritage?” I asked.
“No, it is good to be proud of what you are,” He answered.
“You should be more on the nose, Lord Tully,” I replied. “Speaking riddles won’t achieve you anything.”
“I did as you asked,” He locked his eyes to mine. “The Sons of the Harpy are defeated, Yunkai is yours, and the Golden Company is no more. I want to return home.”
“I thought you would want to oversee my meeting with Queen Shireen.”
“Then I would need to wait for you two to reach some kind of agreement,” Lord Tully replied. “I am tired of this place, Your Grace. I have a family and home to return to. So, I will tell you this once: I will leave when Queen Shireen arrives in Meereen.”
“And you will only wait this long for my answer about the alliance with Jaehaerys?”
“If you don’t have an answer by then, I will take it as you don’t want to have anything to do with the Seven Kingdoms.”
“Resorting to such petty tactics, it is unbecoming of you, lord Tully,” I had to control myself from grinding my teeth in anger. “You will have my answer.”
Lord Tully knew very well what he was doing by pushing me. His standing is secure; I have already used him more than enough to establish his status. I have gone too far to break my promise or not keep my word. And he knew very well that I would be too busy and need help to secure complete rule over Slaver’s Bay and altogether abolish slavery.
It didn’t mean I like it. I hated the man to my bone. But he was right, like always. I needed him more than he needed me. Was I the stubborn fool there? After all, he offered peace, yet I continue to pursue conflict. Do I desire the Seven Kingdoms more than the well-being of my people? Lord Tully ensured I knew I couldn’t take the Iron Throne without a sacrifice. Am I too far gone in my ambition to accept his offer?
