Chapter Seven
**Daenerys's POV**
Daenerys found herself being instructed by Hermione, apparently there was far more to politics and leadership then she knew. In an effort to understand each other we asked each other questions about our pasts, about our dreams and beliefs about boys and family, both agreed some things were best left private after an awkward pause.
Hermione started writing in some journal while the Khalasar was riding at a slow but steady pace toward her last Blood Rider, who had left three days ago toward Qarth. She is was *compiling information* which Dany found a bit odd, but she was sure Hermione had a reason for the things she did, and was sure they would be explained, in great detail later. Dany was not sure if she was looking forward to the reveal or not.
If Kovarro survived then he was probably on his way back, Hermione said it would be better to meet him at least partway, so he didn't have to suffer longer than needed in the sun of the Red Wastes, which his family and myself appreciated.
Whatever charm Lady Hermione had cast had kept everyone cool and relaxed, and somehow, they always seemed to have cloud cover. With the few wagons not only fixed but looking almost like a Royal Coach with my family sigil on the side, we set off. All the horses looked extremely healthy and well taken care of, of course their coats were glossy and even their manes where braided in Dothraki war braids, they almost looked like show horses apparently Hermione had Winky doll the horses up a bit. Apparently, us showing up without at least looking the part and bringing gifts just in case we are greeted at the gate might be considered rude.
Hermione had said If she was to portray herself as a ruler, she must learn how to play nice with other rulers, especially those who were not royal, doubly so while they had more power than she did. Men like this are easily offended having had to work much harder to earn the power they had, verses being born royal. This made her think for a moment, mostly about how her brother had acted thru out their life. Always expecting everyone to do what he said, just because he was who he was, this got him the title of the Beggar King. She was learning the hard way just like these 13 did just how difficult life can be for the common person. She was positive if she came up demanding entry and expecting things to just be given to them, she would look even worst then her brother. No if she really wanted to make changes in the life of the small folk she needed to learn from them as well.
When she pointed this revelation out to Hermione, she actually saw the girl give her a full-blown smile, "Very good Princess we may just be able to turn you into a Queen yet." she said as she rode on ahead. Dany didn't know why but she felt she had actually accomplished something positive about herself for figuring out how better to act, and to not take certain things for granted. She would never be like her brother; she would never treat people like property.
Dany asked Hermione many questions on the best ways of forming alliances and figuring out trading deals, and many more such questions. She was finally learning what she needed to do to be a proper Queen, her brother would never let her learn too much, he believed a woman's place was on her knees. She now had hope that she could actually change things in this world for the better, and this was the first step.
Hermione's knowledge seemed to be endless, I asked her how she knew so much, her answer didn't really surprise me. "I too once wished to become the leader of my people, so I learned everything and anything I could on the subject and started using it in my everyday life. I have found that having the right information can be the difference between life and death for a lot of people, so I always try to stay informed." Her voice had dropped to a somber tone as she finished her sentence.
The day and miles slipped on by and seeing as now everyone was healthy and happy, the trek was going very smoothly. If people found themselves getting tired of walking, they would trade horses, and the horses seemed to have almost endless stamina.
"Why won't they sit on the wagon I fixed for them, you know the one with the supplies?" "I mean the children don't seem to mind and there is plenty of room"?
Which got her and Ser Jorah explaining Dothraki customs many which seemed to embarrass her. She is much like I was when it came to men before Drogo, Dany thought.
When time to rest the horses, they were feed fresh carrots and watered with a bucket that never seemed to run out of water. Hermione was also mixing some type of potion and herbs for the horses. Hermione described the effect as helping replenish the stamina of the horses. Something called a Pepper up Potion, or something to that effect.
Seeing potion work for the first time was quiet the shock, as the horses started blowing whistling steam out of their noses and ears, it was absolutely terrifying. Oddly enough the horses didn't seem to mind at all, especially with Hermione talking to them and stroking their coats gently, keeping them calm the entire time.
Hermione started laughing at all of our expressions but then she even demonstrated the effects on herself by taking the same potion she had put in the water for the horses. Probably to show that the potion was not harmful at all, as she too blew steam out of her ears, laughing the whole time. The children were laughing the whole time as well. A few of the curious children were begging to try, and with some reassuring to the parents that nothing bad would happen to the children, each got to try it once. It was a good start of the day hearing her people start to come alive with laughter and amazement.
*This girl is crazy. * That was Dany's judgment, Hermione kept up the magical entertainment for the children all day long and still looked wide awake.
Later that night, after most had fallen asleep stories were told on both sides, some funny, some not and some just to remember.
Hermione asked questions to Ser Jorah about his homeland and what it was like, who ruled the lands, how the power structure was set up, how trade was regulated. His perspective on the rebellion and who fought in it and why. Parts of that story she didn't like as it painted her family in a very bad light. Hermione just seemed to take the information and move on. She never gave judgmental comments she just asked questioned and listened occasionally writing notes of some kind in her journal. Some of the questions she asked Ser Jorah had been things I hadn't even considered. If I was going to try to rule people, I should know more about them. It was embarrassing how very little knowledge she had. So, she found herself asking questions that she was curious about as well. This seemed to please Hermione once again, so Dany figured she was on the right track.
