The Song of the Bear who was a Fool

by Black-and-Pink UnicornGuardian

Jon and Daenerys have married immediately after their first night together, set at the end of Season 7, and revived House Targaryen. Sansa is now Queen in the North. Jorah Mormont still serves Daenerys, heartbroken. They should all focus on the war, but as long as they are alive they still have hearts beating. And war strategies are far easier than personal choices...

4. Of the quiet before the storms

"This is dire tidings you bring us, Prince Bran. The Dead splitting to march on – we presume - White Harbor is dire news. We have alerted the Manderlys, but… we never thought the city would have been the recipient of their first attacks, and they are not as prepared as we already are. Besides, we are unable to tell why exactly they want to march on White Harbor too. While it is clear they have a strategy, we have no clue as to what this strategy entails. Is it just wiping out as many humans as possible? Is it a diversion? We might find an answer to these questions when it's too late to counterattack proficiently." Jorah was eloquent and bright in his assessment, and his appearance and posture were almost regal, despite the terrible matters he was talking about. Everybody noticed it: Tyrion and Jaime, in particular, could not understand why the preparations for the war hadn't had the same toll on him they had on them and on many others at Winterfell. Sansa admired it, her heart full of love: she could not help but think that having that man on the battlefield, in the bedroom and in her life was the best thing that could ever happen to her in such difficult times. She crossed his gaze for an instant to convey her utter admiration, and the hint of a smile on his serious and focused face told her he had seen it and was grateful for it.

Jaime, still remembering the Whispering Woods, agreed: "I fear it is a diversion. What could they possibly want in White Harbor that they wouldn't find here in Winterfell? They want to kill humans and enslave their corpses. Why take a longer road? I fear they want us to send troops and maybe have us split the dragons to save the port city."

Jorah agreed: "Wise observation, Ser Jaime. I agree, you are probably right. Although we must not forget that the Walkers are beings with powerful magic, and they might know something we don't' know about White Harbor."

Bran intervened: "Maybe it's not White Harbor. Maybe it's the Dreadfort. The Boltons have meddled with things that have something to do with magic, blood, and death. They might have never been proficient in the magic part, but they did."

It was Jon's turn to say something: "What do you suggest we do then?"

Jorah: "We have to warn the Manderlys, but we will not split our troops or do anything else. Bran will keep trying to use the Weirwoods and the ravens: recently, we have managed to avoid the Night King's powers and counterattacks. Not that I like it: I hope it was just fate, or some luck, and not a deliberate choice by him. I also suggest you and Her Grace Queen Daenerys fly the dragons to check on the armies, to try and see what they might be doing. Of course, any engagement in combat has to be avoided if not strictly necessary. Stay clear from bow ranges, and from the Night King if possible. Have the one look out for the other, and return quickly."

Jon: "That means Winterfell will be completely without dragons for a while."

"Winterfell has scorpions, bows, trenches, the right weapons, fighters and plans. If one dragon stays here, the one who flies away to scout is more vulnerable, especially to ambushes, and if one of you alone crosses the Night King it will be the one against the other, with no support from the air or from the ground and no magic powers."

Jon: "I don't like it, the thought of Winterfell and of the neighbouring villages and settlements left without dragons… when you and Ser Jaime already agree it might be a bait… "

Jaime: "Winterfell is aware there might be something going on, and is ready to face the Dead no matter what happens."

Jorah: "White Harbor has some Dothraki and Unsullied reinforcements too. They have received our plans and strategies. We know very well a dragon can be taken down, and we planned everything thinking of a defence strategy that does not rely on dragons only. We also know we are only biding our time here at Winterfell before the Dead are here with their masters. Nothing will surprise us, other than some new magic of course. And even new magic as such would not be strictly a surprise."

Daenerys: "It still feels wrong. Many people are living here. This is a longer scouting mission you are suggesting, as opposed to the previous ones… I could not bear to know the weak has been slaughtered because Jon and I were away."

Jorah: "The Night King's sudden absence is not something to be ignored. Why would a powerful leader with a flying wight mount suddenly avoid engaging in counterespionage or disturbing Bran's activities? But even if he wants to attack Winterfell while you are away, we are prepared to face him. If they are baiting for one of you to fly alone instead, only luck can protect the dragon and the rider from becoming part of the Army of the Dead."

Varys, never the military man but always the smart informer and the politician, tried to avoid the imminent clash with Jon and Daenerys – who were openly dissatisfied - and to calm the lords' and sers' stirring in the hall. "Ser Jorah, Ser Jaime, we all have faith in your insights, but surely there must be a way to incorporate our King's and Queen's views in your strategy?"

Jorah could not believe his ears: "No, this time we cannot. If we lose a dragon, or - even worse - two, then our land defences really will have a hard time. It's not the time for personal preferences. You have designed your commanders, now you have to trust them." If most people took his words for a commander taking charge and for a strategist arguing his case effectively, Sansa recognized the annoyance in his tone and on his face. She was waiting for the right moment to intervene. Jon and Daenerys were, once again, blind to the shortcomings of their black-and-white idealist vision, an attitude that had constantly accompanied their ruling, and often put their titles in danger.

