By then, Missandei, who had been walking quietly behind Daenerys, had also drawn near. The girl from Naath had grown a little taller, her bearing increasingly composed and graceful, her brown skin smooth.
Her large, intelligent eyes quietly took in the scene before her. The usually imposing Dragonlord was being "held captive" by two princesses, a rare, tender smile on his face.
The corners of Missandei's mouth lifted slightly as well. She stood quietly a few paces away without interrupting this warm family moment, though envy showed in her eyes. After Viserys had taken her away, she had used the Empire's resources to search for her family, but had found no one.
So, to her, staying beside the people who had given her a new life and dignity, and recording every little moment they shared, had become her greatest happiness and purpose.
Meanwhile, on a terrace not far away, another figure took in everything that happened.
Margaery Tyrell had been in Valyria for some time now. She watched Viserys embrace Rhaenys and Daenerys at once, watched the effortless affection between them, and her finely shaped brows drew together slightly. A complicated look flickered in her eyes.
Through her exceptional social insight and deft maneuvering, she had not only built good relationships with Daenerys and Rhaenys, but had even learned Viserys's true intentions through Rhaenys.
That day, after watching the hatchling dragons train, Margaery had not gone straight back to rest. Instead, she had planned to trim the roses in the castle garden. There, she happened upon Rhaenys lost in thought.
"Princess Rhaenys." Margaery set down the small golden shears in her hand and curtsied gracefully, an impeccably sweet smile on her face. "Today's training seems to have gone very well. Meleys grows more magnificent by the day."
"Thank you, Lady