Notes:

It's been a while. But work has been keeping me more than busy. I wish it was different. Probably won't change any time soon.

The word count for the chapter doubled while "finalizing" it, so I had to split it again. Currently, the story has 17 chapters. But that's probably a temporary condition.

Thanks to Seastar21 and Silent Wolf Singer for the continuous reviews. It means a lot and keeps me writing.

The few reviews I have been receiving for the last few chapters have made me wonder though if people are losing interest in this story.

Whoever is still reading this, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Tyrion arrived last for breakfast. Daenerys and Jorah were already seated at the table.

"Your Grace," Tyrion greeted her, ignoring Jorah completely.

"I am glad you could join us at such short notice," Daenerys replied.

"How could I refuse?" Tyrion sat down and briefly glanced at Jorah, wondering if he had told Daenerys about their earlier conversation.

"Did you have other plans for this morning?" she asked.

"No." Tyrion answered curtly.

"I think we should do this more often again," Daenerys said.

"Sure," Tyrion replied, not even looking up from his plate.

Daenerys gave Jorah a questioning look. It wasn't like Tyrion to be so monosyllabic. But it had mostly been her fault that her relationship with Tyrion had become distant. Thus she made an effort to engage in small talk, which was usually Tyrion's area of expertise. "Do you happen to know how many people have arrived for audiences today?"

"No. I was occupied elsewhere this morning."

"I see."

"But I can check, if you want me to," Tyrion offered.

"No, it's fine. I was just curious."

They continued to eat in silence. Daenerys wondered if this had been a bad idea after all.

"I ran into your brother yesterday," Jorah said, trying to revive the conversation.

"That was inevitable, I guess," Tyrion replied. He looked pointedly at Jorah. "Many things seem to be inevitable these days."

They returned to eating in silence again.

"Jorah, why don't you tell us something about Bear Island?" Daenerys asked.

"Yes," Tyrion said. "Tell us about your wife."

Jorah returned Tyrion's look with a stare that made Tyrion almost regret his comment. But just almost.

"She must be missing you," Tyrion remarked.

Jorah tried to suppress his anger, appearing calm on the outside. "She can take care of herself. And she has plenty of people around her, looking out for her."

"How nice," Tyrion replied with sarcasm.

Daenerys observed the two men. Jorah's eyes were fixed on her Hand. It was obvious that something had happened between them. "What is going on?" Daenerys demanded. When they both stayed silent, she asked again. "Something is going on and I want to know what it is. Now!"

"We had a difference of opinion," Tyrion replied.

"That much I have figured out myself. Don't make me repeat myself."

"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with," Jorah said.

Daenerys hated it when anybody used such a patronizing tone with her. "Now!" she demanded. But Jorah remained silent while Tyrion looked like he wanted to say something. Daenerys addressed her Hand. "You seem to be displeased with something."

Tyrion took a deep breath, but he didn't know how to start without insulting his Queen. Well, it was his own fault that he couldn't keep his mouth shut. He should have thought this more through.

"One of you will tell me what is going on. Or both of you will be spending the night locked up in the dungeon. Together."

"Really, both of us?" Tyrion asked. "You would lock up your lover?" Once the words were out of his mouth, he cursed himself for his foolishness.

"Is that what this is about?" Daenerys was surprised that their disagreement was about something so trivial. "You disapprove of me taking a lover? You didn't object to Daario. And I think I made it clear that I am not going to marry."

"I disapprove of Ser Jorah taking advantage of your… of the current situation."

"The current situation?"

"It's been some difficult months… for you…," Tyrion stammered, "with everything that has happened and… ruling over Six Kingdoms and... well… everything."

"Jorah is not taking advantage of me. I might just as well be using him. I might be taking advantage of his feelings for me. It is my decision whom I share my bed with. I will not ask permission from my Hand."

"You heeded my advice in Meereen," Tyrion reminded her.

"If you think you made me leave Daario in Meereen, you are mistaken. You simply gave me a convenient excuse to make it easier. I didn't want Daario to come with me."

Jorah couldn't help but smile when he heard those words. And something else made him smile. The Daenerys he knew was still there. She was still struggling, but she was fighting her way back.

