"Once we reach the North, you'll see just how fierce the cold winds are," Viserys said, a note of warning in his voice. "For now, stop filling that little head of yours with thoughts of White Harbor. We may have more traveling to do tomorrow."
"I know. I'm going to sleep now." Daenerys buried her face fully in Viserys's arm, her voice fading as drowsiness swept over her again. "But I still want to see the North as soon as possible," she murmured sleepily.
"You were just saying you wanted to stay at Casterly Rock a few more days. I didn't expect you to change your mind so quickly," Viserys said, his voice taking on a distinctly teasing edge, as though amused by her ever-changing wishes.
In the darkness, Viserys heard Daenerys's breathing gradually grow steady. He listened for a while longer before relaxing, lying down himself, and closing his eyes.
When Viserys woke early the next morning, a thin gray mist still floated over the sea outside their window.
Daenerys was still asleep, breathing more deeply than the night before. Her silver hair lay scattered across the pillow, and one hand still rested on Viserys's waist.
Viserys did not wake her. He rose quietly, dressed with the help of two handmaids, washed, then opened the door and went straight out.
Alliser was already waiting by the stone stairs at the end of the corridor. Today he wore a dark gray riding outfit and a red cloak embroidered with a silver flail, with black wool trim.
A knight's longsword hung at his waist as well. It was the Valyrian steel sword Viserys had given him, which he had named Dragonclaw and intended to make his family's ancestral blade.
Alliser's boots had been polished clean, too. It was clear he had