Tyrion backed his sort-of-friend. "Your Grace, you have to understand that being remembered as a Queen – or King - who always thinks of the people is useless, if there will be no people to remember you in the first place. You, Your Grace" and he looked at Daenerys "might have died on the battlefield before, and people would have remembered you, maybe picked up your fights. This is different, though. You know what happens if you die in this war."

Jon exhaled, and knew he was cornered. "It feels like being Lord Commander Jeor Mormont's steward again, I admit it. I trust you as I trusted him, Ser Jorah."

"Thank you, Your Grace" replied Jorah.

Daenerys was not pleased. But then, she was now Jon's Queen. She knew everything had changed, but she still wasn't used to it, especially since this was the first time she felt the difference in being a Queen and being someone else's queen. She played her last card: "Jon, I thought one of your duties would be to listen to your wife…"

"I have listened to you, dearest wife, but I am the king. And Ser Jorah is the man who kept you alive many times. Ser Jaime, Lord Yohn Royce, Ser Davos, Lord Beric, the Free Folk commanders… we have so many people gathered here, and they all agree the danger we can face is leaving Winterfell without dragons for a while."

Daenerys still didn't want to give up, and tried with the sugared tone: "Ser Jorah… many times you have advised me to be careful, and many times I have listened to you in part, or ignored your advice…"

Jorah interrupted her: "Your Grace, I fear like you might be making my point instead of yours, so please don't go on." Sansa noticed he did not fall for the nostalgic feeling and for the camaraderie Daenerys had tried to elicit. He wasn't bitter towards her, and he wasn't nostalgic either: he simply didn't want to lose time. Sansa felt happy, and also a little ashamed for being happy: she had no doubts about his feelings for her. She also knew Daenerys' attitude following the rescue mission beyond the Wall had irreparably damaged Jorah's bond with her, so much that he had distanced himself politely but firmly. However, she still liked to be constantly reassured Daenerys was in his past and in his past only.

Thus, Sansa decided to speak out as Queen, and as Jorah's secret lady, not to mention as the woman who still hadn't forgotten some of her brother-cousin's shortcomings: "Jon, we have discussed this so many times. As much as I always appreciated your spirit of service and your being honest to a fault, you have often been blinded by them, and by many other beliefs and inclinations of yours. I am glad to hear that you are finally learning. Also, I would like to remind you that I am a Queen in my own right. I will make it clear: I trust Ser Jorah and Ser Jaime completely, not to mention Lord Tyrion, and I will make sure their orders are followed to the letter."

"Thank you, Your Grace" said Jorah with a light bow of his head that meant more than most people thought. "We will prepare the dragon scouting immediately."

Jorah was watching the sky from the battlements. It was a clear, starry winter night. It would have been a wonderful night to be there and behold the firmament in Winterfell's wild beauty, if it weren't for the approaching threat, looming over their futures, and for the consuming concern the Night King's unknown whereabouts and plans caused him.

He had ordered to keep a minimum of guards outside, and to see that they all had shelters in order not to be too vulnerable to a possible attack of the Night King on his dragon. Scorpions and bows were ready, too. He had explained that in case a quick flight was needed, the last thing they needed was crowded battlements and corridors, where people could hinder each other and become easily soldiers for the enemy if crushed to death, hit, or engulfed by the cursed iced fire the wight dragon spat.

He also decided to patrol the battlements alone, to be informed in real time of any worrying sign and to keep the troops moral high.

The peace and the calm was surreal, and the beauty of the snowed landscape was breath-taking. Like my Sansa's he thought and smiled.

The stars fascinated him so much, and he was soon lost in thoughts: thoughts of peaceful times, walks, hunts, and talks, with Sansa, with the other Starks, with his cousin.

He almost thought he was his mind when he heard Sansa's voice. "I see you take your duties very seriously, Ser". But then he turned, and she was there in person, accompanied by her sister. She had been looking at him for a while, tall, proud in his cloak, from afar, then she had come to him, yearning for his voice.

"My Queen, it is late, and cold, and it might even be dangerous, as you very well know."

"I know, my knight, but I couldn't sleep without you." Arya sneered at her sister's words. "So I thought a walk could help."

"The point of me being here is exactly to keep you safe while sleeping, my love."

"I know, but the safety I feel when you are next to me, or when I am in your arms is incredible," she said with a smile. Arya sneered even more evidently, to Jorah's amusement.

He took her hand and kissed it. "I promise I will make up for this night" and smiled back. "So far, everything seems quiet. I will be even more nervous if we are not attacked by the wight dragon tonight, I admit. Something is very wrong. But… I am sorry I am burdening you with these dire thoughts, my love."

"Not at all, Jorah. I am a Queen, and I am your woman. I want to know. I am glad you share everything with me."