"I just want to protect you. I don't think that this is the right moment to-"

"You have no say in this. I am thankful you wrote to Jorah. I truly am. I am thankful that you still care about me. But I don't like when my Hand is going behind my back. And I don't like when people keep things from me. I am the Queen." She took a deep breath before she went on. "I know I haven't been the Queen you wanted me to be. I-"

"I never-" Tyrion started to object.

"Let me finish."

Tyrion nodded.

"I know I haven't lived up to your expectations. Nor have I lived up to my own expectations. I do welcome any concern you might have regarding my ruling of the Six Kingdoms, any concern or criticism. In fact, that is what I expect of my Hand. But anything that is not directly linked to the wellbeing of my people is none of your business."

Tyrion remained silent.

"Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, your Grace."

"Now leave us alone before I forget why I should be thankful."

Tyrion bowed and left.

Daenerys looked at Jorah. "How did he find out?"

Jorah shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. He was waiting for me in my quarters after I left yours."

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry about what?"

"That Tyrion found out," Daenerys replied. "We should have been more careful. I shouldn't have asked you to stay."

"Don't worry about that."

"You are married. You have a wife and soon a child. You have people that count on you on Bear Island. You should return home."

Jorah sighed. "I will. But as long as I am here, I am yours."

"I don't want them to gossip. I don't care what people think about me. But you…" Daenerys walked over to the window and looked out over the ocean. She could hear Jorah following her.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Let me worry about that."

"I should have told Tyrion that it was me who came to you."

"You mean on Dragonstone?"

Daenerys nodded.

"It's none of his business." Jorah couldn't care less what Tyrion thought about him.

She turned around to look at him. "Are you trying to protect me?" she asked with a smile.

"That's my job."

"Not anymore." Daenerys stroked his cheek. "And you don't need to protect me."

Jorah smiled at her tenderly. "I don't think I can ever stop that."

She leaned against him. "Not the best way to start the day."

"He'll get over it," Jorah tried to reassure her and put his arms around her.

Daenerys didn't want to be even more at odds with Tyrion than she already was. "Does Tyrion think I have lost it?"

"No. I do believe he just wants to protect you."

They stayed in each other's arms and looked out over the sea, watching the approaching waves. A few seabirds were sailing on the wind.

"I haven't seen Drogon around," Jorah remarked.

"He sometimes leaves for a few days. I believe he goes south, where it is warmer. But he never stays away for long. Ever since Rhaegal's death he has become more…," she was searching for the right word, "attached. It seems like he too feels the need to protect me. Or maybe he just gets lonely too, now that both his brothers are dead."

Jorah somehow doubted that it was the latter. Just as he doubted that it had been coincidence that Drogon had shown up in Meereen exactly when Daenerys' life had been in danger. Jorah was convinced there was a connection between them, even if he couldn't explain the nature of it.

"I have to go."

"Audiences?"

"Yes."

"I'll join you."

"No need. I'll be fine."

He looked at her with scrutiny.

"I will be." It was depressing at times to listen to the problems of her people. But Daenerys could empathize with them much better than with any of the noble lords or ladies that were complaining about nullities, like the increase in price of good wine or the lack of a certain type of cloth. Daenerys liked to take the time to ask the people coming before her about their family, their work and their hardships. "It'll be tedious for you. And I am sure you get to hear plenty of these things on Bear Island. But I would like for you to come to the council meeting later today."

It wasn't like Jorah had much else to do. But he didn't want to give her the impression that he didn't trust her. "Of course."

"I'll see you later then." She smiled and placed a quick kiss on Jorah's lips, intending to leave. But he held on to her and kissed her properly. It was unexpected, but Daenerys was more than willing to linger for a bit longer.

Jorah pulled her against his body and deepened the kiss. He didn't want to let her go. But at the same time, he was apprehensive of going too far, of demanding too much from her. This wasn't him comforting her. This was him taking what he wanted. Daenerys was starting to regain her footing. She wouldn't need him much longer.

