ALASTAIR has stripped away his power, and his freedom. [ The queen frowns, but she finds herself wanting to speak of happier things. Rarely has she seen such joy in anyone, much less in a child. She almost feels as though the girl would be in less danger away from her side, but she's in no position to send her away.

There's a part of her still that treasures innocence, and wishes to see it protected.

Tiring of her attention, Drogon grants them one last circle, one last lofty glance, before he drifts out toward the shallows like a graceful kite. Her hand lowers back to her side, and she conceals a laugh at the stream of questions. ] Meat! [ she chides playfully, as though Sieglinde should have known better. ] Dragons eat meat. Mine prefer to char their food, but for dragons from other worlds, it may be otherwise. He will seek fish and rats and birds at this size. [ Tossing her drying hair over her shoulder, she rejoins Sieglinde in the sand to watch the hunt, crossing her legs at the ankle. ]

He doesn't speak, but I trust him. [ I must. Idly, the dragon slices his wingtips through the surface as he flies, sending seafoam to spraying. ] He understands when I have need of his company, and when I am angry or in danger. [ Daintily, she places her palms behind her in the sand, spreading her fingers for a more relaxed pose. ] He defended me from a foe I could not fight, when he was even smaller than this.

[ She tilts her head, considering the third question. ] The fire is within, though I cannot say how. His eyes have always glowed like that.