Jorah decided to kiss her lightly but passionately. "Would you like to walk the battlements with me for a while? But not for too long. I meant what I said. And if anything looks strange, you run for cover immediately and try to make it back to your room safely, understood? Princess Arya, I am talking to you too. You are guarding the Queen right now. You will not engage in fighting until she is safely back in her chambers."

"Of course, darling" said Sansa. Arya simply nodded.

"By the way, Princess, I am glad you are not opposing… us."

"Well, I couldn't really expect Sansa to forget all her ideas about knights, and marrying and making little princes and princesses, but at least you are not a Joffrey."

Jorah was amused. "Is your list of requirements that simple? One only needs not to be Joffrey to be fit for your sister, the queen? It seems like a very low standard to me."

Sana jumped in: "Jorah, this is Arya's way of saying she likes you. But she does not really understand… well, me and you being together, and in love."

"Oh, I see. Princess Arya prefers sparring with her man. The poor lad really needs to improve with swords and daggers, though. I had volunteered for a few lessons, but he really likes his hammer. Unfortunately, I have been hammered by his father during the melee at Harrenhal, and I would not like to revisit those moments. Besides, if he is not swinging his hammer, he is sparring with blades with the Princess, who apparently enjoys her superiority."

"Jorah, I feel like Gendry would need a lot of advice about sparring." Sansa japed.

"Seven hells! Sansa!" was Arya's reaction.

Jorah and Sansa laughed. "I think there is still time, my love. On the other hand, training with you, Princess, is always a pleasure. The Braavosi style might be very useful to face the Walkers. I am saddened we don't have many people trained in their style. They would be a huge asset."

The trio walked for a little, talking of things, cheerful and less cheerful, all three feeling very much like family: a feeling they all had yearned for during their last years.

Suddenly, Jorah noticed something in the sky, and he switched back to his commander self. "Go under that shelter, immediately" he pointed at the next guard stall.

It was two spots moving. He had to be prepared for the worst, and he sounded the horn. Once, for now.

After a while, he was relieved: it was clearly Jon and Daenerys returning on Rhaegal and Drogon, breathing. All the guards breathed in relief at the signals of "friend returning".

He made it to the stall and called the two women out. "My love, I think it's time for you to go now. We will have a meeting and we will discuss the bearings, then I will reach you soon. Go to bed."

"I will be waiting for you, my love."

"You don't need to. Close your eyes, and try to sleep. You will be in my arms soon, I promise." Jorah didn't need to look at Arya to know she was sneering.

Arya accompanied Sansa back. One thing was in her head, though, and she wanted to let it out. "Sansa, I didn't want to address that in front of Jorah, but… what happens if you get pregnant? Do you want to have children with him? I haven't noticed you drinking moon tea, or anybody preparing it…"

"Arya, don't you think I haven't thought about it?"

"So you are not risking children?"

"No, I mean I would love to have Jorah's children. I am a queen. He is a knight, a Northerner, a man of honour. My children will be the children of a Queen in her own right, princes and princesses. We haven't really… talked about it, but when we first started our liaison, he said he was worried for me, and I told him I would never let anybody else decide of my life again. I think he has understood what I meant."

"But you are not married. And only a few guards, Bran and I know about your relationship. If you get pregnant, it will still not be easy on the others, Northerners and allies alike."

"Right now, there is no need for anything else. There is a war coming. It might be long before I am with child, or I might not be able to have any. That monster Ramsay raped me constantly, and I was never with his child, after all. Or… we might not survive the war. We will see. Right now, Jorah is still Daenerys' sworn sword, and I would need to talk to Jon about… releasing him. It's just not the right moment."

"You want to marry him." She stated.

Sansa only smiled.

Arya admitted: "Whatever happens, I will never let anybody take your throne away, or oppose your choices. I will protect your golden-haired princes and princesses too. Because I know you will manage to have even your last wish granted…"

Sansa laughed: "Jorah's hair is not golden. He has a few golden streaks, but he has also some ginger. And I am copper. Now you make me curious… what hair colour would our children have…"

Arya: "Ugh! Be happy I like him, or I would stab him tonight just to prevent all this to happen."

After two strenuous days, Jorah and Sansa finally managed to sit in front of their fireplace to relax and talk for long before heading to bed. They parted with Brienne, who had escorted the Queen so far, and took place on their armchairs.

Jorah could not get rid of the thought that the Night King's absence was not good. "I am sorry to bother you with my thoughts, but I fear the Night King is up to something terrible. I hope we discover what it is. I could not bear to fail humanity, to fail you…"

"Jorah, the mere fact that you are asking yourself that very question, and that Ser Jaime agrees, constitutes hope, and an advantage. Don't torment yourself. Samwell and Bran are working hard on it. Sam is the man who rescued you, don't you trust him?"

"I do, my love. He knows already he will never leave Winterfell again, because I want him to look over you, in case you need a maester, or sort of." He took her hand and kissed it. "But now let us talk about something cheerful."

