Contents
DAENERYS — Chapter 44
Overview
On the eve of her wedding, Daenerys wrestles with desire for Daario and duty to Meereen. Westerosi defectors arrive, revealing Quentyn Martell and a secret pact promising a Targaryen–Dorne marriage.
Dany refuses Quentyn, prioritizes peace, and publicly marries Hizdahr, cementing a political alliance amid siege.
Summary
Before dawn, Daenerys lies awake with Daario, clinging to their fleeting nights before her wedding to Hizdahr. She longs for love yet accepts that a queen’s duty rules her choices. At first light she resolves to hold court, despite dread of Meereen’s endless problems and the enemy siege tightening outside.
During court, the Green Grace needles Daenerys over sellsword behavior, and a stream of grievances follows. Daario arrives with Westerosi defectors from the Windblown, including a hard-bitten woman called Pretty Meris and three Dornishmen: “Greenguts,” “Gerrold,” and “Frog.” Suspicious, Daenerys clears the hall when the trio ask for privacy.
In private, the men reveal themselves as Ser Archibald Yronwood, Ser Gerris Drinkwater, and Prince Quentyn Martell. Quentyn presents a Braavosi pact signed by Ser Willem Darry and Oberyn Martell, promising a Targaryen–Dorne marriage. Quentyn offers himself as bridegroom in Viserys’s stead. Despite tension—Daario’s scorn, Skahaz’s political concerns—Daenerys, already pledged to Hizdahr, declines but grants the Dornishmen honorable lodgings.
Afterward, Daenerys weighs prophecy and dreams, wondering if she should forsake Hizdahr, but clings to the hope that marriage will bring peace. She spends a final passionate night with Daario; at dawn he stalks off to make a sortie despite her wishes. Daenerys proceeds with preparations, reaffirming duty over love, and allows Reznak and Skahaz to escort her to the temple.
En route, she questions Barristan about her parents’ hearts, reflecting on love versus station. At the Temple of the Graces, Galazza Galare officiates: Hizdahr washes Daenerys’s feet before the masses, then the pair wed within incense-thick halls. They emerge four hours later, bound by golden chains as husband and wife, sealing a public alliance meant to end the siege.
Who Appears
- Daenerys TargaryenTorn between love for Daario and duty to Meereen; meets Dornish envoys; rejects Quentyn’s suit; marries Hizdahr for peace.
- Daario NaharisDaenerys’s lover; brash and jealous; presents Westerosi defectors; defies her by leaving to seek a sortie before the wedding.
- Quentyn MartellReveals his identity and a secret Dornish pact; offers marriage alliance; is courteously refused by Daenerys.
- Ser Barristan SelmyAdvises Dany, authenticates the pact, and shares guarded history of her parents; escorts her to the wedding.
- Hizdahr zo LoraqDaenerys’s betrothed; publicly washes her feet; marries her at the Temple of the Graces to secure peace.
- Skahaz mo Kandaq (the Shavepate)Clears the court for privacy; presses for a Meereenese king; oversees security at the wedding procession.
- Reznak mo ReznakSeneschal who flatters Dany; arranges housing for the Dornish; escorts her to the ceremony.
- Ser Gerris DrinkwaterDornish knight and Quentyn’s companion; defends the prince’s honor and advances the marriage claim.
- Ser Archibald YronwoodMassive Dornish knight; stands with Quentyn; admits seasickness nickname; offers his warhammer to Dany.
- Galazza Galare (Green Grace)Religious leader who subtly chastises Dany; officiates the public rituals at the temple.
- MissandeiYoung scribe and handmaid; counsels Dany gently about the wedding; assists preparations.
- Strong BelwasFound eating grapes at the pyramid stables; part of the wedding escort assembly.
- Pretty MerisHardened Westerosi sellsword among the defectors; introduced to Dany with the other Stormcrows.