A/N: In honor of the new episode, "Oathkeeper", which was amazing!
Chapter 10: Oath Breaker
Read. Relish. Review.
A month had passed, an agonizingly long month. Jon's injuries had all but healed, though Dany continued to struggle. Her swollen stomach was prominent despite her attempts to conceal her ever growing children with flowing gowns, loose silks, and cloaks. Dany lay curled in bed, Missandei and Arya sat at her side. The young Stark would gingerly brush stray locks from the queen's face, offering whispers of encouragement and tender expressions of sympathy. Shaggy lay loyally at the foot of her bed, trying to reassure his master with soft croons.
"I'm fine," Dany murmured, trying to shrug their flittering hands away. She sat up, covered in sheen of sweat, her silver tresses plastered to her face in her daze. "You needn't worry."
Arya raised a brow, "You really think we'll buy that?" She mused teasingly. "We weren't born yesterday."
"I never said you were," Dany retorted back playfully. She pressed a hand to her swollen stomach, caressing it through the airy gown with a soft sigh. "Why must you make your mother suffer so?" She laughed warmly to her children, softly scolding them with tender affection. She lay back against the propped pillows. For a moment, she allowed the mask of strength to fall; her voice hovered on a fearful quiver. "I can't lose them." She had been unable to keep any nutrients down, her stomach would convulse and she'd expel its contents after most meals until she was too weak to walk. The hollows of her cheek had become more noticeable, there was a subtle dullness to her eyes, and her skin was pale as snow.
"You won't," Arya reassured immediately, touching a hand to her cheek. There was a new gentleness to her often cold gaze. Even after a month together, she was distant as ever, except for the few rare moments where she allowed herself to immerse into her former life, and to the ones she loved so dearly. "You've always been strong, Dany. Do not lose that strength I have always admired now."
Dany smiled tiredly, "I won't, I promise you, my sweet Arya." She reached out a pale hand to cup her cheek, and trailed her fingers through the long brown locks. She mused thoughtfully, "Your hair, it's longer than I expected." Arya's face was unreadable. Dany laughed quietly, she was far too blissful. Her expression almost mirroring a child's pouting face, and the same face of three years ago, the same deliriously blissful expression of her beloved Stark child.
"Well?" Cold, cruel eyes had been replaced with a temporary child-like curiosity. A small smile that had been carefully hidden appeared on the young Stark's face. "Why is my hair to long?"
"You don't seem like a girl who would keep her hair so long," Dany explained as her head tilted to the side slightly.
"A girl like me," A small, playful scowl appeared on her face. "Should I feel insulted?"
"Of course not," Dany reassured her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her fingers lingered delicately on Arya's cheek. Far to close then Arya was used anymore. When was the last time someone had touched her so affectionately? "It just seems such long hair would get in the way during a battle."
"Maybe," Arya murmured absentmindedly. Dany allowed her fingers to rub lovingly over her cheek, the sweetest gesture Arya had experienced in years.
"I cannot thank the Old Gods enough for bringing you back to me," Dany whispered, Missandei watched the interaction with a warm gaze.
Arya suddenly jerked her face away, "I'm sorry, but please do not do that again."
"I'm sorry, the fault is mine."
"No," Arya spoke delicately. "It's been a long time since someone has touched me so lovingly. It's become such a foreign feeling. It will take time for me to adjust to such display of emotion."
"I understand," Dany sighed kindly. Her warm smile never leaving her pale lips, "Everything is going to be alright now, Arya. I promise. We will never be apart again."
Arya offered her a tiny smile, "I know. I need some time alone, call me if you need anything." Dany merely nodded as the brunette left with Nymeria following at her heel.
Missandei pressed a cool cloth to her forehead, "She seems distant."
Dany sighed heavily, "She's been away from her family for nearly three years, and I can only imagine what she had to endure alone for so long. But, Arya is strong, stronger than me, and she is truly Jon's sister, a true Stark. She will return to us, not the same Arya we are used to, but Arya nonetheless, and I cannot ask for more than that."
"That is very wise of you, your Grace." Missandei nodded with a smile.
Dany laughed, "You can call me Dany."
"I'll try my best," Missandei's smile grew.
Dany patted her hand, "Thank you for taking care of me, but you need to rest as well." She saw the wariness in the woman's eyes and concern. "Go." Dany coaxed with a nod. "Do I need to make it an order?" She teased.
"No," Missandei laughed, she stood and bowed once. "Goodnight, Dany." She seemed to hesitate for a moment before smiling and leaving the room.