Daenerys couldn't get enough of kisses. With Jorah's lips moving against hers, she forgot where she was. There was something she was meant to do, but it remained out of reach, drowned out by Jorah's kisses. She didn't want him to stop. She had never been kissed like that. Drogo had kissed her with passion, but almost always as a prelude to or during sex. The Dothraki weren't big on kissing. Daario had preferred talking over kissing. The sellsword had loved to hear himself talk and had therefore kept kissing to the bare minimum. Jon had been gentle and reserved, almost shy. Jorah's kisses were different from all of them. He conveyed so much with his kisses, just like he could with his eyes. But if his eyes were whispering to her, his lips were screaming at her, especially at this very moment. His kisses spoke of love, desire, passion, devotion and affection. More than once, Jorah had admitted his love for her in words. But his kisses conveyed more than he had ever dared to say. Only now Daenerys understood the full depth of his love for her.

Eventually, they broke apart, both surprised by the intensity of the kiss.

Daenerys' fingers were tightly wrapped around his cloak. For a moment, she couldn't speak. She didn't want to speak. Strangely, Jorah's declarations of love had never made her uncomfortable. Daenerys had been grateful and honored by his love. His love had carried her through some of her darkest hours. It had been a comfort. But now it almost scared her. Not the fact that he did love her, but the intensity of it. Daenerys realized that no one had ever loved her like this, not even Drogo. And that was what scared her; she had never known such love before.

Jorah brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She was looking at him in an odd way. Had he gone too far after all? But she had returned the kiss with abandon. "Daenerys?"

"I…," she started, but didn't quite trust her voice. Daenerys took a deep breath before she tried again. But what could she say? Slowly, she unclasped her hands and let go of his cloak. "I have to go," she said with an unsteady voice.

Jorah nodded in understanding. But the look on her face still confused him.

Daenerys was going to be late for audiences. But she couldn't move. She didn't want to leave Jorah like that. He deserved more than her silence. Daenerys raised herself on tiptoes and was about to place a kiss on his lips. But she stopped herself and pulled back slightly. If she kissed him again, she might not be able to stop this time.

"Daenerys?"

She smiled and stroked his cheek. "Later."

Later that day, council meeting

"The High Septon has requested an audience with you personally," Tyrion said. "He traveled all the way from King's Landing to speak to you. He wants to talk about rebuilding the Great Sept of Balor."

So far, Daenerys had refused his written requests to meet with him, but now that he had travelled to Casterly Rock in person, she couldn't ignore him anymore. "In winter?"

"Yes, he says people need a place for praying, now more than ever."

"It will take years to rebuild. And I doubt the Great Sept of Balor was used by the common people." She looked at Tyrion for confirmation.

"Indeed, your Grace."

"Ser Davos, what do you think the people need most in winter?" Daenerys asked.

"Shelter and food. And yes, maybe a place to pray. It gives them comfort."

"It would be dangerous to give them too much power," the representative from the Iron Islands said, since he was not of the Faith of the Seven. "They imprisoned people who did not follow their faith to the letter. This is not a faith that should be supported."

"Every religion has its fanatics," Ser Davos said bitterly, thinking of Melisandre.

"You only say that because you were raised in the Faith of the Seven, Ser Davos."

"Your Drowned God tells you to raid and pillage. That is not a very merciful god," Ser Davos retorted. "Besides, I wasn't thinking of your God when I was talking about fanatics." Ser Davos prided himself on not being goaded by the other advisers when they were squabbling. But whenever he thought of poor Shireen his temper got the better of him.

"Can we please get back on topic," Tyrion asked. The meeting was taking longer than usual. Daenerys kept asking questions. And her advisors kept using the opportunity to make their own personal opinions known, which often developed into quarrels. It was not very productive. Tyrion noticed how exhausted Daenerys looked. And he himself wasn't fairing much better. He had gotten little sleep the night before. It was the last point on the agenda for today and he was looking forward to the end of this meeting.

Jorah was quietly observing, only offering his advice when asked directly. Nobody seemed to mind or question his continued presence at the council meetings.

Daenerys was trying to concentrate on what was being said. But it was getting more and more difficult. She was tired and her thoughts kept going back over what people had told her earlier at audiences. One woman had even fainted. It had turned out that she hadn't eaten so her children could have a bit more. The woman hadn't even eaten the meal that was provided at Casterly Rock. Instead she had carefully wrapped it up to take home to her children.

"The High Septon," Tyrion reminded the others.

"He will want money for the sept," Ser Davos said.

"Most likely." Tyrion was thankful for Ser Davos' presence. He seemed to be the only one without his own agenda.

"We cannot afford to spend money on such things," Daenerys said. "Winter has only begun."

