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Chapter 63
One day, when Selene was a little girl, she went swimming in the mouth of the Blackwater Rush in the shadow of the Red Keep.
It was a sweltering summer day, and Selene wanted to cool off in the sea. Her handmaiden Lori was swimming beside her, keeping a close eye, while her sworn shield Ser Barristan Selmy watched like a hawk from the shore.
"Careful, Selene," Lori warned. The youngest daughter of House Wylde, Lori grew up on the Straits of Tarth and was accustomed to dangerous tides and currents.
Selene wasn't listening, "Race you to Dragonstone!" She turned east and swam as fast as she could.
"Selene? Wait!"
The warm ocean water stung her eyes, but she didn't care. Selene swam as fast as she could, knowing she could reach Dragonstone if she really tried. Father won't be mad at me. I'll say I'm visiting Uncle Stannis.
Lori was catching up, so Selene only swam faster. She stopped for a quick moment to catch her breath.
Lori was fuming, "Selene, it's not funny. You could get-"
Selene laughed, took a deep breath, and dove. She won't see me if I'm down below.
She kicked, lower and lower, until a sudden, strong surge pulled her deeper.
Selene flipped, kicking against the current. She tried to break the surface, but wasn't sure which way was up. She could feel the breath shrinking in her lungs, like a large, cold fist squeezing her chest tighter and tighter.
She cried out for help, but only bubbles came out. She could not see. She could not breathe.
Suddenly, a hand with a grip like a vice clutched her by the arm and yanked. Selene broke the surface and took the biggest gulp of air she could.
That desperate gulp was nothing compared to the powerful gasp she made when she awoke from the dead.
Selene winced at the sunlight streaming into her eyes. Above, she could just make out Rhaegal's snout pressed into a hole in the ceiling.
Rhaegal?
The dragon screeched, and flew off.
She coughed, propping herself on her elbow. Her head felt like it was full of rocks. I'm in my chambers.
Selene turned and was happily surprised to see Jon. His jaw hung open, and he was looking at her in horror, joy, and shock…all at once. She smiled at him, "Sneaking into my chambers, are you?" she asked playfully.
When his expression didn't shift, she frowned.
Selene shivered, and realized she was naked, save for the thin strips of cloth that covered her breasts and hips. She looked down, her blood running cold when she saw the jagged scar on her chest. With shaking fingers, she touched the rough, raised skin.
The beach. Euron Greyjoy. The knife.
Selene's eyes snapped up to Jon as the memories rushed back like a flood. I shouldn't be here.
"Jon?" She pushed herself off the table. "What-" her knees buckled as soon as her feet touched the ground.
Jon rushed forward and caught her, wrapping his cloak around her shaking body. Her breaths came in fast and frantic, her lungs no longer familiar with their purpose.
"It's alright, Selene, you're alright." Jon said quickly, sitting her down on the table. He stood before her, looking down with absolute concern. "What do you remember?"
"Euron Greyjoy," Selene rasped, her voice rough and painful, "He tried to control Rhaegal, and he…stabbed me in the heart." She looked up, afraid, "I shouldn't be here."
"Don't be afraid, Selene." Jon nearly laughed, "I'm perhaps the only other person in the world who understands how you feel right now. I'm here." He reached out and held her face in his hands, "I always will be."
Something in his eyes made the hairs on her arm rise. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Jon chuckled softly, "Because…because I-" he struggled to find the right words, so his grip on her face tightened and he brought his lips crashing to hers.
Selene instinctually kissed him back, but she put her hand firmly on his chest. "Jon, I love this, I really do, but first you need to tell me what the fuck is happening."
He tucked a curl behind her ear, "Of course. I'm sorry, it's just…you were dead."
Selene tried to wrap her tongue around the word, "Dead?"
Jon nodded. "The Red Woman brought you back."
Selene felt lightheaded, the blood draining from her face. Dead? I couldn't have been dead.
