Rhaenys gazed at Viserys's upright figure, her heart filled with conflicting emotions. She knew this was the ruthlessness a capable ruler needed, a necessary means of uniting everyone's resolve to face the coming catastrophe.
She knew even better that once Viserys had made up his mind, no amount of persuasion would change it, not even from her, one of his closest family members.
In the end, she merely nodded slightly, signaling her agreement and understanding.
Rhaenys took a deep breath, lowering her gaze to her clasped hands. Then, with a complicated expression, she said, "When you go looking for the Horn of Winter, let Dany go north with you."
She paused, seemingly gathering her words-or perhaps suppressing some emotion churning within her-before continuing, "I'll stay in King's Landing and help keep things stable behind you. Hand of the King Clinton is loyal and brave, and Varys excels at intelligence and intrigue. But coordinating the great houses, balancing the various factions, overseeing the requisitioning of supplies for the north, and dealing with any outward obedience that conceals defiance..."
"Someone needs to remain in charge of those small yet crucial matters at the court in King's Landing. Dany has always wanted to travel alone with you, to see the Wall and experience the northern scenery she's never seen before. Besides..."
She raised her eyes to Viserys, a hint of reminder in her gaze along with an indescribable tenderness. "I remember you've already promised her several times. In Braavos, on the Valyrian Peninsula, and not long ago in King's Landing. You described the snow and ice of the North and the view from the Wall to her, and she loved it."
The rigid lines of Viserys's face seemed to soften a little at Rhaenys's words.
He leaned forward, drawing closer to Rhaenys. Rather