"Goodnight," Dany murmured after her. She slumped against the pillows, stroking her stomach. "Oh, you two are going to be troublesome, I can already tell." She spoke fondly.
"Then they'll surely take after their mother," Jon chuckled as Dany's head shot up to look at him, a look of surprise marring her beautiful face before it faded to a tender stare. Jon strode around the bed to her side, pausing to ruffle Shaggy's fur, the direwolf snorted. He sat down, resting a hand on her stomach. A loving smile graced his lips, "They've already been through so much."
Dany smiled sadly, "It will be no easy task, to be parents so quickly into our reign over Westeros."
Jon cupped her cheek, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "That is why we have help."
Dany's eyes darkened, "I will not have a wet nurse for any of our children, I shall raise them myself, only those I trust with my life will be allowed near our children."
"Dany," Jon protested, but she silenced him with a harsh stare.
"No!" She hissed. "They are our children, why should someone else raise them? They need only their true family, no one more."
He pressed a kiss to her hand, "Whatever you wish, Dany." He watched her visibly relax. "How did it go with Arya?"
Dany seemed thoughtful, "She's trying. It's difficult for her; she's been away from her family for so long. She hasn't felt the touch of a loved one for years. It will take time, I fear how your father will react if she returns his warm gestures with coldness. She needs to relearn to be comfortable to touch again, that she can trust us, rely on us. It will take time."
"We have time," Jon assured as Dany smiled warmly.
"For now," Dany whispered darkly.
Jon cradled her to him, gathering her into his arms as he laid her down among the warm fur pelts. He interlaced their fingers, kissing her knuckles. "Do not think like that, Dany. Aren't you the one always telling me to think positively?"
"I'm thinking realistically," Dany countered as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, pressing a kiss to the warm flesh.
"You need to learn to trust others more," Jon kissed her temple. He beyond everyone knew how hollow his words rang, he trusted others the least.
"I trust fifteen thousand Unsullied men, and I trust our family. That is all I need to trust." Dany whispered her warm breath tickled his skin. There was a sudden silence. Her voice was soft. "There's a war coming."
"I know," Jon sighed against her hair. "Sleep now my dragon."
"You need a Kingsguard!"
"Dany."
Dany sat up, hovering over him, eyes clouded to a startling shade of violet. "No, you will have a Kingsguard. I want you safe, I can't worry every day. You are a magnificent swordsman, but you are also a king now."
Jon wanted to argue, but gave in to her pleading eyes, resting his head on his bent arm. "Did you have someone in mind?"
"Jorah Mormont," Dany spoke boldly, though her husband eyed her with uncertainty. "He is a skilled with a sword; why else would the Dothraki hold such respect for an outsider. We need to use his skills to our advantage, and you can keep an eye on him."
"Alright," Jon gave in, when it came to her; he was always an easy victory to her conquest. "Anyone else?"
Dany arched a brow, "What of your dear friend, Brienne of Tarth." He looked startled, she smirked. "Did you think I would not know of your travels with her? I hear she is quite skilled."
"She is," Jon agreed. "But she returned home."
"I had Tyrion summon her to King's Landing, as well as track down another possible ally." Her gaze darkened for a moment. "Sandor Clegane."
"The Hound?" Jon was outraged, his eyes narrowed.
"I know who he is; I know what he has done." Dany whispered, eyes tapering gently. "He is a vile being, but he also protected Sansa, and took care of Arya in his own twisted way. It will need to be earned, but I have to believe he can be trusted, and I have to believe he knows compassion."
"What makes you think he'll want any part of us?"
"I don't know," Dany confessed, resting her head wearily on Jon's chest. "I just have a feeling."
Jon sighed, stroking her hair and kissed her temple. "What am I going to do with you?" He murmured affectionately.
"Trust me."
"I already do."
"I know."
"So you had already created my Kingsguard for me." Jon raised a brow. "Are there any more surprises I need to know of?"
"No."
"Dany," Jon stared at the moonlight reflecting off the surface of their fur pelts. Slivers of silver dancing in the night as the ship swayed in gentle rocking motions. "You know I don't like surprises."
"Alright," Dany exhaled with a smile. "I know how difficult it was for you to leave The Wall, your brothers." She felt him stiffen for a moment. "Before we left I had Tyrion arrange for three men to come to King's Landing, Grenn, Pypar, and Samwell Tarly, though he insisted to bring a woman named Gilly and her child with him."