Jon could see her spiralling. "Look at me, Selene." She did, "I'm going to tell you what Davos told me when I woke up." He took her hands in his, "You were dead. And now you're not."
Selene snorted, "Thanks! That really helps."
Jon smiled, and then squeezed her hands, "It's completely fucking mad."
"I…I died. Euron Greyjoy killed me," Selene was struggling enough to understand, but one thing bothered her most. "And now I'm back. Why?"
Jon shook his head, "I don't know. If the Red Woman was here, she would say because the Lord of Light willed it. It doesn't matter."
Selene gaped, "Doesn't matter?" She glanced down at the table, "I was dead on this table! Only moments ago! And now-"
"You go on," Jon pressed, "You fight for as long as you can. You do as much good as you can."
Selene shook her head, "I don't know if I can. I don't know if I want to." She shut her eyes tight, "I failed, Jon."
Jon tilted her chin up to meet his eyes, a smirk on his lips, "Now go fail again."
The room was closing in on her. She made to move passed him, "I need air." Selene stood, Jon's cloak falling to the floor.
Jon's eyes left her face, "You may want to put on clothes beforehand."
Selene blushed, before turning to a chest and rifling for a tunic and trousers. She settled on something black, but her hands were shaking so bad she couldn't undo the fastenings.
"Here," Jon said kindly, "let me help."
"No!" He drew back in surprise. Selene cleared her throat, attempting a smile, though she wagered it more clearly resembled a grimace, "I can do it myself." After a few moments of struggle, she hurled the clothes at the wall with all her strength. "Fuck this." She went for Jon's discarded cloak, wrapping it around herself.
"You can't go outside in that," Jon protested, "You'll freeze-"
"To death?" Selene challenged him. "Who cares about death? The Red Woman can just mumble some prayers and then I'll-I'll-"
Jon grabbed her and held her tight.
"Let me go." She pushed against him, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"No." Jon said simply.
"Why not?" Selene tried weaselling out of his grip, but he had her trapped.
"Because I remember this panic." Jon said into her hair. "I remember how scared I was, how confused, how I wished more than anything I could just curl up and disappear. I won't let you go through this alone."
Exhaustion finally caught her to her. Selene slumped to the ground, Jon falling with her. She turned her face into his chest and sobbed. "I don't understand-"
"Me neither," Jon said surely, his fingers combing through her hair. "Perhaps we never will."
Selene's breath was starting to slow. He was right. I just needed to be held. "Thank you, Jon." She looked up into his face, "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Don't thank me." Jon's jaw locked, "I should have been there for you, and I wasn't."
"What are you talking about?"
"The beach. Euron. All of it." Selene saw him blink back tears, "You were on your own, and you died. If I was there-"
"He would have killed you, too."
"That doesn't matter."
She slipped her hand over his cheek. "It does to me."
Jon kissed her palm, his hands running up and down her arms comfortingly. He ran his hands over her past, lingering over the dents and worn edges of her soul. When she thought he'd shy away as so many others had, he said, "Some people are just born to fight, Selene. A long time ago, the gods decided you would have fire and steel in your blood. That's why they test you."
Selene was stunned into silence, rapt on his every word.
"I know it's not the life you chose. I know there's a part of you that wants to lay down your arms, but…you were born to fight. It's what you know. It's what you do best." Jon sighed, "It's all you can do."
Selene didn't feel like she had fire and steel in her blood. Her limbs felt like water, "Jon-" she began to protest.
He knew it, too, "You're a warrior, Selene…and I swear, you'll never fight another battle alone."
Selene had heard enough. She slid her hand behind his neck and pulled him down upon her. Jon leaned into her, returning her kiss with fervor.
I was dead and gone and cold…every moment matters. She could feel her blood pumping through her body, her pulse at her fingertips, her heart hammering in her chest, beating once again. Every moment matters.
When her hands went to his waist, Jon hesitated. "Are you sure? I mean, are you feeling-"
Selene grinned. She had a weakness for his hands on her body and his words in her heart. Neither of which she had the willpower to refuse.