And in exactly that moment, a guard knocked. "Your Grace, Ser Jorah, Lord Tyrion is here."

After a few curious stares, then Sansa ordered to let him in.

"Good evening, my dear friends. Ex-wife, ex-capturer!"

Jorah recognised the signs. "Roaring drunk, aren't you? How did you manage it? Everything is rationed!"

"I think your court as well as Daenerys' doesn't want me to burden them with my thoughts and fears as I usually do when I am sober. Anyway, right now I am also here to escape those two incestuous lovers. I didn't flee my sister only to find yet another incestuous couple to witness." Tyrion threw himself down on another armchair. "Besides, they are boring conversationalists, and then they eye-fuck each other. Gods! I swear, I think Jaime will soon do them same way he did their father and grandfather. Gods, you cannot believe how much I miss you, Mormont."

Jorah japed "I guess this one last admission might be what saves you from being charged with high treason." Sansa was laughing wholeheartedly.

"It would be Jaime who does it. Not me. Pay attention when I speak, Mormont. Anyway, I am sorry to bother you – actually, to bother Sansa. Not sorry to bother Mormont. I would usually visit a brothel when I am in this state, but it seems that impending doom has made the noble profession of prostitution an uninteresting one. No one really knows how much money will be worth after the war, whatever the outcomes, and as for the demand of sex… those who want to have it, have it. For free. 'No regrets' seems to be the current mood in the population, high-born and low-born alike."

Jorah did not like to hear Tyrion talking about prostitution in front of Sansa, but she noticed his frown and stopped him with a stare from saying anything. She then announced: "Well, Tyrion, I guess you are welcome to share our evening of cheerful stories. After all, we all know each other quite well. We will spend some marvellous time, I am sure."

Tyrion entertained the couple with many stories – or, better, versions of stories - ranging from Jaime's bloopers to Jorah fighting in the pit of Meereen. The trio had a lot of fun, while Tyrion – who had been served water exclusively, on Sansa's orders – slowly sobered up.

Sansa concluded: "Jorah's deeds as a fighter might soon cloud Robert's and Rhaegar's. I think only Ser Arthur Dayne, and maybe Ser Barristan will rank above him."

"My Queen, you are very kind, but now you are exaggerating" rebutted Jorah.

"Mormont, you do deserve a better song than The bear and the maiden fair, I agree with my lovely ex-wife… I mean with Her Grace Sansa of Winterfell, before your knightly self throws another disapproving stare at me. You still brood and glower better than anyone else does. But I guess we will leave that out of the song."

The trio laughed wholeheartedly, and Sansa and Jorah exchanged a few furtive looks.

Tyrion asked: "So, it looks and sounds like you often meet here to exchange stories."

"Yes, Queen Sansa loves stories and songs, and I have been telling her many."

"I hope you didn't sing too. You don't strike me as a singer."

"No, rest assured, Tyrion."

"So, that's why you disappear, I take it? As I said in the beginning, your presence in the Targaryens' retinue after duty ends has been greatly missed. You might brood and glower, but you make for an interesting companion."

It was Sansa who explained. "Yes, Jorah has been telling me many stories about the North, and Queen Daenerys. Jon has married, my other siblings mostly keep to their own… he has been a very pleasant companion indeed. So have you been yourself today, Tyrion."

Tyrion accepted the statements for their face value, and then realised Queen Sansa might have given the cue that she wanted to retire to her chambers with those last words. He swirled the water, out of habit, insulted himself mentally for the stupid unconscious gesture – it was no wine -, drank a sip, and noticed Jorah hadn't moved.

Tyrion asked himself if he ever truly mastered courtly manners. He should stand up and help her rise. But maybe I am wrong. Maybe Sansa does not care for these things. She and Daenerys want to revolutionise everything…

Then he felt observed. Both were smiling, but were also staring at him. Did they notice I swirled water instead of wine? Do they want another jape?

Then it hit him.

Jorah's deeds as a fighter might soon cloud Robert's and Rhaegar's.

Queen Sansa loves stories and songs, and I have been telling her many.

Jorah has been telling me many stories about the North … he has been a very pleasant companion.

The familiarity, the glances. Jorah disappearing from Daenerys' life. Jorah's harshly pragmatic and distanced stance during meetings. The admission he and Sansa had spent much time together. Jorah not looking miserable – looking good, actually -. Sansa looking incredible. Jorah not moving still, the couple clearly waiting for an output from him.

Uh. Oh. "Excuse me… was I really welcome here today?"

Sansa answered: "Of course you were. We love conversing in front of the fireplace, and you have been very entertaining. I meant what I said."

"I don't know, Your Grace. To me, it looks like I have… intruded?"

"Don't you think I might have denied you access if it were the case?"

