Family

                                    

                                          
When Daenerys entered the castle with Rhaego, he was still fast asleep, so she took him to his room and laid him down so he could nap. Perfect timing. Although she'd been against it, Tyrion had managed to convince her to meet with her allies while Rhaego napped. It better be quick. I don't want him to wake up and find me still in a meeting. On his nameday no less. She kissed his forehead softly and left his room. Unsullied guards were posted at their doors. She asked them not to hesitate to come get her should Rhaego wake up and find her still in the meeting. One of her handmaidens would sit in her room and watch him. Another precaution. 
                          
With the red priestess on the grounds, Daenerys had increased security. She may not have anything against their religion, and they may have been vital in gaining the people's support in Meereen, but they still practiced some magic. Ever since Drogo... and almost Rhaego... No, I will do all that I can to keep him far from this red priestess until I know what she wants and why she is here. 
                          
When she arrived at the meeting, everyone had already gathered around the painted table. "Apologies for my late arrival," she said, queenly mask and demeanor back in place. "Shall we begin?" 
                          
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The meeting with her allies had been much of the same. They all wanted to attack King's Landing, with little to no regard for the lives of all the innocents who lived there. Daenerys did not want to attack King's Landing yet, and especially did not want to hurt innocents. I will not be queen of the ashes, I told them. All my life, I've had to endure so much. At the hands of Viserys. At the hands of Drogo. At the hands of so many men and women who wanted to hurt me or use me for their own personal gains. I promised myself long ago, I would not allow anyone to hurt or use me ever again. I was only an innocent girl back then, and they sought to exploit me. I know what it feels like to be used and abused. I will not allow that to happen to the people I seek to protect and rule. They'd agreed to cool off and meet again the next day. I'll try to come up with alternatives when it comes to breaching King's Landing. Surely there's some way to take Cersei out without hurting or killing innocents. The whole thing had given her a headache, and all Daenerys wanted now was to crawl into bed for a nap before dinner. Hopefully Rhaego will still be in deep enough sleep, I can join him for a while. 
                          
When Daenerys reached Rhaego's room, her wish was granted. He was still asleep, and deeply asleep by the looks of it, for when Daenerys laid down next to him, he did not move an inch. She carefully gathered him up in her arms and snuggled him close before drifting off into a deep sleep. 
                          
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A few hours later, Daenerys was woken up by a gentle prodding to her side. As she came back to her senses, she could hear her son whispering, "Mama," another poke to her side. "Mama, time to get up," he whispered again, joined with yet another poke to her side. 
                          
She opened her eyes to find Rhaego sitting up next to her. He looked down at her, a small smile slowly forming on his face as he saw her waking up. She smiled in return and stretched. "Hello sweetling," she mumbled, surprising him by pulling him down and tickling him. His giggles brought a smile to her face, and she giggled along with him. 
                          
"Stop, mama!" Rhaego giggled. "No more!" More giggles. 
                          
"No more?! But it's your nameday and mama says you must have nameday tickles!" Daenerys said through a fit of giggles. She loved the time she spent with him. His namedays were some of the most precious days to her. With every passing year, as he'd gotten older, she felt so proud of him... but she'd also feel a pang hit her heart. He's growing so fast. I wish I could turn back time to when he was but a small babe that fit perfectly in my arms, but he's become such a smart, bright little boy. Daenerys smiled down at Rhaego as they both caught their breaths. "Come on now, my sweetling. We have a feast to get to."