"Jon, bolt the door and take me to bed."
Jon Snow did not need to be told twice.
It was desperate and wild, Selene only now realizing what Jon had truly gone through. She had closed her eyes on a beach in the westerlands and awoke at Jon's side, no time lost. But for Jon…he watched her die. He grieved over her body, had to come to terms with her death….Jon held her tight and close, fearful she would slip through his fingers once more.
Afterwards, Jon grazed his fingertips up and down her side, her head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady and strong in her ear, a melody she could listen to for the rest of her life.
Selene was still dead to the world. Hot shame twisted in her belly. Gods, they've all been mourning while I…She went to stand, "I should-"
Jon pulled her back, "Oh, stay. Stay. Just once more."
Selene never wanted to leave. "Everyone still thinks I'm dead, Jon. I have to see them." A small smile tugged at her lip, "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces."
Jon averted his gaze.
Selene frowned, "What is it? What's happened?"
"Which do you want to hear first? Good news or bad?"
Selene swore. She swung her leg over to the end of the bed and stood, pleased to feel Jon's eyes following her as she reached down and grabbed his warm furs. Wrapping them around her body, she went to pour them wine.
She handed him a goblet, "Good, I suppose." She went to sit in a chair by the fireplace, propping her foot up. Selene froze mid-sip. Jon was staring at her.
"What?"
"I like seeing you in nothing but my cloak."
Selene fought a smile, "The news, Jon." she stressed with false impatience.
Jon smiled, "Bran and Arya are alive."
Selene nearly dropped her glass, "What? How?"
"Only the gods know that. I'll have to ask them on my return."
Selene thought of the little boy who was pushed from the tower at Winterfell, the young girl in King's Landing who was fierce and strong, and her heart soared, "Lady Catelyn must be beside herself with joy. Oh, Jon, I'm so happy for you."
Jon grew more serious, "I've bent the knee to Daenerys. She's agreed to help us fight the Night King while the Martells, Tyrells and Greyjoys besiege King's Landing."
Selene brightened, "Truly?" She stood, sitting on the bed beside him. "Jon, that's amazing!"
Jon looked like he swallowed something sour.
Her face fell, "I feel like you're going to ruin it somehow."
Jon sighed, "Daenerys agreed to help us in your memory, and…she doesn't know we've wed."
"You didn't tell her?"
"You should have seen the way she was grieving. I didn't want everyone's last memory of you to be betrayal."
Selene narrowed her eyes, "And Daenerys would not help you fight the army of the undead if she knew the truth."
Jon growled in frustration, "I didn't even consider that until Myrcella-"
"Myrcella knows? I wanted to keep her out of it."
"She cornered me and figured it out. She wanted me to tell the truth, too, but…" Jon leaned forward, taking her hand, "It would have done more harm than good. You have to believe me."
Selene sighed, "I have to tell her."
"I'll be by your side when you do."
She shook her head, "No. It's something I need to do on my own."
Jon frowned, "I told you you'd never have to fight another battle alone."
"This isn't a battle."
"It might turn into one," Jon said earnestly, "I want to be there with you. I'm just as much at fault as-"
Selene leaned forward, her hand at his cheek, "Please don't say 'fault', as if it was a mistake or something to be ashamed of."
Jon placed his hand over hers, turning his head to kiss her palm, "I have no regrets. I would not change what we did for the world, and I don't want you to face the consequences alone."
A deep heat spread in her chest. Selene placed her hand behind Jon's neck and brought him forward for a kiss. She pressed her forehead against his, and smiled, "I'm her friend. I'm the one who betrayed her. Trust me."
Jon's eyes flicked back and forth between her own, and he nodded.
"Anything else I need to know?"
Jon hesitated, "The Lannisters have attacked the Tyrell foot. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
Selene leaned back, suddenly fascinated by her fingernails.
"Selene?" Jon said testily.
