AN 1: So I don't really know what the hell this is. However, I am also as excited as hell. This is a really rare pairing and I am super excited to explore it!

This will be a lot grittier and different from my other stories but please give it a chance. It will be 20,000 words as that feels the right length to cover this narrative.

DaarioxSansa

Daario Naharis

The insidious whispers hadn't taken long to reach Daario Naharis' ears. If he had a choice he'd have rather cut them off then learn of Daenerys' defeat. She had left so strong. Daario had wagered Westeros would topple in mere months. With three gargantuan dragons, a mounted force of innumerable Dothraki and a grounded army of Unsullied thousands strong her victory was inevitable.

Each portion of Daenerys' militant legion were devout in their following, to die for her would be an honor. Daenerys had asserted herself as something otherworldly, a celestial essence contained to a mortal vessel. To the dragons she was their mother, their rescuer from an eternity of a stone prison. The Unsullied saw her as their liberator and transferred over complete fealty from their masters to. The freed people from Yunkai, Astapor and Meereen called her Myhsa, their savior from bondage. And she was the ultimate expression of strength and power to the Dothraki. Their Khaleesi was impervious to fire, one of the most primal and devastating elements on Planetos. Through her dragons and magic she was flame incarnate. Daenerys inspired fanatical loyalty and that was one of her greatest strengths.

So with such a formidable and stalwart force, how could Daenerys fail? She was a born conqueror, designed to invade and dominate. However, it was the conquering that proved to be Daenerys' bane, not the ruling. His queen never had the chance to even sit on the Iron Throne.

It seemed that Westeros was simply unworthy of Daenerys. The whispers he caught snippets of implied that she had been betrayed by some of her closest allies. She went to Westeros with the sole intention of seizing the Iron Throne; not involving herself in the conflicts between the squabbling Houses and factions. But like her idol, Aegon the Conqueror, Daenerys wouldn't be satisfied with only being its queen, but also vested personal interest in the problems of her people. She wanted to unify as much as invade. And as admirable as it was, it got her killed. Because she took the time to garner superfluous alliances and serve the whims of these allies she was weakened to the point of defeat.

Ellaria Sand and her daughter were taken captive and left to rot by Cersei. Olenna Tyrell was killed at Highgarden. And Euron Greyjoy possessed too great a portion of the Iron Fleet's strength. In the end her empathy was her downfall as she spread herself too thin and invested in the wrong causes.

Ugh, she should have taken me with her!

Daario whirled around and knocked the crystal wine jug off the table. He watched it splinter into thousands of fragments and felt it the same as his broken heart. The Dornish Red seeped through the cracks of the shattered container and spilled across the tile floor.

Daario turned away in disgust. Disgust at himself, at the people of Westeros, and even at his queen.

Try as he might, he could not help but resent Daenerys for the foolish mistakes she made and her grave miscalculations. Yet, it was the personal rejection she inflicted upon him that haunted him still.

He had begged to accompany her west, to be her most steadfast protector-of both her heart and body. Daario would have loved her until the end of his days, even if it meant watching her marry a total stranger. The sell sword had no illusions about the demands that being a monarch were, marriage was an absolute necessity. But as long as she had her in his arms at night, and him in her heart, he could endure a sham union. He had been stupid enough to think that she would feel the same about him, experience the intoxicating allure of attraction, and even love. He had made the ultimate mistake of believing she had equivalent affection for him. In the end he was only a cock to fill her cunt, and a body to warm her bed.

And it didn't take long for her to find a replacement more to her liking. Jon Snow. Jon Snow. Bloody Fucking Jon Snow. King in the North or whatever the cunt styled himself as. He was no king like Daario was not the High Septon of the Seven! This bastard who had the balls to claim Targaryen parentage had rebelled against Daenerys before she even made an indentation in the sand of Dragonstone.