"I agree," Tyrion said. He had been raised in the Faith of the Seven, but had never liked their rules very much. And he hadn't been in favor of what they had done to his sister. Cersei had been cruel and merciless, but there were things one just didn't do.

"I will meet with the High Septon tomorrow," Daenerys said. She hated to waste time with such requests while people were having much more serious problems. "Let's find out what he wants and get this over and done with."

"Very well," Tyrion said. "I will let him know."

"I want you there as well," Daenerys informed him.

"Of course, your Grace."

"Anything else?"

"No," Tyrion replied. "That was all for today."

"Good," she said and rose.

Everyone left, except for Jorah and Tyrion.

Daenerys walked towards the throne room.

"Where are you going?" Jorah asked.

"There are still people waiting."

"At this hour?"

"Yes."

Jorah looked at her with obvious disapproval. "You need to rest. You need to eat." He had tried to make her take a break at midday. But Daenerys had brusquely refused.

"You don't get to show up here and tell me what to do," Daenerys said angrily.

Jorah decided it was enough. And since Tyrion was not going to tell her no, it was up to him. He could empathize with Tyrion though. After his own betrayal Jorah had tried to keep a low profile and to please her in any way he could. But they had eventually gotten past that. "I will tell you my opinion. You can't go on like this. You didn't take one break today. You haven't eaten since breakfast." Under normal circumstances he would never behave in such a way, but Jorah suspected that her judgement was impaired by lack of food and sleep.

"You saw how many people were waiting today," Daenerys replied angrily. "And you would have lost your appetite as well, if you had seen that woman faint because she didn't have enough food to feed her children."

Jorah sighed. He understood her frustration only too well. But his concern was Daenerys. "You won't help anybody if you carry on like this."

Tyrion moved towards the door, hoping to make a quiet exit. But his movement drew their attention.

"You stay," Jorah told him sternly.

"How dare you?" Daenerys snapped at Jorah.

"Because I care about you," Jorah shot back, having anticipated her outrage. More quietly, he added, "And because you can't banish me." For all intents and purposes, she already had. He had to leave again eventually. They both knew it.

Daenerys realized she had no more power over him. Jorah had professed his loyalty to her, but technically, she wasn't even his queen anymore. He was here because of her, because he wanted to be here.

Jorah came closer and took her hands, not caring that Tyrion saw them like this. "You can't continue like this. I know why you are doing this. But let Tyrion finish the last people for today."

The moment his hands touched hers Daenerys instantly relaxed a bit. She couldn't prevent it, her body did so involuntarily.

"I'll gladly do it, your Grace," Tyrion offered, despite being tired himself. Seeing that Daenerys still wasn't convinced, he quickly added. "If it's something of particular interest to you, I will let you know."

Daenerys hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded. Jorah was right. She just wanted to sleep. She was even too tired to argue with him.

Jorah accompanied Daenerys to her quarters.

"Why don't you lie down until they bring the food?" Jorah suggested.

Wordlessly, Daenerys lay down on the bed, turning her back towards him. When the servants brought dinner, she completely ignored them.

"Eat with me," Jorah said when they were alone again. "Please, just a little bit."

When there was no reaction from her, he walked over to the bed. Daenerys had fallen asleep. Jorah decided not to wake her. He carefully removed her shoes and covered her with the furs. Then he ate alone and later joined her in bed.

When Jorah woke it was dark outside. He reached for Daenerys, but the space next to him was empty. She was gone. Jorah sat up and saw her sitting at the table. A single candle was burning.

Daenerys noticed him move and looked at him, but didn't say a word. She had woken up hungry. She still didn't enjoy the food. But she was listening to her body more closely again. And eating did help with the dizziness. But now Daenerys had an appetite for something else. She stood up and removed her clothes until she stood naked next to the bed.

For a moment Jorah wasn't quite sure if he was really awake or dreaming.

"Off with those clothes," Daenerys commanded. "Or have you completely forgotten how to follow orders," she asked with a seductive smile.

Jorah was still a bit hazy from sleep, but his clothes came off in no time.

Daenerys climbed onto the bed. And then on top of Jorah. She placed her hands on his chest, supporting herself, and looked him in the eyes.

Jorah`s breath caught in his throat. Her eyes were hypnotizing. He couldn't look away nor did he want to.