"I…may or may not have told my uncle Jaime where the Tyrells were in exchange for the Rock."
Jon swore. "What have you done? The Tyrells are going to be-"
"Fine." Selene insisted. "What? You don't think I'd have a plan? I told the Lannisters where to go, and then I sent the Unsullied after them. When did reports come of the attack?"
"A few days ago, perhaps."
"Well, then any day now we'll be receiving word that the Unsullied joined our allies and the Lannisters have been defeated." Selene straightened, her voice hardening like steel, "It was a risk, but I was told to take the Rock, so I took it."
Jon was taken aback, his eyes wary, "You sent the Unsullied after your uncle." It wasn't a question.
Selene swallowed, "I did what I had to. Let's hope the Unsullied made it in time." For my sake.
###
Selene went to Aegon's Garden first.
Her sister was slumped against the great oak, her head buried in her arms where they were propped against her knees. Her hair was wild and lacked its usual shine. Selene couldn't tell if she was sleeping…until she stirred at her approach.
"For the last time, Uncle, I wish to be alo-" She looked up, her sentence dying when she saw Selene. Myrcella's jaw dropped as she shrunk back against the tree in fear.
Selene grinned, "As you will, Myrcella." Her sister shot to her feet, "I can come back later, if that's truly what you-"
Myrcella threw her arms around her. Selene squeezed back. I can't imagine what she must have felt. I left her along in the world, Selene thought. For a terrible moment, Myrcella was an only child.
Selene pulled away, fighting her own tears, "I'm sorry, Mycella. I'm so sorry."
Myrcella laughed through her tears, "Only you would apologize for being murdered."
"You're not scared of me?"
"Scared of you?" Myrcella was lost.
"I was dead, and now I'm not. Maybe I'm like those undead men descending on the Wall.
Myrcella frowned, "You don't seem undead to me. Oh, gods, Selene, please don't scare me like that again. I fainted at the sight of you, and sat next to your body for hours."
Selene felt nauseous. She tried to imagine sitting beside Myrcella's still body, and found she couldn't even bear the thought. "I can't imagine how you must have felt, but…" she placed her hand firmly on the back of her sister's head and pulled in close, "I'm here now, my sweet girl. I'm not going anywhere."
Myrcella's arms were squeezing the life out of her. "Don't you dare."
A soft voice, "Selene?"
She turned to find her uncle, his eyes widening when he saw her face. "You…you're alive?"
"It would appear so."
Tyrion gave her an incredulous look, the corner of his lip twitching. Soon, he was laughing, striding toward her. Selene threw herself to her knees before him and he hugged her so fiercely she thought she would faint.
He pulled away, his grip firm on her shoulders. "It would appear so? The whole world of death related humor and that's the best you can do?
Selene laughed with her belly, and pretended to take offense, "I'd like to see how clever you are after waking up from the dead."
"I wager I could scrape together something better than that."
"Truly?" Selene turned, "Myrcella, could you fetch me a dagger? And the Red Woman? I have a wager to win."
Tyrion laughed, but then he grew serious, "What happened to you?"
Selene sighed, "I was flying over an armada, burning ships-"
"Another day in the life," quipped Myrcella.
Selene nodded, "And suddenly, Rhaegal stopped listening to me. Euron Greyjoy had one of his men blowing this strange looking horn and, I don't know, it controlled Rhaegal. The ironborn captured me, and Euron tried to mount Rhaegal."
Tyrion paled, "Gods help us the day ironborn can fly."
Selene agreed, "When I told Euron no dragon has ever had two riders-"
"You what?" Tyrion cried, "What on earth would possess you to say that?"
Selene held up her hands, "I admit, upon reflection it wasn't my cleverest move. Anyway, he stabbed me." She placed a hand over her scar, "Right here." She gave him an apprehensive look, "You're not…scared of me?"
Tyrion kissed her forehead, "In the past few years, I've seen things I would have never believed. You're alive, that's all that matters to me."
