Xaro was stunned upon hearing the introduction of the two women. A complex expression appeared on his face, a mixture of surprise and belated understanding, before he exclaimed in amazement:
"So you are the daughter and the granddaughter of the Mad King. No wonder you can control dragons. I should have believed the rumors circulating in Pentos. They said you married the strongest Khal of the Great Grass Sea, the chosen of the Horse-Headed God Thor, Khal Kerese."
However, upon noticing the clear displeasure reflected on both women's faces, he realized he had spoken too much. Tragically aware of his mistake, he hastened to correct himself, raising his voice with urgency:
"Robert Baratheon, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the entire realm, is dead!"
Rhaenys held her breath. Her voice came out in a trembling whisper, laden with disbelief and long-repressed fury.
"He's dead? Is the usurper truly dead?"
If there was anyone in that room who hated Robert Baratheon with every fiber of her being, it was Rhaenys.
Daenerys also despised him, but her hatred was inherited, fed by Viserys's stories. It could not compare to resentment forged through real losses, through tragedies lived in the flesh.
Xaro did not dare to lie. The fear that Kerse might reduce him to ashes outweighed any temptation to exaggerate or twist the truth.
"I would not dare tell lies to the descendants of the true dragon. The news is absolutely true. In Qarth, in the Summer Isles, and in every trading port where ships dock, the same story is repeated."
The great changes in Westeros seemed confirmed. Kerse nodded slightly, while a shadow of reflection crossed his gaze.
'It seems the changes caused by the time travelers have not diverted the plot too much… or perhaps they themselves strive to preserve it, in order to maintain their advantage.'
He then turned his eyes toward his wives, with silent concern.
Rhaenys pressed her lips together, forcing herself to remain firm. She would not show weakness in front of her husband, her aunt, or her son.
Daenerys, on the other hand, could not.
Unlike Rhaenys, who had grown up under Kerse's protection, she was born amid flight and despair, in the midst of the greatest storm that had ever struck the Narrow Sea. As long as the usurper breathed, her life had been an endless succession of fears.
Now that she knew of his death, a sense of freedom wrapped around her… along with deep confusion.
Tears sprang unbidden from her violet eyes, empty and trembling. No one there could understand the constant pressure or the silent hatred she had carried throughout her life.
Dany became trapped in that tide of emotions, and both Rhaenys and Maegor moved closer to comfort her.
It was then that Kerse spoke, in a seemingly casual tone, but laden with intent.
"How did the king die?"
Xaro answered without hesitation:
"It is said that he was stabbed to death by a ferocious boar during a hunt in the Kingswood, outside King's Landing. Although other rumors also circulate: that Queen Cersei was involved, that it was her two younger brothers… some even blame his newly appointed Hand, Lord Eddard Stark."
Kerse let out a sigh of relief and murmured:
"Thank goodness he died as he was supposed to… though it seems none of my compatriots dared to kill him directly, the way those absurd fanfic protagonists I read about in my past life do."
Although he knew he was not the only traveler in that world, such details still mattered to him. They even stimulated him.
He did not fear having enemies. What he truly feared… was having no rivals.
However, noticing that Daenerys was still affected, he gestured toward the door and called the handmaidens:
"Irri, Jhiqui, the Khaleesi is exhausted. Take her to bathe and rest."
Just then, Daenerys took a deep breath and gently shook her head.
"Don't worry, my love. I feel better… I still have something I want to ask Xaro."
She wanted to know what had happened in the Seven Kingdoms after Robert's death.
Rhaenys asked the question for her:
"What changes have occurred in Westeros since Robert's death?"
Xaro drew a breath before answering:
"His eldest son, Joffrey, ascended the throne, but real power lies in the hands of the queen's family, the Lannisters. Robert's two younger brothers have proclaimed themselves kings and are ready to march on King's Landing. Lord Eddard Stark was beheaded for treason. His son, Robb Stark, calls himself the Young Wolf and has been crowned King in the North. He is currently fighting against the army commanded by the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister."
He paused briefly before continuing:
"I have also heard unsettling rumors: new religions have arisen, the Lannisters' dog has begun to bite the hand that feeds him, magical weapons capable of firing thunder are circulating… and there is talk of a Queen of Salt and Rock, as well as a Velaryon blessed by the Drowned God… pardon me, by the god Shuma-Gorath, as they now call him, who acts as consort."
Kerse smiled, a grin laden with dangerous amusement.
"They have turned on one another and plunged Westeros into absolute chaos. And it seems… those time travelers are also beginning to move their pieces."
'As long as they don't possess outrageously golden fingers like those broken systems… I am fully confident I can defeat them.'
Kerse thought, smiling with absolute certainty.