Slowly, Daenerys moved her hands over his chest, touching him tenderly, following the shape of his muscles and scars. Then she leaned down and kissed him.

"I'm sorry for earlier," Jorah said in-between kisses. "Forgive me."

"No more talking." Daenerys knew she was the one who should apologize. But there were many different ways one could apologize.

Jorah was reading in front of the fire. His feet were propped up on a small table. Once in a while, his look turned towards the bed, where Daenerys was still sleeping. It was almost midday and she hadn't stirred once.

Jorah had two Unsullied guarding the door, making sure that no one would disturb her. At first they had been unsure if they should follow his orders. The Unsullied knew Jorah well, but only followed orders from their Queen. However, after he had spoken with Grey Worm, the leader of the Unsullied had approved Jorah's request and assigned two of his most trustworthy men.

"What are you reading?" Daenerys asked from the bed.

Jorah closed the book. "A tale from a captain who tried to sail around Westeros."

"He didn't succeed?"

"No. His ship ran aground near Skagos. But he lived to tell his tale."

"Is it a good tale?"

"For the most part. But I think he exaggerated here and there."

Daenerys stretched. "You were right."

"About?"

"About me needing sleep. I had forgotten what it feels like to sleep properly, to sleep enough."

If she would tell him she was hungry, Jorah would be the happiest person in Casterly Rock.

She pushed herself up on her elbows. "You were here all night, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"Did I have nightmares? I don't remember any."

"No, not that I am aware of."

Relieved, she lay back on the pillows. Would the nightmares stay away permanently? Or only as long as Jorah was with her?

Jorah stood up and walked over to her, sitting down on the bed.

"I'm sorry about last night," Daenerys said.

"I hope you don't mean the part where you… where we..."

She grinned. "No, not that part. That part was wonderful."

"It was," Jorah agreed.

"I meant the part where I yelled at you."

He leaned down and kissed her. "Don't worry about it. You weren't thinking clearly. And I did oppose my Queen. In front of Tyrion."

Daenerys noticed the location of the sun and sat up in bed. "How late is it? Why didn't you wake me?"

"Relax. Tyrion is doing audiences."

She looked at him displeased.

"And since we are talking about this already, I think you should reduce audiences."

The displeasure in Daenerys' face only increased.

"You need to stop punishing yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean. Yes, you are the Queen of the Six Kingdoms. But if you wear yourself out, you will not do your people a favor."

"Most people come here on foot, even if it is raining or snowing. Then they wait in line all day. If I reduce audiences, a lot of people will come here in vain."

"Then set something up in Lannisport where they can go instead. Have someone stationed there whom they can tell their problems to. The easy decisions can be made by someone else. For more important ones, they can report back to you."

"But…" It was actually a good idea. It would make it much easier for them. But she did like talking to her people, even if it was exhausting and depressing at times. Maybe she could go down to Lannisport herself once in a while. Why did they have to come to her? It wasn't that far on horseback. "Yes."

"Yes?" Jorah had expected more resistance from her.

"It's a good idea." Why had nobody else thought of this before? "Thank you, Jorah. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Well, you might change your mind after I tell you that I made another decision without speaking to you first."

"What did you do?"

"I told Tyrion that you are not available today. For no one."

"What?"

"Just one day."

"I can't. I have to-"

"You have to take care of yourself," Jorah insisted.

"I have a meeting with the High Septon today."

"I told Tyrion to postpone it until tomorrow."

Daenerys frowned at him.

"He travelled all the way from King's Landing. I doubt he will mind if he has to stay here for another day. It's more comfortable than on the road."

"Is that how you rule Bear Island?" she quipped. "Postponing importing things until it suits you?"

"No, I am just postponing your meetings," Jorah said with a smirk.

"You are a bad influence."

"You are going to deny his request anyway. Let him hope for one more day."

Daenerys crossed her arms. "And what should I be doing instead?" She couldn't deny that she liked the idea of making the High Septon wait another day. But she didn't want to give in so easily to Jorah. It wasn't his place to make decisions for her.

"Stay in bed. Sleep some more. Eat. Read. Or we could go for a ride." Jorah wished they were on Bear Island. He had come to find comfort in the solitude of the old forests of his childhood. And he wouldn't have to worry about her safety there. "We could take a few guards. Just Grey Worm and a few trusted Unsullied."

