Reignition of The Dragon

The city did not sleep.

Not truly.

Even as the fires of the Sons of the Harpy's last attack faded, tension still clung to the air, an unspoken question hanging over Meereen like a storm cloud—would the queen's justice be enough?

Daenerys knew she had to act swiftly. She had struck back, but the war in the shadows was far from over. The Sons would not stop unless she made them.

So she would.

---

A Queen's Justice

At sunrise, Daenerys took her place atop the Great Pyramid. The plaza below was filled with people, gathered in nervous silence. Before them knelt six men, their hands bound, their heads bowed.

"The Sons of the Harpy thrive in darkness," Daenerys declared. "They whisper, they plot, they strike from the shadows. But today, there is no darkness to hide them."

The prisoners flinched but did not beg.

Daenerys turned to the crowd. "These men were captured at the eastern docks, plotting to kill your families, to burn your homes. They would see this city fall into ruin to satisfy their own greed. I ask you now—what do they deserve?"

There was a pause. Then a murmur. Then a shout.

"Death!"

More voices joined in. "Death to the traitors!"

Daenerys let the voices swell before she raised a hand for silence.

"I am not a queen of mindless slaughter," she said. "But nor am I a queen who will allow my people to be butchered." She turned to Grey Worm. "Bring forth the executioners."

Three Unsullied stepped forward, curved blades in hand.

"Let all who conspire against my reign see this and know—I do not forgive treachery."

The blades fell.

Blood stained the stones.

The city watched.

And the queen did not look away.

---

A Storm on the Horizon

Back inside the Great Pyramid, Daenerys turned her attention to the next battle.

"The Sons of the Harpy will not stop," Tyrion said, swirling his wine. "You've won the people's support today, but fear is a powerful thing. They will test you again."

"Then we must strike first," Daenerys said.

Daario leaned against the table. "We've hurt them, but they still have allies in the city. We should go after their financiers—the rich families funding them."

"Agreed," Grey Worm said. "Without coin, they will wither."

Missandei hesitated. "But what of Yunkai and Astapor? They will not sit idle while you solidify your rule."

Daenerys exhaled. She had spent too long focusing inward. Now, she needed to look outward.

"If I am to rule Essos, I must start by breaking the cities that still stand against me."

Tyrion raised an eyebrow. "A war on two fronts?"

She turned to him. "You once said war was easier than governance. Let's see if you were right."

Tyrion chuckled. "I hate being proven wrong."

Daenerys allowed herself a small smile. "Then we march."

---

End of Chapter 20