Tears pricked her eyes. Selene embraced him. Myrcella joined. They sat there for a while, Selene's heart beating steady and slow. My family.
Selene could have sat there forever, but Tyrion said, "Daenerys! We have to tell her you're alive."
"How has she been?"
Tyrion looked away, "She took your death rather hard. Harder than anyone expected, perhaps even herself."
Selene stood, "Do you know where she is?"
"The Chamber of the Painted Table. She hardly leaves that room."
She nodded, "I'll see you both soon."
Myrcella took a step forward, "I'll come with you."
She knows about Jon and I. She knows I'm going to tell Daenerys the truth. "No, I need to go alone."
Tyrion grabbed Myrcella's hand, oblivious to his niece's worries, "Let the two friends have their time together. We'll see Selene at supper."
Not if I'm clapped in irons.
Selene left the garden, her family's eyes warm on her back.
Dragonstone was oddly quiet. I feel like a ghost walking these halls.
Her mind focused on the mammoth task ahead.
She practiced her speech. I'm sorry, Dany, but I had no choice. I love him. I couldn't marry someone else. I will still help you climb those steps and take the throne. I will still be your dragonrider, your Lady of Storm's End, if you'll have me.
What will my punishment be?
Even if Daenerys did allow her marriage, and that was a very large if, she could hardly let Selene go unscathed, lest the lords doubt her word. She can take Storm's End from me. Surely that would be punishment enough. If it wasn't, then-
"Selene?" A gruff voice choked out.
Selene turned to find Ser Barristan before her, a wild look on his face. "This can't be…you died!"
"The Red Woman brought me-"
He gripped her in a crushing embrace. His hand found the back of her head, the same way she had held Myrcella, loving and protective. "I thought you were dead."
Selene returned his embrace. Barristan Selmy had been there at her birth, and had been as constant in her life as the sun. She could only imagine what it was like for him to see her grow, and to see her broken body. Her voice was thick when she said, "I'm sorry you saw me like that."
Barristan met her eyes, "Me too, Selene. I thought I saw your dead body at the Twins, and to see it again…"
Tears rose in her eyes.
Ser Barristan cleared his throat, "Please don't die a third time. I don't think my old heart can take it."
Selene laughed, "I'll do my upmost, Barristan."
He nodded, "Are you on your way to see the queen?"
"Yes."
Barristan extended an arm, "It would be my honor to escort you."
Selene took his arm gladly.
She told him what she'd told Tyrion about how she died. Barristan's grip tightened on his arm when he heard of Euron Greyjoy. Ser Barristan had never trusted the ironborn, and was one of her father's generals during Balon's Rebellion. By the time she was done, they had arrived outside the Chamber of the Painted Table.
Two Unsullied stood guard, as did a third man.
"Lord Varys."
"Princess Selene. I am surprised to see you."
"You don't sound very surprised."
Varys simpered, "May we speak alone?"
Ser Barristan turned, holding her hands is his own, "My dear child, I've never been good with words, but I…" he struggled to transform his feelings into speech, so he brought her hands up to his lips and kissed them.
"You don't need words, my white knight. You never have."
Ser Barristan smiled, before nodding at Varys and leaving with a swish of his white cloak. The Unsullied guards followed.
Varys looked her up and down, slowing circling her, "Many underestimated you, princess. I regret to say I was amongst them."
Selene's eyes followed him, but she did not move.
The eunuch chuckled, "Of all the people I expected to get this far, I never counted you as one of them. And to hold the position you do, your families being who they are and our queen being who she is…" he stopped right in front of her, "it's nothing short of a miracle."
Selene was already tired of this conversation, and she needed to save her wit and strength for her next one. "Why are you here, Varys?"
His voice was as soft as snowfall, "To stop you from destroying everything."
Selene swallowed, "How could I possibly do that?"
