Daenerys felt helpless at the sight as well. With such a plain-looking wife, no wonder Stannis always wore such a gloomy face. Everyone might want a noble lady of impeccable character, but looks were one of the foundations of a marriage alliance.
"My lady, circumstances have changed somewhat," Duke Stannis said, then introduced them to Selyse. "This is the rightful sovereign of the Seven Kingdoms, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, my brother Robert's lawful heir, Gendry, and his betrothed, Princess Daenerys Targaryen."
"The Weeping Blood Sword hangs in the heavens, red as fire, just like the Lord of Light's fiery red heart. Your time has come. There can be no doubt. How can you bend the knee to another?" Lady Selyse said disapprovingly. The Red Priestess's preaching had thoroughly captured her heart, leading her to forsake the Old and New Gods of the Seven Kingdoms and worship the deity they called the Lord of Light.
"Surely you are not afraid? R'hllor, the Lord of Light, is the Heart of the Holy Flame, the lord of shadow and fire, and your most powerful ally." Selyse looked at Stannis.
"My lady, the Lord of Light has issued the proper decree. This is the will of the Lord of Light in the heavens." The Red Priestess stepped forward with a smile and whispered a few words in Selyse's ear.
"The Lord of Light's flames sometimes flicker... I believe you are his banner in the mortal world," Lady Selyse told Gendry devoutly.
Gendry did not know whether to laugh or cry. A fanatic like Selyse left him quite helpless.
"This is my daughter, Shireen," Stannis said painfully, half tender, half sorrowful. The gods had not given him a boy, and his girl was afflicted with a serious illness as