"I'll give that to you. But you are not fooling me here. This – you meeting and spending evenings together, and talking - has been going on for a while, you said it yourself. And there are many other signs… there is no need to be ashamed. Although I admit that the thought… Sansa and Ser Jorah… oooh, see? Now your faces have finally answered me. Don't worry, my friends. I am not telling anyone. But I would be a liar if I didn't tell you that it surprises me of you, Mormont. Getting over Daenerys? I would have thought you would go for a hero's death in her service, to be able to fall into the peace and oblivion of the gracve. And now you have moved on to another beautiful and young queen."

Here Sansa drew the line: "I must ask you not to make fun of Jorah, Tyrion. And certainly not of our love."

Sansa's reply told Tyrion all he wanted to know but didn't dare to ask. "So, there is a new song brewing, about a knight and his queen. You must tell me your secret, Mormont. Is it the glowering?"

Jorah said: "It probably helps not stumbling drunk into a Queen's sojourn, and not hiding behind jokes constantly."

"I don't believe you. I get it. It's your deep, expressive blue eyes and your remarkable cheekbones. And your height. Sansa is tall. I am sorry, Sansa, I cannot resist making fun of Mormont. But I mean no harm."

"We know you are not a bad man, albeit your tongue can be poisonous at times. But please don't spread the tale. The Northerners more or less know – they have seen us meeting, entering my apartments together and leaving them together, but they don't talk much: it's our nature. We are not ashamed of anything, but we don't want to make our love an official business now, not before this war is over, if possible. Jorah is rebuilding his honour slowly but incessantly, and I want to show everybody I am a worthy queen first. No one must ever take us anything away thanks to our weaknesses. Do you understand?"

Definitely too much information now. "I understand… everything. I must also admit that, although Jorah and I sometimes dare to differ, I can see him making you happy. And if he ever makes you unhappy, I can always ask Jaime to intervene, unless your sister is quicker. But I also have to be honest about one thing. Daenerys has been noticing your absences, and your distancing. She truly has. I told you once that she needed you, Jorah. I meant it. I am sorry for the way she treated you when she fell for Jon: she owed you at least respect, honesty, and some shared grief…"

"I remember very well what happened" interrupted Jorah.

"And Daenerys showed him she doesn't need him anymore. No one here cares to hear the reasons for her behaviour. She has met her choices" added Sansa.

"I don't think she is aware of this. Jorah's love for her was so great and so full of devotion that she might have thought nothing would ever change. And she assumed their friendship was still there, waiting for her to give a cue or to order something. Now, she has discovered her husband is almost a stranger to her: they desire each other, they do have similar inclinations… but they come from different lands, different cultures, different values. And they barely know each other. Also, Jon is not an easy person to bring out of his shell. Jorah here is strangely different, although he has a gruff surface. Or maybe he and Daenerys had managed to understand each other very easily for some reason…"

"What do you want to tell me, Tyrion?" Jorah cut him short.

"Is Queen Daenerys going to come and take Jorah away because she wants someone to talk to her when she is not fucking my cousin?" growled Sansa.

"No, I don't think she will. That's not her. But she is still his queen. And she does miss him, I warn you. I wasn't lying."

Sansa felt worried, until Jorah reassured her: "Tyrion, I don't see the point of this conversation. I have never denied her a word, or my counsel. I will fight for all of you. As for anything else, the past is over, for me. My wife chose money over me, and I left her with her merchant prince long ago, never to turn back. I loved her still the day I left her in Lys, without even hearing the words from her, but I could never forgive her that – knowing that she valued me so little. Daenerys wasn't different: she showed me it wasn't my counsel or my friendship she wanted: she simply didn't want to be alone. I am not blaming her, mind you: I understand her. She has suffered much, and I have witnessed many of her woes. It's only natural she would like to have someone on her side. She found someone, worthier than me, and that someone has become her everything. Whereas she has discovered I was only the one who happened to be there, and I was worth nothing."

"I think it's not like you describe it…I do not agr..."

"It is. Deeds matter more than words. Or even if it isn't, it doesn't really matter. Jon is the kind of man who will be there for her when she needs him, and even Sansa agrees. He is the man who threw a parlay to the wind for her, and who embraced a new identity for her. I am happy I kept her safe and made her feel not alone, but our time together is over. She will find a way to make treasure of all we experienced together, I am sure of it. Anyone meddling would only prevent her from growing up, and now that she is a wife and a queen she needs to grow up."

Tyrion resigned, noticing the friendly but distanced tone, and the sincere gaze that crossed his. "You truly don't love her anymore. Not romantically, I mean. I get you are being chivalrous…"

"There is no need to hate her, or to deny I loved her. As I loved Lynesse. But I know when I have to disappear from a woman's life. And yes, I also know now that there are different women, women who would struggle to keep me in their life" and he looked at Sansa with gratitude.

She smiled.

"Sansa, I am sorry I forced your… man to speak of another woman in front of you. Two, but I hadn't asked about the first one, to be honest."

"Don't worry Tyrion. It is one of the things we have talked about first. It's probably the tale that brought us together."

