Thank you to everyone who has favourited or is following the story.
ATP
He's practiced it with Shireen. :)
Tywin underestimates the danger Cersei can mean. He knows she's not smart enough to outmatch him, but he doesn't consider her rage and recklessness.
Guest
I'm very glad you found my story and enjoyed reading it. In the books the Starks were my favourites so mostly I write about them if I write in the world of ASOIAF. I thought a situation like this (with Ned's death) would create a lot of changes that can be interesting to explore.
Plans and journeys
People of Dragonstone wait for them lining up in the courtyard. They bow and curtsey before Dany as it can be expected then look at Jon uncertainly and confused.
"Lady Selyse. Lady Shireen. I'm glad I found all of you safe and sound."
Though Shireen is pale like a ghost, her gaze is distant. Later, Dany decides.
"I'm eager to hear what happened here last night." They saw the glowing by the island – as a second sunrise – hundreds of miles away. And they saw the charred wrecks of the fleet.
"Of course, Your Grace," Lady Selyse says with as little respect as possible in her voice. "Would you introduce your companion to us?"
It is inevitable, is not it?
"This is… Jon." After all, everyone, including himself, calls him Jon. Dany takes a deep breath and adds, "My nephew."
Lady Selyse's jaw drops. All of their jaws drop.
So it begins.
Dany does not want to waste more time at Dragonstone than what is necessary.
"Before we return to Winterfell, I want you to come with me to meet Lord Stannis." She turns to Jon while they are preparing for the journey that afternoon. "As you said, if you mounted Rhaegal, people would know. Well, they know now and the news will spread fast, I have no doubt about that. I would like my Hand to hear it from me."
"Very well," Jon replies but his thoughts are elsewhere.
So are hers, actually.
She finds Shireen in the highest tower of Dragonstone after the breakfast the girl missed watching the unsettled sea. The remains of the Crown Eye's ships.
"I can see them," she says, "hear them. But I must have… I must. I was so afraid."
"That's good," Dany declares. Fear is good. She remembers how it was without it. How frightening. How… empty. "Being afraid means you have something you can lose."
Shireen inhales sharply. It sounds like a sigh, almost.
Dany is unable to find the right words those who would make the girl's heart lighter. And clearly Lady Selyse cannot do it either. But maybe… maybe Theon will.
"You can go with us to Winterfell, if…"
Shireen's expression brightens for the first time. And she looks at Dany, finally.
"I want it."
Shireen has not arrived yet. She probably is fighting with her mother – who did not dare to disagree with Dany, instead, she tries to stop her daughter now.
So they have to wait.
A lot of eyes are watching them from windows and shadow of pillars. Jon and Rhaegal are a strange sight, she knows that better than anyone.
"We should visit the Wall as well," he suggests thoughtfully.
"Of course. I have to meet the Watch and the wildlings sometime…"
"The sooner, the better," he cuts in.
Dany frowns.
"And why did it become so urgent suddenly?"
Jon lowers his voice. Apparently, he noticed the eyes too – those curious eyes with curious ears.
"A man lives there. A very old man. The Maester of Castle Black."
"Who is that Maester?" The wrinkles deepen on her forehead.
"Before he started forging his chains, his name was Aemon Targaryen. Son of Maekar."
Dany stares at him but she cannot ask or say anything because Shireen appears in the entrance with her mother in tow. Lady Melisandre follows them and while Shireen hurries to Viserion, she walks directly to Dany. Her face is shining with triumph looking around – and there is something else she can only describe as gloating.
"My queen, if I may request…"
Surprised, Dany nods to her to continue.
"Please tell Theon Greyjoy I do hope he remembers our conversation."
"Which one?" There could not have been many, however, considering the hostility between the two of them.
Melisandre smiles
"He will know, Your Grace, I'm sure."