"Dany," Jon murmured her name so tenderly, and her fingers trailed up to cup his cheek, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips to silence him.
"Robb and your father will leave in time." Dany smiled. It was a thin and mere shadow of her usual smiles. But it was from the heart, and it warmed him. "I do not want you to feel alone, I want you to be happy in King's Landing. From the stories you've told me, they are treasured friends of yours."
"Thank you," Jon's gaze fell away as heat filtered through his cheeks, overcome with emotion. He chuckled thoughtfully, burying his face into her neck, he kissed her sensitized skin. She smiled and held him close to her.
"I love you, Jon."
Jon kissed her neck, "I love you my dragon."
They had docked in King's Landing three days later, dozens and dozens of ships anchored side by side. The gates drew open, the sight before them made Dany's heart thrum wildly with excitement at the familiar faces. At her side stood Ser Barristan, Grey Worm, Missandei, Jorah, and Arya. She offered her dear little friend a smile, "We have returned."
Tyrion chuckled, "So you have, your Grace." She walked down the bridge until she stood before her friend, bending to embrace him. Taken aback for a moment, Tyrion's gaze softened. "Welcome home, Dany."
"It's good to be back," Dany murmured tiredly, it wasn't until they parted that he took in her appearance. His heart stung at the sight of her. She seemed like she would sway any moment and collapse from exhaustion.
Tyrion's gaze darkened, "We must soon and quickly, my Queen."
Dany was startled by his cold tone and slowly nodded, she turned to glance at her husband, he was holding Arya's handing, guiding her to their family. Ned and Robb were tearing with relief, smiling with the greatest delight in the world, Dany's heart swelled with happiness. She heard Jon whisper softly to his little sister lovingly, "You're home now." Robb nearly tackled the young woman into an embrace. He wept, murmuring words of love and relief for her. Arya was slower to return the hug, a look of distant confusion almost on her pretty face. It wasn't until Ned stepped forward and scooped her up in his arms did she shed a tear, whimper, and wrap her arms tightly around the Warden of the North's neck. Ned's face was buried in her shoulder, tears streamed down his cheeks, his face thick with emotion. He glanced at Dany and nodded; a look of earth-shattering gratitude, Dany smiled warmly. She felt a hand rest upon her shoulder, and she gazed up to see her husband. She stood and drew him to her chest, his arms weaving around her waist.
"We are finally complete," Dany murmured to him.
Jon laughed a watery laugh, "Our family is truly reunited." He drew away slowly as Dany rested her head on his shoulder, burning the blissful scene into her memory forever.
She sighed sadly; time to share true joy would have to wait a little longer. She leaned up to whisper into her lover's ear. "Jon, Tyrion needs to speak with us urgently. I'm afraid everything must wait for a moment."
Jon's expression became grim, "Alright. Father, Robb, we must meet with the Small Council, there is much to discuss." He turned to the Lord Commander of the Queensguard, "Ser Barristan, please make sure Jorah, Missandei, The Unsullied, and my sister are settled into their chambers."
"Of course, my king!" Ser Barristan bowed as he began to give orders to the ship's vast crew and captains.
"I'm coming with you," Arya spoke abruptly; she silenced his breath in two when Jon attempt to protest.
"No," Dany interceded for him. "She can come."
As Dany walked through the doors of the Small Council, she was swarmed in a pool of large, soft bodies as the direwolves weaved around her to greet their littermates, and Arya. Varys stood near a window; he bowed and offered the young queen a tiny smile.
"Welcome, you're Graces."
"Thank you, Lord Varys," She glanced at Hand of the Queen. "What is it that needed to be discussed so urgently?"
"Treason," Varys spoke coldly.
"Murder," Tyrion corrected.
"Tell me now," Dany demanded, the same anger she had felt during the battle of Khal Drogo came back and she could not control her temper. Everyone had settled into the room.
"Did you meet with Khal Drogo?" Tyrion questioned as gently as possible, Jon stiffened, Dany's eyes darkened.
"How did you know?" Jon questioned his eyes fierce. Understanding quickly dawned on him. "Who did this Varys?"
"From what I have heard from my little birds," 'The Spider' continued. "Tywin Lannister and Petyr Baelish sent word to Jorah Mormont; he was a spy for Robert Baratheon. When Robert found out you were to be wed to Khal Drogo, Jorah was to watch you during his time with the Dothraki, but as you know that never happened. But, he sent word to me of Tywin and Petyr's plans to have Khal Drogo ambush your fleet before you reached Astapor."