"I can imagine. Two puppy-eyed suckers for romance. Well, at least I have to admit you still know how to behave in public. So… I guess your secret is safe with me, although I warn you: it might come out somehow. Unless the Walkers arrive first."

"Thank you for the reassuring image, Tyrion. We really needed it."

When Jorah and Sansa were finally alone in their chamber, Sansa admitted: "I shouldn't say that, but it's always beautiful when you declare how you love me and only me now."

"Don't be ashamed. You deserve to hear how much I love you at least every hour." He kissed her on her neck, hugging her from behind, as he loved doing every time they entered their room. "You wonderful woman." And he covered her neck and shoulders with kisses, then turned her around to kiss her fully on her mouth, and to shower her face with other kisses. She returned the attentions by worshipping his cheekbones, his beard, his neck, and his Adam's apple. "But now I will show you how much I love you."

That evening, only their Dothraki and Unsullied guard attended to the Targaryens' supper. Even Tyrion had last deserted it, although they had not officially requested to be left alone.

Daenerys thought it would be a good occasion to work on her relationship with Jon. Jorah and I have had uncountable times together. Jon and I just met. Most of the time on Dragonstone was simply me greeting him, asking him to bend the knee, and he refusing, and working at dragonglass mining and weapon-forging.

Jon smiled shyly at her. He was so sweet when he did that. He had kept his curls free, as she had requested.

"It's beautiful we are by ourselves. We have to make up for the last days" she said.

"It's true. Especially when we have proof now that every evening could be our last peaceful one. They are only days away."

"Are you sure you want to fight on the ground?"

"I have Valyrian steel, and swordsmanship, not to mention Ghost. You can control both dragons alone. When you kill the Night King's mount – or when one of our scorpions does - , someone will have to tackle him and pierce him with the right blade, which means we need as many skilled sword fighters on the ground as we can deploy. Jorah is right about this. Besides, someone has to lead our army."

"Jorah should."

"I feel like he should fight with the Northerners. The War of the Five Kings has taken away many leaders from our… I mean, from Northern families. And I have to lead. Lord Beric agrees. You know why. I came back…"

"I don't like knowing you are on the ground, which will be swarming with wights and with Walkers."

"Rest assured your position is far more dangerous. Drogon might be hit, you might be hit, the Night King might have powers we do not foresee, and his iced fire is reason enough to worry. Falling from a dragon is a death sentence. I, on the other hand, can defend myself. I have always fared well. I only let you ride Drogon and go along with Jorah's plan because I trust him, and because I trust your thirst for revenge over any cursed power we might cross."

"You are not letting me do anything, Jon. Not even Jorah had ever presumed to talk to me like that."

"Maybe that's because he is a knight and not a king?"

"This is not going well, isn't it?"

"No, it isn't."

"I… am sorry, Jon, but it is all so difficult."

"Don't worry. When Jorah's father made me his steward, I reacted badly too."

Daenerys saw an opening. "Tell me about that."

"I was sure I would be destined to the rangers when I finally swore my oath to the Night's Watch. I was castle-trained, I was… well, good with a sword and on a horse. But I was destined to the stewards nevertheless. Cleaning maids, cooks, and all the like. I was disappointed. Then I learned that I was to be Lord Commander Mormont's steward, that he had asked for me himself. Sam managed to explain me that he did it because he wanted me to learn from him, to groom me for command. I had a few tense moments still, but I learned from him a lot, and now I am grateful for my experience."

Daenerys couldn't bring herself to admit loudly she had learned so much thanks to Jorah, Jeor's son. She had told Jon, that first day when they met in the throne room at Dragonstone, that she had always believed in herself. It was true, she had believed in her instinct. But she hadn't been alone.

So, she tried to continue the conversation in another manner. "How was Jorah's father like?"

"He did look a little like him. Tall, strong, blue eyes, similar face… Broader and stouter though. More brooding, and more harsh, believe me. But I guess the Wall wasn't kind on anyone. The day he talked about Jorah was the day I saw feelings in him… so I think they were very much alike, more than I could possibly tell. I am sorry they never met again."

Daenerys listened in silence, and in silence ate her last bite.

"Daenerys?"

"Yes?"

"Did anything upset you?"

"No, no, certainly not. So, I recall you saved Jorah's father from a wight."

"Yes, I saved Jeor from a wight."

"Tell me the entire story, Jon."

And so Jon told her of the wights they found thanks to Ghost, of his brawl, his punishment, and of the wight he burned, of his uncle and his ranging that never returned, and of the beginning of the Great Ranging. He refused to continue, since he explained that the ranging was a long and difficult story. He didn't want to talk to Daenerys of Ygritte, of Craster, and of many other things. Not now, anyway.

"It's a pity Jorah and Jeor were estranged. If we had known that you were already fighting them… Jorah would have managed to convince me to leave Slavers' Bay. I hope we can now make up for the time lost."

Jon nodded. "I think we can."