Snow was nothing more than a fucking opportunist reaching beyond his station and what he deserved. The world owed him nothing, and especially not Daenerys. Then again I had done the same with my cock headed blunder of courting the Khaleesi. All I got for his efforts was a dusty city that reeked of piss, blood and men's seed. A hollow prize in place of a goddess who walked among men. Men like me who she enchanted with her perfect tits, supple skin and a fiery soul that contrasted her icy silver hair. I grew blind to the only constants in life: gold, blood and glory. If a frozen savage was his Queen's man of choice, he would leave her memory to perish with the accursed Queenslayer she was idiot enough to fuck and love. There is no place for me here in Meereen. I am not hers to use anymore or fuck on command.

I did my damned hardest to hold this shit show of a city together, and it still wasn't enough. She never came back or sent for me. She might be dead, but I am still alive. I am done playing the deft politician and coy schemer. I wasn't built to rule. I was built to kill, get paid and fuck: the best life had to offer.

Daario slid his growing hair back out of his eyes. He had allowed it to become unruly and long because he figured Daenerys favored it that way. But now it would only be a hindrance, a blind spot for enemies to hide behind and a weakness to be exploited by anyone brave enough to pull it.

He would have to cut it. Daario stomped through the wreckage of the delectably designed wine decanter and admired the sting of the glass biting into the leather sole of his boot. The sting wasn't too deep as to impair his mobility, but a nice reminder of how much things had gone to shit. He replayed the sound of the crunching glass as he climbed the few steps to the mirror that was mounted next to the bed.

In his cockier of moments Daario had thought the mirror a novel idea. A way for Daenerys to watch as he took her in all positions and every way. She would witness as she fell apart time after time with the tricks he had learned from countless whores and his gods' given talents.

Nevertheless, he was incorrect about that too. It would no longer service his self absorbed delusions but be the beginning of his rejuvenation. Daario removed his dagger from his belt and assessed his appearance. He didn't want to let all of his hard work of growing his hair out go to waste, but he certainly needed a cut. He ignored the bloodshot eyes that greeted him, the gaunt cheeks that haunted him and the shadows that taunted him. In the span of a year he had aged 10 years, but no matter, soon enough he would be as desirable and fuckable as ever.

As he sliced the excess hair from his scalp, he imagined what else his dagger could do. It had been far too long since he slit a throat or gutted someone with his arakh. Maybe it was time to revisit the deadlier aspects of his weapons and return to his sellsword roots. He had the perfect targets in mind: the simpering Jon Snow and his redhead sister who was instrumental to Daenerys downfall.

What is her name? Sanda, Sana, Sansa...Sansa Stark.

"Sansa Stark."

The name dripped from his tongue as languid as stirred honey. He had a new purpose and a reason to fight again.

Thank you Jon Snow and Sansa Stark. I'll have to book passage to the North to meet this Queen in the North and the Queenslayer for myself.

Sansa Stark

Maester Wolkan scuttled over to where Sansa sat behind her desk. Each link of his chain made a distinct ring as he stepped over the flagstones. His bearded face was passive and betrayed nothing of the yellow parchment he hunched over.

Sansa put her quill down and set the accounts aside. She hoped that Wolkan's visit would be brief as she wanted to finish tallying the crown's expenses for the third month of her reign. But what preoccupied her the most was the nausea that crept in at the most inopportune of times. She let out a heavy sigh and nodded for Wolkan to begin as he reached her.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for disturbing you at this late hour; especially when you are hard at work, but the letter seemed most urgent. It bears the royal seal of your brother. The raven that delivered the missive seemed rather...impatient for you to receive it. I will leave it with you. I bid you a good night and fruitful labors."

Wolkan placed the message in her hands gingerly and backed away. He bowed respectfully and made to depart from the solar.

Sansa's fingers wrapped around the letter and felt the grainy material pucker beneath her skin.

"Never apologize for doing your duty Maester. You are one of the only friendly faces remaining at Winterfell. With Jon, Bran, Arya and Brienne gone your company is very dear to me. It gets a bit lonely in this castle. I am always delighted to see you. Thank you for your promptness in dispensing Bran's letter to me. Good night Maester. Rest well."

The Queen in the North gave Wolkan a sweet smile that spoke of her high regard for the man, and a hint of paternal affection for him.