"I'd like that," Daenerys replied with longing.

"We could ride along the cliffs and-"

"You don't have to convince me," Daenerys interrupted him.

Jorah smiled. "Good. I'll tell Grey Worm."

Daenerys was riding her horse hard. When they were well away from Casterly Rock, Jorah told the others to keep more distance. The landscape was grassy and relatively even. Anybody else coming by was visible well in advance. But the area was quite isolated so it was unlikely.

Jorah gave her some time to herself before he followed her.

"I haven't done this since… I can't even remember," Daenerys said when Jorah stopped next to her. "I even flew from Dragonstone to Casterly Rock." Jorah's words about a single arrow finding its mark had stuck. And then she remembered. "The ride to Winterfell was the last time I sat on a horse."

Jorah felt sad that she couldn't do the things she once enjoyed. But he was also relieved that she was careful, especially when he was not around to protect her. He trusted Grey Worm. The leader of the Unsullied was vigilant and utterly dedicated to his queen. Nevertheless, Jorah couldn't help but feel uneasy when he wasn't with her.

"I won't be afraid anymore," Daenerys said. "It's no way to live. I've been a target all my life, since the day I was born. Someone has always wanted me dead. First Robert, then Cersei. I won't let my life be dictated by fear."

Jorah looked at her with admiration. That was the resolve he had missed. She finally radiated confidence again.

"I have seen that look before," Daenerys said. It was the same look he had given her in Astapor. It had made her uncomfortable back then. But now it touched her to the core. This time she felt immeasurable gratitude. Gratitude that he was here, that he hadn't abandoned her, that she could always count on him despite everything that had happened.

Jorah lowered his head. "I'm sorry."

She turned her horse around and positioned it right next to Jorah's. Her leg was touching his. "You have no reason to be sorry. You have given more than anyone should ever ask for."

"You didn't ask."

"Maybe not always. But you always gave willingly. More than I deserve."

When they arrived back at Casterly Rock they ran into Tyrion in the courtyard. His disapproval was obvious.

Jorah helped Daenerys off her horse.

"You said she would take the day off," Tyrion said. "You didn't mention you would take her outside the castle walls. What were you thinking?"

Jorah ignored him and handed their horses to the stable boy.

"How can you be so reckless with her life?"

"I am standing right here," Daenerys said.

Tyrion turned towards Daenerys. "Forgive me, your Grace, but I know exactly whose idea this was."

"It was Jorah's idea. But my decision," she replied.

"But it was badly executed." Tyrion addressed Jorah again. "Why wasn't the Queensguard with her? You are not exactly the youngest anymore."

Jorah was about to teach Tyrion a lesson. Enough was enough. Usually, Jorah would never hit someone of Tyrion's size, but the dwarf had insulted Jorah too many times. He strode towards Tyrion, but Daenerys put herself between the two men and placed her hand on Jorah's chest.

Daenerys was not happy with Tyrion's behavior either, but she didn't want this day to end that way. And she knew Jorah would regret it eventually.

"The Queensguard would have drawn too much attention in their fancy uniforms," Grey Worm said from his horse, looming over Tyrion. He didn't like the way Tyrion spoke to Daenerys and Ser Jorah. It lacked proper respect. And it lacked respect for the Unsullied. "Do you not trust the Unsullied to protect our Queen?"

"I just want to make sure that no harm comes to our Queen," Tyrion defended himself.

"We have protected her for much longer than you or the Queensguard," Grey Worm replied. "And we will continue to do so."

"I won't be a prisoner in my own country," Daenerys said to Tyrion. "I am back and fine. So drop it. You are spoiling the mood. And stop blaming Jorah for my decisions." And with that she walked away and left her Hand standing in the courtyard.

"I didn't think it would be that difficult to find common ground with Tyrion again," Daenerys said when they were alone in her quarters.

"Be patient," Jorah said. "You both need time. It's not going to happen overnight."

"He's worse than you ever were."

Jorah looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"You know exactly what I am talking about. You have been known to put my safety above everything else."

He looked at the floor, feigning to be remorseful, but a tiny grin gave him away.

She came closer. "Thank you, Jorah. Today was exactly what I needed."

"I'm glad." To see her so happy was all Jorah wanted.

