Xaro Xhoan Daxos
Xaro Xhoan Daxos is a merchant prince of Qarth, a member of the Thirteen, and a figure of immense wealth and influence whose shifting loyalties mark him as one of Daenerys Targaryen's most dangerous false friends. He first appears in her story as a lavish host in Qarth, but by the time he reaches Meereen, his gifts have become weapons, and his promises of aid conceal a threat of war.
Identity and Background
Xaro Xhoan Daxos is a Qartheen merchant prince, one of the Thirteen who rule the city's trade. He is resplendent in robes of maroon silk and cloth-of-gold, his bald head shining, and wears opals in his nose. He speaks in a languid, overblown courtly style, calling Daenerys "my heart's delight" and weeping at will—a skill he demonstrates freely. He claims descent from ancient Valyrian blood, though his true power lies in his wealth and his network of ships and spies. He first encountered Daenerys when she came to Qarth as a beggar queen, and he helped her then, though always with an eye to profit.
Arrival in Meereen and the Offer of Ships
Xaro arrives in Meereen on the galleas Silken Cloud with thirteen galleys sailing attendance, a fleet that seems an answered prayer to the besieged queen. He brings dancers, gifts, and a proposal: the ships are hers, free of charge, if she will swear to return to Westeros forthwith. "I have brought you a fleet, to carry you home to Westeros," he tells her. Daenerys is wary, remembering that in Qarth he had offered her thirty ships for a dragon. She insists on inspecting the galleys before accepting. Admiral Groleo and Ser Barristan Selmy examine them and find them sound enough for the voyage, though some need repairs. The offer seems genuine, but Xaro's true purpose emerges when Daenerys refuses to leave Meereen immediately.
The Trap and the Threat
When Daenerys tells Xaro she cannot abandon Meereen, his demeanor shifts. Tears well from his eyes, but they are mummer's tears. "I told the Thirteen that you would heed my wisdom. It grieves me to learn that I was wrong. Take these ships and sail away, or you will surely die screaming," he warns. He reveals that the Yunkai'i have bought sellswords, that Tolos and Mantarys have allied against her, and that the warlock Pyat Pree has set out to find her. When she still refuses, he drops all pretense: "I should have slain you in Qarth." Daenerys, furious, orders him gone by sunrise, threatening dragonfire. He leaves, but his "gift" remains behind: the thirteen galleys, now flying long red streamers, and a messenger who lays a bloodstained glove at her feet—a declaration of war.
Significance
Xaro Xhoan Daxos embodies the treacherous nature of the Qartheen merchant princes, who value profit above all and will turn on a former ally the moment she ceases to serve their interests. His offer of ships was a test of Daenerys's commitment to Meereen, and her refusal to abandon her people cost her a fleet and gained her a powerful enemy. His betrayal also underscores the theme of prophecy and mistrust that runs through Daenerys's arc: Quaithe had warned her to "beware the perfumed seneschal," but Xaro's perfumed words and false tears proved equally dangerous. He is a reminder that in the game of thrones, gifts are never free, and the most generous offers often hide the sharpest blades.