Not even an hour later, Daenerys was biting Jon's neck and feeling his muscles through his clothes in their bedroom. Daenerys dropped her dress under Jon's admiring stare. She quickly undressed him too, and he lifted her to sit her on the bed, then knelt before her.

"I like making you a queen" he said before putting his mouth to a different task than talking.

Daenerys thought for an instant of Jorah kneeling in front of her naked, long ago. A flash through her mind, bringing back that memory.

Then she decided to focus on the dark wild curls between her legs, and on the pleasure.

Instead of mounting him, she asked him to fuck her in that position, she sitting on the edge of the bed, and he contracting his torso muscles with every stroke. She wrapped her legs around him, and he grasped her thighs to obey her orders. His strokes went deep into her, his groin reached her clit, and she loved it very much.

She threw her head back in pleasure and touched her breasts, kneading them lightly, stroking her nipples, her eyes closed to concentrate on the pleasure.

Jon felt himself growing even harder at the sight of that beautiful woman so lost in pleasure. He moaned between sighs: "Dany…"

Dany.

Viserys called me that. I told him.

She dismissed the thought and concentrated on the pleasure, arching her back further and increasing her nipple stimulation, then let her mind drown in pleasure.

Daenerys her mind suggested. A low voice thick with emotion and arousal calling her Daenerys during sex. Her own arousal heightened.

A taller men, bending over her to suck her nipple from that position, moaning, and growling Daenerys, Khaleesi, my Queen in a lower version of a honey-like Northern voice. Blue eyes daring her not to give in into the pleasure, but in fact triggering her to do just that, to peak, gloriously.

She came hard. "Ohhhhh. Jo….. oooohhh!", her legs squeezing Jon as strongly as her inner walls did.

In a few strokes, Jon flooded her with his seed and collapsed on her with his head on her breasts.

Daenerys removed her thoughts, almost kicking them into a remote corner of her brain.

She stood up after a while, and wiped herself with a sponge and some water.

"Dany, are you alright?"

"I am not sure. I think… I might be coming up with something. I am sorry I stood up after being intimate, Jon, but… I really needed to refresh myself. Would you like some water, too? I know I exhaust you with my demands," she said with a grin.

"Yes, thank you, my love, I would like that."

They smiled at each other, and said nothing. He was looking at her in awe, her long silver hair her only cover, her body still flushed from the pleasure.

It will be all right. Soon. I am adjusting to a new life, with a new person.

But after a while, Jon was snoring, and she was still awake, and nervous, and felt a void inside her.

She had missed Jorah's friendship for weeks now, and the same was true for more heartfelt and personal advice than the one she got from him recently. She had missed her connection to him. She was sure it was just her being so used to him, after almost six years with him. But she also remembered their connection was instant, and deeper than "He is young and handsome/she is young and beautiful". He had given her books about Westeros, and she found it a sweet thing to do. He had felt sorry for her pain, and she had been grateful.

It's done, it's done, and now we all must live with it.

But maybe he can help me still, now. He has always given me sound advice.

She stood up, and went to look for Jorah.

The guards in Sansa's apartment stirred: Queen Daenerys Targaryen was approaching.

"Your Grace, what can we do for you?"

"I was looking for my sworn sword, Ser Jorah Mormont, but he was not in his room. I inquired a little, and some guard told me I might find him in the sojourn in Queen Sansa's apartments, since he sometimes spent his evenings there to exchange tales."

One of the younger guards had to fight hard the need to laugh at Daenerys' words.

"Your Grace, it is true. Ser Jorah was in Her Grace's sojourn until recently." It was the truth, after all.

"And where is he now?"

"I am afraid we cannot help you any further, Your Grace."

"Is that how you answer your queen? Aren't you sworn to serve her?"

"To serve her, it's true."

Daenerys could not believe her ears. "I am her cousin by law and her ally. You are not doing her a favour by refusing to help me!"

One of the guards, a wiser one, intervened: "Your Grace, would you mind following us to the sojourn? Maybe a glass of mulled wine, sitting by the fire? We will find immediately some way to help you." The guard meant to have her calm down and discuss a way out with his comrades while she drank and relaxed.

The idea was undoubtedly smart, and ended up solving the conundrum effectively by itself: while they escorted Queen Daenerys to the sojourn, the loud screams of pleasure resonated in the corridor. The procession stopped, Daenerys listened.

After a while, she broke into a run and made it back to her apartments, fighting back tears.

Sansa was putting on her nightgown to be ready to ask for their breakfast tray, and Jorah was sitting on the bed with his trousers on, pulling on the socks, when they heard somebody knocking.

The couple gazed at each other. Sansa asked: "Who is that?"

"Sansa, it's me. It's Jon. Please open, as soon as you are modest. I know what's going on, don't worry about that. No need to hide anybody"

Astonishment. Realisation. Acceptance.

An unspoken conversation took place: Jorah moved on to the chair and grabbed his shirt, and Sansa laced her gown and went to the door.

