busyba

“Then live,” Dany said, “and fight for me tonight.” “That

would not be wise, my queen.” Ser Jorah gave Daario a cold, hard stare. “Keep this one here under guard until the battle’s fought and won.” She considered a

moment, then shook her head. “If he can give us the Stormcrows, surprise is certain.” “And if he betrays you, surprise is lost.” Dany looked down at the

sellsword again. He gave her such a smile that she flushed and turned away. “He won’t.” “How can you know that?” She pointed to the lumps of blackened flesh

the dragons were consuming, bite by bloody bite. “I would call that proof of his sincerity. Daario Naharis, have your Stormcrows ready to strike the Yunkish rear

when my attack begins. Can you get back safely?” “If they stop me, I will say I have been scouting, and saw nothing.” The Tyroshi rose to his feet, bowed, and

swept out. Ser Jorah Mormont lingered. “Your Grace,” he said, too bluntly, “that was a mistake. We know nothing of this man - “We know that he is a great

fighter.” “A great talker, you mean.” “He brings us the Stormcrows.” And he has blue eyes. “Five hundred sellswords of uncertain loyalty.” “All loyalties

are uncertain in such times as these,” Dany reminded him. And I shall be betrayed twice more, once for gold and once for love. “Daenerys, I am thrice your age,”

Ser Jorah said. “I have seen how false men are. Very few are worthy of trust, and Daario Naharis is not one of them. Even his beard wears false colors.” That

angered her. “Whilst you have an honest beard, is that what you are telling me? You are the only man I should ever trust?” He stiffened. “I did not say that.”

“You say it every day. Pyat Pree’s a liar, Xaro’s a schemer, Belwas a braggart, Arstan an assassin... do you think I’m still some virgin girl, that I cannot hear

the words behind the words?” “Your Grace -” She bulled over him. “You have been a better friend to me than any I have known, a better brother than Viserys ever

was. You are the first of my Queensguard, the commander of my army, my most valued counselor, my good right hand. I honor and respect and cherish you - but I do not

desire you, Jorah Mormont, and I am to push every other man in the world away from me, so I must needs rely on you and you alone. It will not

serve, and it will not make me love you any better.” Mormont had flushed red when she first began, but by the time Dany was done his face was pale again. He stood

still as stone. “If my queen commands,” he said, curt and cold. Dany was warm enough for both of them. “She does,” she said. “She commands. Now go see to your

Unsullied, ser. You have a battle to fight and win.” When he was gone, Dany threw herself down on her pillows beside her dragons. She had not meant to be so sharp

with Ser Jorah, but his endless suspicion had finally woken her dragon.