When our turn came to ask questions, she agreed with a smile, she had given them a small rundown of her life till now, of magical wars her time learning magic where she came from. She didn't get into her private life or anything to personal. So, she was mostly raised as a child a place called Scotland, in a magical castle, called *Hogwarts* near a magical town Named *Hogsmeade* Dany found these to be an especially strange names but maybe they meant something to witches where she was from, but she was really not sure. But then Hermione brought out what she called A photo album in which she had miniature moving portraits that were so lifelike she was not convinced they were not real people trapped at first. In one of these *photo's* Hermione called it had Hermione in a very beautiful dress walking down a stairway then with her walking with 2 other boys and in the background was the Castle.
It was magnificent, far grander than any Dany had ever seen or even heard of far larger than even the Red Keep if she had to compare what she had seen.
She had never personally seen much, mind you, but she had seen painted portraits before her favorite one was of Dragonstone, she had just however seen moving ones.
The topic of the Seven Kingdoms was brought up over the course of a few servings of a delightful drink called butterbeer. Of course, she had started asking question after question to Ser Jorah, taking notes and flipping back and forth looking at something.
Dany helped answer as many questions as she could, but they were pitiful by comparison. Her brother not being able to tell her the answers, or she being too shy to ask in the past.
It never really struck her until she listened to the questions being asked over the course of the day, just how little she knew of the place she wished to go back and rule over.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Hermione asked a very curious question.
"So, you're telling me Ned Stark, a man you describe as not having a dishonest bone in his body, cheated on his new wife just after receiving an army from said wife's family. And he only just brought the baby home after he went to the Tower of Joy in this place called Dorne, where he found not one but *three* Kings guards whose only duty is to protect the royal family?" She went to write a few more things down then finally looked up and asked and even stranger question. "Is everybody blind or stupid in your country?"
She paused, looking between them as if expecting an actual answer.
"Those men and how you described them and there duties, why would they be there to protecting Lyanna Stark instead of on the battlefield protecting there prince. Why would a Kings guard be protecting someone like her unless she was carrying something or someone very important. I also highly doubt a Kings guard would be sent to protect a bastard or a hostage, which leads me to believe that your brother may have taken her as a second wife, or possible ended his previous marriage. I'm also guessing here, but Ned Stark's sister probably died in childbirth, I believe it would be common here and seeing as he came back with her dead, and a newborn baby who no one but Ned Stark knows the name of" As for what happened I couldn't tell you exactly but it all fits and makes a sort of sense. Then you add in the fact that Ned Stark brought home a child whom as you said he declared "was of his blood", not his child but of his blood, so in a way he only lied by omission. Then just let everyone else fill in the story that he fathered a bastard and took responsibility, even if he was a poor liar all he would have to do is not deny it, and people would take it as fact. I do believe thou that Ned Stark would have had to tell at least his wife's father the truth, at least he most likely did not tell his wife. Let's face it what woman would be understanding to a stain on their honor like a bastard, but if she knew the truth thou, it would give it away by her acting motherly which would cause questions. He couldn't even get him Legitimized without drawing attention to them either."
She paused for a second before continuing.
"Now, I don't know Ned Stark, but I believe he would choose to keep the child of his sister safe over telling his friend the truth. At least, that's what I would do, but I don't believe for a second he would side with you over his friend just because you have a similar relative."
The silence that followed was eerie.
Could it be possible? Could Dany have a nephew that she never knew about?
Hermione then threw her further and said, "We could test it now if you have a world map. I can see if you have any blood relations left and approximately where they are... Well, within an error of margin, of course."
Ser Jorah was quick to speak. "My lady, one does not simply own or purchase a map such as that, you need to have one commissioned, and even that takes time."
She simply shrugged and said there might be other ways to find out. "I'll have Winky help me when we get a bit more settled," she said in such a casual way, like Dany's entire world didn't just come crashing down around her.
"If this is true, that would mean he has the better claim to the throne than me."
Dany's breath came harder now, trying to calm her mind and think about her next course of action.
"Who cares?" Hermione said before continuing. "Let's be clear here, Princess. Your family lost the throne, which means you and your family have no claim over it anymore, there is no line of succession.
Before Dany could interject, Hermione held up a finger and looked her in the eyes.
"Almost two decades have passed, you have no army, no money, no land, no backing, and the dragons are currently defenseless babes. I'm guessing you have very little in the way of friends with actual power.
That being said, if you wish to be Queen who says you have to listen to their rules, who said you couldn't replace every single lord in the seven kingdoms for those who can do the job properly, after you take the throne. In this situation Might makes right not birthright. If your family wishes to join then they are welcome,
I will not fight all your battles for you; I'm here to aid not figure everything out for you. Now, we have a plan in place to gain an army, Ser Jorah and I agree with it."
"A slave army," Dany responded not feeling good about the prospect of owning slaves.
"So set them free and give them a choice and or a chance to go home, those that stay will fight that much harder for someone and something they can believe in, so give them something to believe in, trust me on that if nothing else," Hermione said, smiling at her.
The rest of the night before everyone fell asleep was Hermione once again asking questions about everything Ser Jorah knew of Qarth and the Thirteen.