Varys giggled, "Even now you doubt your own influence. How? We hold Casterly Rock and the westerlands because of you. The north, and by extension the Vale, are ours now, thanks to your...influence...over the recent King in the North. The Martells and Tyrells-"
"Can't possibly be here because of me. They're here because they hate the Lannisters."
"Hating the Lannisters is not the same as loving the Targaryens. They were open to receiving me because of their hatred for Cersei, but they only agreed to come here because I told them you were the queen's heir."
"What?" Selene whispered.
"Prince Doran sent his daughter because Oberyn spoke on your behalf. Lord Willas sent his brother and grandmother because Olenna vouched for you. Don't you see, princess? Everything we've ever wanted is within our grasp, until you walk in that room and burn it all down."
Of course he knows the truth. If I learned one thing in all my years in King's Landing, it's that Varys always knows. "What would you have me do?"
"Do nothing. Say nothing. Accept that Aegon is your destiny. He always has been." He stepped forward, "Most people would kill for a morsel of what's being handed to you on a silver platter. Power, wealth-"
"A gilded cage is still a cage."
"You can't lie to me, princess. You may not have always seen me, but I have always been there, watching you and your siblings grow, guessing what kind of lords and ladies you would come to be. Though you may have convinced yourself otherwise, you are your grandfather's descendant no doubt. You crave power as much as he did."
"Apparently not," Selene countered. "Seeing as how I've given up the crown for-" Selene dropped her voice, "All I've ever wanted was to make my father proud. Do my duty."
"This is your duty."
Selene grit her teeth, "There are other highborn girls in Westeros. It doesn't have to be me."
Varys straightened, speaking like a man who thought of little else, "Of all the Great Houses, there are five highborn ladies who could marry Aegon. Sansa and Arya Stark, Arianne Martell, Myrcella Lannister-"
Selene narrowed her eyes.
"What? Are we all still pretending she's Robert's child?" Varys sighed, "Fine. Myrcella Baratheon and you. Of these five, only one is proven to be fertile-"
Selene choked on her laughter, "I'm just a mare to be mounted."
Varys ignored her, "That same lady is the daughter of Robert Baratheon, the man who ended the Targaryen dynasty."
"Who could be worse suited to marry Rhaegar's son?"
"Exactly the opposite, my dear. Who could be better, to heal the wounds made so long ago? I could have sent you to the queen in a million ways, but I chose the Shy Maid. Can you guess why?"
Wheels within wheels. Selene thought of Aegon as he was when he was Young Griff to her. "Your plan nearly worked."
"It still can. Forget the bastard."
Selene stared at Varys, for a moment wishing she could do as he asked. Wishing she could take the easy way out, be the proper princess he and Tyrion and Daenerys so desperately wanted her to be.
But Selene Baratheon had too much of her father in her for that.
"I can't. I won't."
Varys hung his head, "And people pity me."
"Excuse me?"
Varys looked up at her, and Selene had never realized how cold his eyes were. They were grey, like Jon's, but that's where the resemblance ended. Varys' eyes were like Valyrian steel, sharp and dangerous, but when he spoke, his voice was soft, "Everyone pities the eunuch, and for what? When I see what desire does to people, what it's done to Westeros, I am very glad to have no part in it."
Selene did pity him. She stepped passed him, turning her face to the side, "We are only human, Varys. The gods have fashioned us for love. It's our greatest glory, and our greatest tragedy."
Varys met her gaze, his eyes sad and pitying.
Selene turned toward the chamber and opened the doors.
The room was dark, the only source of light the giant fire roaring in the hearth behind the raised chair that overlooked the Painted Table.
Daenerys sat, slumped, in that chair. A goblet held limply in her hand, the queen was staring at the city of King's Landing, looking older than Selene had ever seen her.
Selene stood at the doorway, trying to calm her racing heart.
Daenerys didn't look her way, "What is it?"
Selene opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Instead, she cleared her throat, and walked to the other side of the table, passed the Reach, making her way to the Iron Islands. When finally got there, she turned to face her queen.