Wolkan smiled slightly in return, and bowed once more. But he had one more thing to say before bidding his monarch a final farewell.

"I feel the same way Your Majesty. Since you assumed the throne the North has begun to truly heal and prosperity will come soon enough. I value your company and if this is not too forward, I see you as the daughter I never had. But please excuse the ramblings of an aging man who is honored to be your Maester.

'Before I leave, your Majesty, I promise you that Winterfell will not feel as empty forever. Soon enough we will have babe to fill the halls with its strong wails and joyous laughter. I urge you to not overextend yourself. It would not do for you to fatigue yourself or the baby. I left a tonic in your chambers that should alleviate any sickness you feel. If it proves insufficient, do not hesitate to send for me. A sleeping draught is always a trusty alternative."

Sansa replied, "Thank you for your honesty and continued support. I could not lead this country without you to give me counsel and succor. I too look forward to when my child enters the world, if nothing else it will put a stop to how my stomach roils. And I am confident the tonic will do just fine. Have a restful evening Maester."

The queen's dismissal was clear but not without courtesy and fondness.

Assured that Wolkan had done all he could as both an advisor and a friend, he left the room expediently.

Sansa chuckled as she heard the jangle of his heavy chain recede until she could no longer detect it.

Then she turned her attention to the letter in hand. Curious as to what its contents were she wasted no time in breaking the waxy seal and unrolling the scroll. She had an inkling as to why the raven was so insistent about the missive. In all probability the raven was no simple avian, but a bird under direct command. The raven was a repository for her brother's consciousness; he had warged into the beast's mind. Hence it was logical to assume that the letter was of considerable import.

She leaned back into her chair with one hand holding the letter aloft, and the other massaging her expanded belly.

Dear sister,

I have the unerring faith that the North is convalescing splendidly under your rule. And before you ask, no, I have not used the Sight. I simply know you well enough; know how capable you are and the love you have for the North. In time the North will reach its former state and mayhaps even surpass it.

However, this letter is not intended to be the congratulatory sort. There is urgent news to be shared: Daario Naharis is venturing to the North. The name probably means nothing to you. This makes sense because you have never heard of him before. Now it is imperative you know: he is a talented and vicious sells word who swore Daenerys' his undying fealty years ago. They were once lovers and she left the city of Meereen in his charge. Naharis' love for Daenerys ran soul deep. He mourns the loss of her sorely. The reason for his travel is to kill both you and Jon Snow. It is his idea of exacting vengeance; retribution for the parts you and Jon played in Daenerys' downfall. Do not be mistaken, I am not admonishing either of you, you both did the right thing and that cannot be denied. But you mustn't underestimate the skills of this man.

Double your guard and remain vigilant. He will arrive from White Harbor in 3 months time. By then your pregnancy will have advanced to a more vulnerable and obvious stage, do not let him take advantage of this. Use your own gifts and talents to monitor him and control the playing field. You are a master of the game of thrones, use this to your benefit. Chaos is not a pit, but a ladder, create chaos for this scoundrel. Remember the lessons you have learned in both the political aspect and magical aspect of have the power of the First Men and Children of the Forest within you. I have the utmost faith you will triumph in keeping yourself and the babe safe. Your child will live to see its first day and night.

Daario does not know that Jon is already dead or that you carry his babe inside you. Use this to your advantage as well. Be wise and be confident. I will contact you immediately if I learn anything more.

I believe in you, remember that you have the entire North, Jon's memory and Arya's obstinance behind you.

With all my love.

Brandon Stark

Lord of the Six Kingdoms

King of the Andals

Protector of the Realm

The Three Eyed Raven

Sansa felt ready to be sick for a reason other than her pregnancy, but she couldn't let her fear get the best of her. Nobody would hurt her ever again.

AN 2: So I don't really know what the hell this is. However, I am also as excited as hell. This is a really rare pairing and I am super excited to explore it!

I hope you enjoyed it. Updates should be 2-3 weeks top. Thank you so much for reading and feel free to leave comments or critiques.