Dany lifted her gaze to pin them with a warning stare, "How did they know where we would be located?"
Tyrion shuffled uncomfortably, "Varys sent word for Jorah to lead the Dothraki away from your location in exchange for a pardon back to Westeros. What we did not know until later was there had been a spy placed upon your ship by my father."
Jon's gaze darkened as he concluded with morbid composure, "The royal physician."
"Yes," Tyrion murmured. "Dany, you are healthy and strong, and you should not have sick so often at sea. He was meant to poison you, so you would lose your children."
"Bring them to me," Dany remarked coldly. Tyrion could feel the intensity of her stare penetrating into his temple, she hissed, "Now!" Ser Barristan and Grey Worm entered the room a moment later; Dany spoke in Low Valyrian to the leader of her Unsullied. "Grey Worm, bring the officers." Grey Worm nodded.
"Dany," Jon caught her when she swayed. "You are going to rest."
"Jon," Dany hissed warningly.
"No," His tone was harsh as he took in her pale appearance. He touched her cheek, pausing to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Ser Barristan, make sure my wife is escorted to her room and rests." Dany's violet eyes burned into his brooding, dark ones. "Please, just listen to me this once." The Targaryen queen felt all her anger vanish as he spoke softly to her, though his dark eyes remained unreadable.
With reluctance, she consented to him with a curt nod, "Alright."
"I'll go with her," Arya spoke, her voice sweet as honey. "I'll look after her." Jon cast her a smile. Shaggy and Nymeria trotted off after their masters.
Once they were gone, Robb turned to his brother. "I'll send Margaery to see her."
"Thank you," Jon murmured.
Ned turned to his son, "What will you do?" Inside his mind a cold voice surrounded him from all angles, making it impossible to shut out the calls for death. It was growing louder and Jon was finding it difficult to ignore. "The people of King's Landing are still in a state of panic, it's only been two months since the war and even though the change has been good, it's been difficult for them as well. Tywin Lannister is still seen as a key figure to many."
"So, you are saying to kill them in cold blood might cause problems?"
"Yes."
"Then so be it."
"Jon?" Ned questioned, his eyes narrowing with worry. He had sensed the change in his son, the sudden darkness that had overwhelmed him.
"He will have his death," Jon's voice was low, dark as the devil himself. "A death by trial." He fixed the belt holding Longclaw on his waist, and Ghost was at his side immediately. He cast his father a sideways glance. "I will not make you come and watch father, but this is a decision I make as King of Westeros."
"Think it over, son." Ned tried to persuade him.
"You don't understand, father." Jon murmured, stroking Ghost's head. "Growing up, I never thought I would have anyone who would stay at my side, let alone bare the children of the bastard of Winterfell." He stared bitterly at his father, and he saw the sadness in Ned's eyes. "Dany has been at my side since the day I met her, and she is having my children. If I allow Tywin Lannister and Petyr Baelish to live there will come another day when they will try to harm my children again, and they might succeed. I won't allow that. To avoid harm to my children they will have to die. It's that simple."
"I understand," Ned smiled faintly, squeezing his son's shoulder. "I will be at your side."
"As will I," Robb spoke as he entered the room, Grey Wind at his side.
Jon nodded, "No one will threaten our family anymore."
End of Chapter!
I hope you all enjoyed and please review! I have a soft spot for Sandor, what can I say. Jorah is still on the fence.
A/N: I have been a bit disappointed with the lack of reviews. Before anyone decides to rant about how I should be writing for the passion of writing, understand that I put a lot of time and effort into these stories. I do enjoy writing, but I also enjoy feedback on my work. Readers can take the time to follow or favorite my stories, but they can't take time to write a review? Any story I have taken interest in, good or bad, I would always leave feedback, I know how motivating it can be for a writer to get feedback, so I would like the same understanding in return. I have no problem continuing to write for the love it, but I only posted my work on fanfiction to get feedback and people's thoughts on my writing. So, I am sad to say, if chapters fail to get feedback, these next few chapters may be my last posts for this story. You can think of me to be cruel, review hungry, etc. But, it takes a lot of time to write a chapter, especially since I usually only write 2500 words chapters. So, if I am not getting feedback, why should I waste my time writing for nonexistent readers? I have no issue saving all the hours I spend on each chapter and just keeping the ideas locked away in my head.
To those who do review, THANK YOU! I appreciate it so much! Every review is precious to me!