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ATP
From this point, the number of kings will decrease.
For a while, he could. But they will be involved in the war against the dead very soon.
After a letter arrived
"So… I got a letter," Dany says. She does not even glance at the food and wine Stannis' squire is serving for her.
"From Winterfell." Stannis nods, then he waves to the boy, sending him away. "I got one too."
"Melisandre tells me that my fate, as the Chosen of R'hllor, is to fight the War for the Dawn."
"Once she believed I was that. It means nothing."
But Dany could not be dissuaded so easily.
"My brother, Rhaegar thought his son, Aegon was the one prophecies like this were written about."
Stannis raises his eyebrows, questioningly.
"I saw it in a vision," Dany explains with a shrug.
"In the flames?" Because if this is the case, he will not take her seriously. It is clear from his voice.
"No. In the House of the Undying. In Qarth."
Apparently, he does not give much credit to that source either.
"There was a rumor that it could be Rhaegar himself. A long time ago. Did it matter in the end? To any of them? It just proves my statement. It means nothing. I understand why they could be so flattering, but prophecies are no more than guesses."
"Maybe," Dany admits halfheartedly. "Regardless, now a war against the darkness is really coming."
"If Lord Stark's words are true."
"If they are." Anyway, she would like to find out.
"What did Theon say?" Stannis' grimace reminds Dany that he highly disapproves her marriage. He had his own suggestions, men who could have brought strong and fruitful alliances for them.
"He said I should talk to you."
Most people would smile at that. Stannis does not. However, something – very similar to complacency – flashes in his eyes.
"Though… I think according to him I should go to Winterfell," Dany adds. "He simply just doesn't like to agree with Melisandre."
"Neither do I." In the silence, he studies Dany's expression for a while.
She finds it quite uncomfortable.
"I have a feeling you want to go and you have already decided you will," Stannis notes, finally."Although, I appreciate you consulting it with me. This time."
Now, it is Dany who makes a face.
"What is your advice then?"
Stannis shrugs slightly.
"Go to Winterfell. But make it clear for Lord Stark if the North wants your help they have to bend the knee and support you in taking the throne of the Seven Kingdoms."
"Of course. This is their only chance." Finally, Dany takes a plate from the table and eats some bites of cheese and bread.
"And you? What is my Hand planning?"
Stannis leans back in his chair, arranging his fingers in the shape of a tent.
"Above all, I should inform you that I want to siege King's Landing before the end of the year. But I would be glad if I didn't have to do it with two armies in my back."
Dany nods. One from the Reach. One from the Riverlands.
"Are you going to try to negotiate with them?"
"Renly refused my offer once. He could have changed his opinion since then, but I doubt it. The Tyrells or their commanders, however… perhaps. On the other hand, Lord Tully might be fed up with this war. He fulfilled his duty to the crown and what he gained from it? He lost his father, his wife, his child and during all this time he was far from home. Just like his men, while winter is here… An alliance with the North would facilitate a deal with him."
And if Dany was still unwed, making a deal with anyone would be even easier. But he does not say it, he does not have to.
But it does not matter how hard he is trying, Dany is not willing to feel bad about her decision.
"Good luck," she says.
"To both of us," Stannis replies in a bit of a softened tone.
Dany returns to Dragonstone at twilight, three days after her departure.
"I'm going to fly to Winterfell," she declares entering their bedchamber.
Theon nods. He expected that.
Dany sits down next to him, so, while her voice is commanding it does not seem like a real order, when she continues.
"And I want you to come with me. Drogon can take two of us."
Theon would prefer staying on the ground. But it does not matter, of course, he will accompany her. Although, Dany does not give him an opportunity to tell her.
"You know Winterfell and the Starks."
"I knew them…"
"Which is still more than what anyone else amongst my men could claim. And it is also important that they remember you. I think it will be better if beside me and my dragons they can see someone who is not entirely strange for them…"
"You don't have to convince me," Theon cuts in. "I'll come with you." That is his duty, after all.
She smiles. It is a fleeing, almost surprised smile – very genuine. Then, she feverishly starts planning.
"I will bring Rhaegal, but Viserion stays here. I don't want to tear apart Shireen and him." For a moment, she tightens her hold on Theon's hand. "We'll leave Dragonstone tomorrow at first light."