Daenerys slowly looked up from King's Landing, her eyes heading west, her grip tightening on the goblet in anticipation. When her eyes finally found Selene, the goblet clattered to the floor.
Her chin lifted from her chest, her eyes wide and wet. "S-Selene?"
Selene couldn't help the wide grin that broke on her face, "Hello Daenerys."
Shock, hope, and disbelief swirled in her eyes, fighting for dominance. Disbelief won the first spar, "I'm dreaming."
Selene placed her hands gently on the westerlands, "I burst into your life once. I fancied doing it again."
Daenerys stood, stalking slowly around the table, leaning against it as if needing its strength. When she stood before Selene, she stared long and hard, before reaching out and giving Selene a savage pinch on the arm.
Selene cursed, drawing back and rubbing her arm, "What was that for?" she asked indignantly.
Daenerys rushed forward, embracing her, "Apologies. I wanted to see if you were real."
Selene returned her friend's embrace, "I'm real. I'm alive."
Daenerys pulled back, "I saw you on that table. I saw your blood-stained gown and I thought, I thought…" The dragon queen cleared her throat, her violet eyes haunted, "I thought I'd lost the only family I had left."
Warmth spread through Selene's chest. I have Tyrion, Jaime and Myrcella…but Daenerys has no one. Advisors she trusts, that little scribe she's fond of, loyal allies…but not family. Selene smiled, "It was only a scratch."
Daenerys laughed sharply. "I'm sure the gods returned you to us after realizing how insufferable you are."
It was Selene's turn to laugh.
Daenerys' eyes widened. She reached over on the table and picked up Selene's slim black circlet, the one she had made for her in Meereen. "I believe this is yours."
Selene held the slim circlet in her hand, tracing the square cuts of black opals with her thumbs. She turned it, the flecks of gold and crimson dancing in the light. She gripped it tight, knowing what it represented. I am her heir, and am beholden to all the rules that come with that honor. Guilt coiled in her belly.
Daenerys grinned, unaware of the shame that burdened Selene, "We have to celebrate, and I think I know how."
Selene put the circlet down. "Daenerys-"
"Your wedding will be the happiest event on this miserable rock in decades. And who knows? This time next year we may be in the Red Keep, preparing for a little prince or princess with silver hair and blue eyes-"
My children will be black of hair. "Dany, please-"
"I will never have a child," Daenerys pressed on, "but your children…they will be the future of my house and I swear I will love them as if they were my own."
Selene had to stop her, "I can't marry Aegon."
Daenerys sighed, "This again? We've already spoken about this, Selene, once you hold a child of your own-"
"You misunderstand me." Selene interrupted, hesitating, "I can't marry Aegon because…" she lifted her chin and her gathered all her courage, "I'm already married."
Daenerys blinked.
Selene held her breath, waiting for her words to sink in.
Daenerys didn't seem angry. That was the worst part. She just seemed confused, "What? But…you can't be."
"The day before I left for Casterly Rock, I met him in the village near the dragonglass mines. We married in secret, in a tiny sept by the sea."
"Who?"
"Who?" Selene frowned, "Well, Jon, of course."
Daenerys stepped back, betrayal in her eyes. "We can get it annulled. Was it consummated?"
Selene bit back a laugh, trying and failing to look ashamed, "Quite extensively."
Rage painted Daenerys' every feature, "Do you think this is funny? How could you? This was my last chance to make sure my house continues after I'm gone!"
Selene anticipated this fury and spoke calmly, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. "I had no choice."
"Do you tell yourself that so you can sleep at night? You had a choice. Loyalty or treason…and you made it."
"Do you want me to beg for forgiveness? Because I will." Selene fell to her knees. Daenerys rolled her eyes and walked away. "I'm sorry-"
"Don't lie to me, Selene. You are many things, but sorry is not one of them. Not now, at least."