"Come in."

A few stares among Jon, Sansa, and Jorah were exchanged. Jon's face was unreadable.

"I hope I haven't scared you. I am not here on my behalf, you need to know. And you don't have to fear anything from me"

Silence.

Jon reprised: "I am here because my wife Queen Daenerys complained about her sworn sword not being in his quarters, ready to serve her when she urgently needed his advice."

"I am sorry…?"

"Daenerys was looking for Ser Jorah yesterday. She needed some advice. She hasn't told me exactly about what, but she says she is not feeling well, and she certainly looks like something is wrong – I hope the North is not taking a toll on her. However, Jorah wasn't anywhere to be found. Sansa, you understand Jorah has pledged himself to her long ago, don't you?"

"Of course, and he is serving all of us. At night, I don't think he should stay alone in a room simply waiting for Daenerys to call him, if she calls him. Especially not now that she has someone beside her all the time. Or am I missing something, Jon?" Sansa was more worried about Jon's wellbeing and happiness than anything else.

"No, you are not. But he has been her advisor and friend for so long. She really needed to talk to him yesterday. And it does not change the fact that he should stay at her disposal always. Not to mention that a Queensguard…"

Sansa cut in. "For a woman who always talked about changing things and breaking chains, she sure seems to love old traditions when they suit her! He is still serving her, as is serving you, and me, and Westeros. What he does after his duties have ended is none of your business! And don't try to mention the old tradition of celibacy… don't you dare, Jon. She shouldn't mention it to be coherent with her proclaims, and you… you lost the right to talk of it long ago."

"Sansa, I had to tell you. It does not mean I agree. But Daenerys was furious, and I had to come and talk to you: talking to her would not be easy. What I would say to you, as Jon, is actually something else: are you happy, dear cousin? I seem to understand that this has been going on for a while…"

"Happier than you could possibly imagine" she smiled.

Jorah, who had not said a word so far and was barely breathing in fear, was relieved. "I was starting to worry. As for my duties, I …"

Sansa did not want to hear it. "No, Jorah, this makes absolutely no sense. I don't know what was going on yesterday, Jon, but I am sure Daenerys can ask for Jorah's advice any time during daytime or during his shifts. And I am sure Daenerys does not want to perpetuate old oppressing traditions. Besides, she has been utterly ignoring him for a long time. Why suddenly this urgency?"

"Sansa, I agree with you, but Daenerys is insisting Jorah has neglected his oath and his service, and it's an offence... She is talking very much like a queen, even when she talks to me about this incident. That is why I came myself, by the way. I didn't want her to attack you… and not the man who, it seems, is making you happy."

Sansa knew it was time, and stood up for her speech. "Then, Jon, as the Queen in the North and as your cousin who grew up as your sister, I have an official request, and that is that Ser Jorah is to be dismissed with honour from his service to Daenerys Targaryen. She does not need to have him in her retinue, as her sworn sword. He will always serve all of us – he is an honourable knight. But his place now is not at your court, Jon. That part of his and of Daenerys' life is over. He is a Northerner. And he is my lover. Dismiss him with honour, so that he can serve the North. Set him free, so that he can be my husband."

Jorah was stunned. "Sansa…"

Jon as well. "Your husband…"

"Yes. We love each other, we are perfect together. I will have a husband, a faithful knight, and a valuable advisor. You and Daenerys are family, and we will always work together, even after the war. Of course, since Jorah has given up any right to hold lands as a condition for his reconciliation with the Northerners, and since I am the queen, he will only be Prince Consort, and our children will be Starks." And she turned to Jorah "I am sorry I had to force this, but I knew I wanted to marry you and you knew it too, even if we had never said the word. We had agreed we didn't want to lose our minds on definitions, and legal implications, and maybe upsetting someone… you know, the war, the alliance… a wedding seemed unnecessary until we had not sorted out what kind of future we all would have… but now that the occasion is here, I feel like it is the moment."

Jorah smiled. "My love, you honour me. Are you sure you want to bind yourself to me?" and he went to his knees.

"I am the one who asked you to marry. Ordered you, to be honest." And she laughed and took his hands. "I cannot imagine a more fitting consort for me, at my side, even if we don't consider how in love we are. My knight."

He kissed her hands. "MY love. I hope I deserve it, and I hope everybody accepts our union."

Jon, fighting emotion, intervened: "Sansa is loved by her people. They will trust her judgement. And you are gaining a lot of admiration too, Jorah. But remember: if you make her suffer, you will still have to deal with me, dismissed from my court or not" and he extended his hand to him: the King and the Prince-to-be grabbed each other's forearm in perpetual friendship and in mutual agreement. "So, it had been lingering there all the time. Us being family."

"Jon, will you please help me organise the dismissal ceremony?"

"And the other ceremony too, my dear Sansa. I will always be here for you, you know it."

Sansa and Jon hugged, and Jorah was happy to know they were all going to be family, be it for a few days or for a lifetime.