Chapter Thirty-Six - Daenerys 6 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

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Daenerys continues her struggle to balance compassion with pragmatism, facing the horrors outside Meereen’s walls, the humiliations of marriage politics, and stunning betrayals. With Darrio's return, the queen gives into her desires. Simon and Mackelly ponder whether such lust will make her stronger, or break her reign.

Chapter Review:
Daenerys Targaryen rides out to witness the Astapori refugees beyond the gates of Meereen. The misery is staggering: starving families, corpses crawling with flies, and the sick defecating where they lie. She orders food distributed and bodies burned, but even as she tries to act mercifully, Ser Barristan warns that resources must be held for the siege to come. Grey Worm requests leave to bathe in the sea after the burning, revealing a religious rite of the Unsullied.

Back in the city, Daenerys is reminded of her impending marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq. The Green Grace and Reznak mo Reznak press her to endure the demeaning rituals required, including an intimate inspection by her groom’s kin. She relents to some, knowing her legitimacy in the eyes of Meereen’s nobles depends on it. She refuses once more to reopen the fighting pits herself but allows Hizdahr to do so after the wedding. Over dinner, Hizdahr reassures her that such traditions are relics of the past they can sweep aside together.

Their talk is interrupted by Daario Naharis’ arrival. He is wounded but full of swagger, bringing word that Astapor has fallen and Yunkai gathers a formidable host with new allies. Worse, the Second Sons and Brown Ben Plumm have gone over to the enemy. Daenerys feels betrayed, wondering if this is one of the foretold three treasons. She orders Meereen’s gates shut and the defenses readied. Finally, she clears the room and tends to Daario’s wounds. After getting a pledge of undying support from the sellsword, Dany succumbs to her lust.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros.
Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King’s Landing. Now Lord Commander of Dany's Queensguard.
Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal of Meereen.
Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, betrothed to Daenerys.
Daario

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