"You're right. I'm not sorry I married the man I love. I am sorry for the pain I'm causing you." Selene watched as Daenerys paced back and forth, as if trying to chase all the thoughts racing in her mind. Selene felt a pulse of anger in her veins, "I've given you everything. Please let me have Jon."
"Everything?" Daenerys rounded on Selene, "I've given you a dragon, a crown and an army at your back. What have you given me? Nothing."
Selene shot to her feet, "Nothing? I've given you Casterly Rock. The north bent the knee to you, because of me. I will give you Storm's End and the stormlands. Dorne and Highgarden-"
"Varys won them to my cause."
"Do you think they would have trusted the Mad King's daughter without reason? Varys told them that I supported you and that's why they gave you a chance."
Daenerys looked stunned, and disturbed, by the news.
Selene stepped forward, "I am not nothing. I have never been nothing."
Daenerys' eyes flicked back and forth between her own, as if searching for something. "I can't let this go unpunished. This is treason, and any ruler would have you both executed."
"Any ruler, but not you."
Daenerys turned, walking out on the balcony. Selene was close behind, wincing at the bright grey day that awaited them. Daenerys placed her palms on the stones, looking out toward the sea. Selene went to stand beside her, eyes fixed on Daenerys' stony expression.
"Damn you, Selene."
Selene released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. I knew it. She can't kill me. No more than I could kill her.
"Tell me what I should do." Daenerys asked softly, "Advise me."
That was all Selene needed to hear. "You're right. This can't go unpunished. I defied you, I broke your trust and for that I will always be sorry. Take Storm's End from me. That punishment is more than fair. Give it to my sister."
"Your sister is no Baratheon."
"She still bears my father's name. Take it from me, and the people of Westeros will know that you punish those who defy you."
"And what should I do with Jon Snow? The Warden of the North."
Selene had thought of this, too, "His sister is the Lady of Winterfell. Warden is just a title, and I'm sure he'd be willing to lose his wardenship for me. He has no castle or lands or anything else of value that you could take."
"Except his life."
Selene's stomach dropped at the ice in her queen's voice, and she spoke her next words slowly, "If you want to execute him, you'll have to execute me as well."
Daenerys mouth twisted into a grimace, "You've given this a lot of thought. Your betrayal."
"I admit, I've thought of little else."
"Here's what you didn't consider." Daenerys turned, "Did it ever occur to you that the punishments you describe are no true punishments at all?"
Selene was taken aback, "Of course they are. I'm giving up my family's ancient-"
"That's exactly my point. You're giving up. Proper punishment needs to burn, needs to dissuade others from ever betraying me. Will my future subjects betray me, and then offer something they've already come to terms with losing? Is that justice to you?"
Selene didn't have an answer to that.
"You don't understand what position you've put me in, Selene," Daenerys growled, "I have to do more than take Storm's End from you, but I can't-"
Daenerys couldn't finish her sentence, but she didn't have to. Selene already knew. I can't kill you.
The dragon queen stared into the distance, almost as if she could see King's Landing and beyond. After a long while, she whispered, "Three treasons will you know…once for blood and once for gold and once for love." Daenerys glanced her way, "It seems I've found the last, the betrayal for love."
Another prophecy. Selene was exhausted of divination and wondered just how many about her were floating out in the world, like shadow swords hanging over her neck.
"My oath to you stands, as it always has. I will help you take the throne. I will ride with you into battle." Selene took her friend's hand, "You are my queen, as well as my friend. My family."
"Enough, Selene. I can't think straight with you here." She called for her guards.
"No, Daenerys-"
"I can hardly have you both walking free after what you've done." She turned to the guards, "Find Jon Snow. Keep them both confined to their rooms. Their separate rooms."
A protest rose to Selene's lips, but she swallowed it whole. As she was escorted from the chamber, with fear, anger and shame all twisting in her chest, Selene wondered what could be worse than losing Storm's End. Daenerys was right, Selene did have a choice, and she made it. She hoped and prayed she'd never live to regret it.
Author's Note:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review if you can.
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