Daenerys put her hands around his neck and kissed him. It was a short and gentle kiss. She pulled back slightly, but didn't release him. She just looked at him, studying his face.

"What?"

"I just like to look into your familiar face." She discovered something new every time she looked at him. Things she had seen before, but hadn't really noticed. With her fingers, she followed the shape of the faint scar at his neck where Qotho had cut him. So close, she thought, just a little bit deeper and… No, she wouldn't finish that thought. The cut was hardly visible anymore. If one didn't know it was there, one wouldn't notice since it was partly concealed by his beard.

Jorah covered her hand with his. "I had forgotten about that."

"I haven't."

He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers.

Daenerys placed her hand behind his neck and pulled him towards her, pressing her lips against his. She felt more alive than she had in months. Before, she had felt numb. But now everything felt more intense again. Jorah's hands on her back caused a tingling sensation in her belly, despite all the layers of clothing between them. She undid her coat and let it fall to the floor. Next, she untied Jorah's cloak.

Jorah smiled. Her intentions were obvious and he was in no way opposed to them. He unfastened his belt and started to loosen his tunic. But he never let go of her for long. After he had divested himself of his tunic, he pulled Daenerys close and kissed her neck. At the same time, he felt for the laces that held together her dress.

Daenerys moaned softly. She liked how his beard was grazing against her skin. She had to chuckle when Jorah cursed because the laces weren't cooperating like he wanted them to. She reached behind her to help him. However, her fingers encountered a mess of tight knots. "I suggest you use your dagger."

"You want me to cut them?"

"The laces can be replaced. Or do you want me to get one of the maids?"

"I don't," Jorah muttered and picked up his dagger. He motioned her to turn around. Carefully, so as not to damage the fabric, he cut the laces. He brushed aside her hair and placed a kiss on the back of her neck. Jorah reached around her, following the shape of her body with his hands.

Daenerys turned to face him again. "Don't treat me like I am fragile. I won't break. Not anymore."

"I am not."

"You are trying not to. But I can see it in your eyes. Your worry. Your concern. You are holding back."

Jorah smiled. She could see right through him. "Am I not allowed to be concerned about you anymore?"

"Not tonight." She placed a kiss on his lips. "I won't break." Another kiss. "I promise."

Jorah placed another kiss on her neck.

Daenerys sighed. His kisses were soft, like a feather. His lips moved from her neck to her shoulder. "Don't hold back. Not because of me."

Jorah observed her for a moment. Her lips were deep red and slightly parted. Her eyes were ablaze with lust. There was not the slightest hint of hesitation.

"Don't hold back," Daenerys repeated.

Jorah didn't need any more encouragement. He pushed her against the door and covered her mouth with his.

Daenerys heard the key turning in the lock and smiled against his lips.

They didn't make it to the bed. And Daenerys didn't make it out of her dress.

Eventually, they did make it to the bed. They were both still partially clothed, lying on the bed in a tangle of clothes, furs and limbs.

Daenerys didn't want to sleep in her dress, but changing into her nightgown would have meant moving. So she just pulled off the dress and stayed in her undergarments. Then she reclined back into Jorah's arms. "I hope no one walked past the door when we…"

"Too late now," Jorah replied with his eyes closed. It hadn't been prudent, but he had been beyond caring. And now he was too tired to worry about things that couldn't be changed anymore.

Daenerys inserted her hand under his shirt and caressed his chest. "That was… different."

"Different good?" Jorah asked, still not opening his eyes. "Or different bad?"

"Good." It had been fast and quick, but exciting. He had caught her completely by surprise. Merely remembering how he had taken her against the door made her body tingle anew. "Very good," she added.

A smile appeared on Jorah's face.

"Are you hungry?" Daenerys asked.

"Probably," Jorah mumbled. But food could wait. He just wanted to sleep.

She pushed herself up. "I'll get something."

Jorah managed to grab her wrist before she was out of reach and pulled her back. "Stay. I'll be fine until morning." He just wanted her close and fall asleep with her in his arms.

Daenerys leaned over him, simply watching his relaxed face for a moment. Lightly she touched his temple with one finger, then his cheek. She placed a kiss on his forehead. "Sleep, my brave knight." Pulling the furs over them, Daenerys curled against Jorah's side and closed her eyes as well.