(Text; UN: motherofdragons)

[decisiveconquest]

I will not hide my identity nor pretend these words are not attached to me. There were men who thought I committed many wrongs before I came here. One man held me accountable and spared me nothing besides a lingering death, which leads me to my question: in your estimation, are there any crimes that are unforgivable?

What a common man or woman cannot - should not - do, a king or a queen can do for the good of their people, correct? Great sacrifices are expected in battle - in war - however do you think that a ruler's life should be forfeit for them? What good can they do if they are slain prematurely?

I can admit when I am wrong, but on this...

I don't understand.

Comments

[decisiveconquest]

Cersei slaughtered one of my Dragons and beheaded my dearest friend before my eyes. How could I be merciful? She didn't even face me properly on the battlefield. Instead, she stayed hidden in the Red Keep, thinking, mistakenly, that I would never bring those walls crashing down upon her.

This was one battle. I freed slaves in the East and punished their Masters, I brought peace and prosperity to the city I conquered. I wanted to do likewise for Westeros. I built my armies for that purpose because I knew the usurpers would strike at me as hard as they could. I spent my life barely avoiding the assassins and poisons that Robert Baratheon sent my way.

Innocence doesn't protect you.

[necroyalty]

Freeing the slaves aside, I don't know if you understand the full implications of what you've done.

Conquest by an invading power is, in itself, inherently unforgivable.

[decisiveconquest]

The "invading power" was Robert Baratheon. The Targaryens - my family - sat on the Iron Throne for three hundred years before he murdered my father.

[necroyalty]

And, let's do a bit of imagination for a bit and say that you were never interested in claiming your birthright.

Was there any other reason he was unfit to rule besides the fact that he was a usurper?

[decisiveconquest]

He was a drunk who paid no attention to the needs of the Seven Kingdoms. He left that to his council.

I also cannot count how many bastards he has in King's Landing and beyond.

[necroyalty]

Alright, this is an extremely fair assessment.

What of your father?

[decisiveconquest]

My father was called the Mad King for good reason. He used to set people on fire and watch them scream.

I am not him and I am not Robert Baratheon.

[necroyalty]

But you certainly could not escape enough of your father's legacy.

Burn an entire city for the sake of a brighter future if you want, but don't be surprised if all you end up with is ash.

[decisiveconquest]

From ash, the future will grow. The city will be rebuilt and repopulated.

[necroyalty]

Not if you killed everyone.

[decisiveconquest]

One city is not Seven Kingdoms.

[necroyalty]

And I'm sure you set a stellar example to everyone.

Have you any idea how most people would view such a massacre?

[decisiveconquest]

A shift in power. Westeros is accustomed to violence; I intended to introduce peace, which Westeros has not known in generations.

[necroyalty]

No, I'm pretty sure they would have seen a madwoman who murdered an entire city with dragon fire.

And perhaps you would have united everyone, but it would be against you.

[decisiveconquest]

I have faced nearly impossible odds before. They would have been convinced in time of my intentions.

[necroyalty]

Even a mad god can be chained, once all unite against him.

Why is it so difficult for you to admit that perhaps you were never meant for the crown?

[decisiveconquest]

Based on one choice? I am the last full Targaryen; ruling is in my blood and I can do it well.

[necroyalty]

...alright, I've had enough of these tautologies.

Have you ever considered literally anything else?

[decisiveconquest]

I am telling you the truth; the truth doesn't change. Would you rather I lie?

Becoming Queen has been my focus since I was married to Khal Drogo. That was years ago. My reasoning is based on the life I lived in the East with my brother. He failed; I didn't until I was assassinated.

You might think I enjoyed destroying the city, but I didn't.

[necroyalty]

My issue is whether or not you enjoyed your misdeeds.

I doubt the very judgment of those who would actively covet to throne, no matter how you justify it to yourself.

[decisiveconquest]

You think I enjoyed killing that many people?

No.

(Then, a moment later:)

Why did you ask?

Whoops that last comment was supposed to say "my issue is NOT whether etc.", sorry

[necroyalty]

I don't imply that you enjoyed it. Very few people would.

But what I do imply is that you continue to make excuses for yourself.

If your first thought was not to the people in that keep, but to reclaiming your family's honor, then you are no better than the man who usurped that throne.

[decisiveconquest]

Excuses? I tell you my reasoning. I tell you how I felt, watching my enemy try such an abominable tactic. Dragons don't negotiate with thieves and murderers.

I am sorry the citizens were used as a shield; I wish the city could have been emptied, but it was not I who barred the gates.