Undercurrents and Tenderness

For most of the days that followed, Viserys stayed in a separate, heavily guarded courtyard within the compound. This was partly for secrecy, but also so he could spend more time with his family and handle matters that only he could decide.

Ser William worked efficiently. Within three days, he had drawn up a preliminary list of the first five hundred people.

Most were longtime followers who had served the Targaryens since their days on Dragonstone, or warriors and craftsmen who had shown absolute loyalty. Their families were also notified in secret and told to prepare to relocate at any moment.

"Your Grace, regarding the ships," Ser William reported, "I have contacted three different shipyards and ordered five medium-sized merchant ships under the pretext of 'expanding our trade.' They look ordinary, but I requested reinforced keels and hulls so they can be converted into warships if necessary. Two will be delivered in ten days; the other three will take about twenty."

"Good." Viserys nodded. "And the supplies?"

"They are being purchased in separate batches, through different merchants, all under the guise of normal trade. To avoid arousing suspicion, each purchase is small, but together they will be enough to sustain five hundred people for half a year." Ser William paused. "Still, Your Grace, preparations on this scale are bound to attract attention over time, however widely we spread them out."

"That is why we have only a month," Viserys said calmly. "The first group must leave a month from now. After that, the compound can appear somewhat 'demoralized.' We can even spread rumors that the Targaryens are gradually losing their supporters."

Ser William understood. "I will arrange a few scenes of people 'leaving in disappointment,' and let the Iron Bank's people 'happen' to overhear us complaining about our shortage of funds."

"Exactly." Viserys nodded in approval.

Meanwhile, life within the compound remained peaceful.

Daenerys and Rhaenys studied reading, writing, and etiquette with Ashara every day. At other times, they played in the courtyard under Ser Jon Darry's watchful eye.

For Viserys, the greatest comfort during this period was his increasingly intimate relationship with Ashara.

Since that night, some invisible barrier between them had broken down completely.

By day, Ashara remained the calm, composed lady of Starfall. But whenever night fell, when Viserys slipped quietly into her room or she stole into his quarters, that restraint turned into burning desire.

During their first few encounters, both still carried the uncertainty and caution of those tasting forbidden fruit for the first time.

Ashara's body needed time to adjust, and Viserys tried to be as gentle as possible. Soon, however, as they grew more attuned to one another, a more primal instinct began to take over.

That afternoon, Viserys had just finalized the list of the first people to be relocated and the details of the supply allocations with Ser William.

After seeing the old knight out, he returned to his study and found Ashara sitting on the cushioned couch by the window, leafing through a book purchased in Braavos.

She wore a light dress, her long hair pinned up to reveal her graceful, slender neck. Sunlight streamed through the window and fell upon her, making the scene as peaceful and lovely as a painting.

Viserys closed the door and leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a while before walking over. Sensing his approach, Ashara looked up, a gentle smile in her pale violet eyes.

"Finished with your work?"

"Yes." Viserys sat beside her and naturally drew her into his arms. "What are you reading?"

"Some works by Braavosi poets, about the sea and exile." Ashara closed the book and leaned against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "They are very sorrowful."

"Don't worry. Valyria will become our home," Viserys said softly, winding a lock of her black hair around his fingers. "A safe, settled home. Once we are there, I will build you a tower overlooking the sea. You can read there, or watch the sun rise and set."

Ashara murmured a soft assent without saying anything more, but nestled closer against him. Such a tangible vision of their future made her feel secure.

After a quiet moment, Viserys's hand began to wander, sliding slowly along her arm, his fingertips caressing the soft skin at her waist.

Ashara's ears flushed. She caught his wandering hand and whispered, "Stop that. It is still daytime."

"What is wrong with daytime?" Viserys chuckled, feeling her give a little shiver in his arms. "No one will disturb us."

As he spoke, his other hand had already slipped beneath the hem of her clothing.

Ashara's breathing grew uneven. She tried to say something else, but he lowered his head and kissed her. Her resistance quickly melted away, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his kiss with awkward but eager passion.

Just as their passion deepened, crisp footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Viserys, are you there? I learned a song today, and I want to sing it for you."

It was Daenerys.

Both froze. Ashara abruptly pushed Viserys away and hurried to straighten her clothes. Her cheeks, however, were crimson, and her eyes were full of embarrassment and alarm.

Viserys also hastily got to his feet and quickly straightened his slightly disheveled clothes.

"I'm here, Dany. Wait a moment. I'll open the door," he called, giving Ashara a look that urged her to stay quiet before going to the door.

When the door opened, Daenerys stood outside in a little yellow dress, her small face tilted upward and her eyes full of anticipation.

Rhaenys stood beside her, half a head taller than Daenerys and wearing a blue dress. She seemed much quieter, but her eyes held the same delight at seeing Viserys.

"Brother!" Daenerys cheered at the sight of Viserys and tried to rush inside.

Viserys shifted to block the doorway and smiled as he ruffled her hair. "Ashara and I are discussing something important. I'm sure your song is lovely, Dany, but could you sing it for me tonight instead? For now, go and play in the garden with Rhaenys, or see what delicious treats we will have this evening."

Daenerys pouted in disappointment, but obediently nodded. "All right. But you must remember tonight."

"I will, I promise," Viserys assured her, then turned to Rhaenys. "Rhaenys, take Dany out to play."

Rhaenys agreed sweetly and took Daenerys's hand. "Come on, Dany. Yesterday, I noticed that the blue rosebush in the corner of the garden seemed to have some new buds. Let's go and look."

Watching the two girls walk away hand in hand, Viserys breathed a sigh of relief, closed the door, and turned back to Ashara.

She had already straightened her dress and was sitting with her back to him, pretending to return to her book. Only her scarlet ears betrayed how she felt.