Viserys Targaryen gives his sister, Daenerys, a fine silk dress so she will look a princess that night. The dress is a gift from Illyrio Mopatis, who has been their host for half a year. Daenerys wonders why Illryio, a dealer in spices, gemstones, dragonbone, and contraband that would gladly sell his closest friend for the right price, is being so helpful. Viserys says it is because Illyrio knows there will be a reward when he comes into his throne. Daenerys is not so sure, but does not want to make Viserys angry and "wake the dragon." Viserys is preparing to present Daenerys to Khal Drogo, and hopes he will take her as his wife. He warns her not to fail him and wake the dragon and twists one of her nipples for emphasis. After Viserys leaves, Daenerys looks out over the towers of Pentos, listening to the red priests at their nightfires and the children playing in the streets. She thinks of Westeros, the home she never knew. Viserys talks of Westeros all the time, speaking of how it was stolen from them and telling her of wondrous places such as Casterly Rock, the Eyrie, Highgarden, the Vale of Arryn, Dorne, and the Isle of Faces. Viserys was eight when they fled the Seven Kingdoms, but Daenerys was still in her mother's womb. Viserys has also told her of the events that led to their exile. How they were evacuated in the dead of night to Dragonstone, how Rhaegar battled the Usurper in the waters of the Trident and died for the woman he loved,¹ how King's Landing was sacked by the "Userper's dogs," lords Lannister and Stark,² how Princess Elia begged for mercy as Rhaegar's heir was taken from her and murdered,³ and how the Kingslayer opened her father's throat in the throne room with a golden sword.⁴

Daenerys was born nine days after the flight to Dragonstone, during a vicious storm that destroyed the Targaryen fleet. Her mother⁵ died giving birth to her, an event for which Viserys has never forgiven her. The Userper's brother⁶ was sailing for Dragonstone, the last remaining stronghold of House Targaryen, with a newly built fleet and the garrison was ready to sell her and Viserys and surrender. Ser Willem Darry and four men were able to spirit them away to Braavos before that could happen. Ser Willem soon grew ill and was bedridden for several years before dying. The servants stole what little money was left at his death, and Viserys and Daenerys took to wandering the Free Cities, staying briefly in Myr, Tyrosh, Qohor, Volantis, and Lys in turn. At first, they were welcomed in the halls of the powerful, but as the years passed, they were gradually shunned and forced to sell off their few remaining treasures to survive, including their mother's crown, and Viserys became known as the beggar king. Viserys lusts after the Seven Kingdoms, but all Daenerys wants is to return to the house with the red door and the lemon tree in Braavos where they had lived with Ser Willem.

Servants come to bathe Daenerys, and one of them talks all the while about how lucky she is to be marrying Drogo. Daenerys had always assumed she would marry Viserys, as the Targaryens had been marrying brother to sister for centuries to keep their Valyrian lineage pure. Daenerys dresses and joins Viserys and Illyrio for the journey to Khal Drogo's manse. Viserys is in a good mood on the trip, certain that ten thousand riders from Drogo's khalasar will be enough to reclaim the Seven Kingdoms. He is sure that he will have support from Tyrell, Redwyne, Darry, and Greyjoy, none of which are fond of the Usurper, and he believes that Dorne will rise to avenge Elia as well.⁷ Illyrio eggs him on, telling Viserys that his agents in the Seven Kingdoms report the people eagerly await their rightful king's return. Khal Drogo's manse is an immense structure with nine towers right on the bay. It was a gift from the magisters of Pentos, who have bought off the Dothraki to stop them from looting the city, though they claim not to fear the Dothraki because the red priests have assured them the Lord of Light will not let them breach the walls. An Unsullied in Drogo's employ meets them at the gate and lets them in. Most of the guests at the party are Dothraki, but there are men from the Free Cities of Pentos, Myr, and Tyrosh as well, and also a few from Ibben and the Summer Isles. Illyrio points out some of the more notable guests, including Drogo's bloodriders,⁸ Khal Moro and his son, Rhogoro, the brother of the Archon of Tyrosh, and Ser Jorah Mormont. Daenerys is surprised that a knight would be there, and Illyrio explains that he fled Westeros after selling two poachers into slavery. Viserys says he must speak to Ser Jorah. Illyrio points out the khal and leaves to bring him over. Daenerys is terrified by the sight of him and wants to leave, but Viserys rants at her and hurts her and tells her they need his khalasar to retake the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys smiles and stands up straight at Viserys's command as Illyrio brings Drogo over to them.