Notes: Hi all! This chapter is sort of like a big therapy session for everyone, and I just wanted to warn that there is some mention of past abuse/rape, but there are no graphic details or anything like that.

Sansa didn't leave her room the next morning. She asked Arya to take Clara, and crawled right back into bed once they left. Daenerys was terribly worried about her. When Sansa wasn't out for breakfast, Dany left her quarters to find Jon, who had also disappeared early in the morning. She eventually caught a glance of him sitting alone on one of the balconies of the castle. He glanced up at her and smiled hollowly, offering his hand to help her sit beside him.

"Jon, I never knew Theon, but I can see how he's affected you and your sister. If you need time, I'll postpone the battle meetings, I want you both to feel okay, and I know that takes time."

"No, Dany, we have to continue on schedule. They didn't die so that we could grow vulnerable and lose this," He snapped.

She closed her eyes for a moment, and then looked out to the very busy scene at Winterfell: stable hands feeding horses, soldiers cleaning weapons, and others creating the pyres for the funeral. He was right: time didn't stop for anyone.

"I'm sorry," he said gently, "I just want to do them justice in this world."

"We will Jon, I promise you that. May I ask who Theon was exactly?"

"Well, he was brought here during the Greyjoy Rebellion when he was only a boy, and he grew up alongside all of us here. He was like a brother, but after my father was beheaded, and Robb was killed, he turned on us. He tried to take Winterfell, and claimed to have killed Bran and Rickon, but it in reality he burned two innocent farm boys poised as them. It was a disaster, but it only got worse when the Bolton's took Winterfell from him."

He paused for a moment, and looked to Daenerys, who was listening intently.

"The rest is hard to talk about, but I think it's important for you to know."

"Take as much time as you need Jon, I'm right here."

"You can imagine how much I hated him when he betrayed my family. I didn't so much as investigate when the Boltons sent me a raven saying that they had Theon: he was as good as dead to me. I was at the Wall, and I didn't have the strength in me to fight and retake Winterfell anyways. I began throwing out the letters, but I didn't realize that within them, they were telling me that they had Sansa." Tears sprang to his eyes, and his voice shook when he said her name.

"I know that Ramsay broke Theon into a loyal servant, but except for what Theon told me, I don't really know the extent of the horrors they faced there; Sansa won't talk about it. Finally, after about another six ravens were sent, I opened the latest one to see what it was that they could possibly want. It was an announcement that Sansa was pregnant, and due to have Ramsay's child in just a couple of weeks. I didn't know the monster that Ramsay was then, but I knew that Sansa would never stay quiet for so long by her own will, and that she would never have married a Bolton without coercion. I had a feeling that something was wrong, and I travelled with a few of my men down to Winterfell. I found Sansa, Theon, and Lady Brienne at an inn north of Winterfell; it was luck that stumbled upon them. The owners were loyal to the Starks, and they promised to hide them there. Sansa was terribly ill; she had just given birth to Clara, and there were no maesters to help her. We thought for certain she wouldn't make it, but after about a week she pulled through. During that time, when Sansa was unconscious, Theon told some of what had happened. He helped Sansa escape after she killed Ramsay. Sansa saved herself, but Theon got her out of Winterfell. It felt hard to believe that the man who betrayed us had helped my sister escape. But then I saw it. You see, there were times when Sansa's delusions and agony during the fever were too much for me to bear, and I'd have to leave the room. I offered for Theon to come with me, but he refused leave her side. He would talk to her even when she was delirious with the fever, he'd clean her with the rags that the owners offered, and he always made sure that Clara was okay. When she came to, he got her through the nightmares that started shortly thereafter. She did the same for him. He fought alongside me in the battle for Winterfell, and he had been with us ever since we returned. I don't know what's going to happen without him."

Daenerys sat and thought for a moment, trying to take in everything that Jon had told her.

"She'll survive, again. Sansa is such a strong person, Jon, and we'll be here to support her. I wish I could give you some grand speech to make you feel better, but I can't."

She held out her hand, and he gripped it tightly. She pressed her forehead to his.

"I'm here for you Jon. Anything, just ask, and I'll see to it."

They sat there for a while, holding hands, finding strength within one another.

"I'm going to speak with Sansa, if she'll have me. I know the meeting is starting in a few hours, but I think this is important, she shouldn't be alone." Daenerys said softly.

He nodded as he helped her stand up,

"It's okay Jon, I can still stand up on my own, for now," she winked.

"Oh, wait," she said suddenly, "you said that Sansa killed that monster? How did she manage that?" Daenerys asked upon reflection.

"That's her story to tell," Jon said with the slightest grin on his face.

Sansa awoke to a slight knock on the door, and she sat up in bed as Daenerys stepped into the doorframe.

"Hello Your Grace, apologies for my appearance, I just…"

"You don't need to explain," Daenerys said, sitting on the side of the bed gently.

"It hurts, a lot." Sansa said, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"I know it does, when I lost my husband, and Ser Jorah, I wanted to lie down and die right next to them. Every time I try to continue on with my life, I'm reminded Jorah will never be by my side again."

"Daenerys, I don't think you understand. Theon and I, we made it through imprisonment and torture together at the hands of the same man. We pulled each other through our most vulnerable times, and we healed together. He'd been like a father to Clara, and we found strength in each other, I don't know what to do without him. It's a bond no one else has."

Daenerys thought for a moment,

"You're right, I don't have a bond as you did with Theon, but I do know what it's like to be chained and abused. My marriage to Drogo was very difficult for quite some time, and Jorah would try to comfort me, promising me that I was strong enough to survive it. He didn't share the same pain as I, but he certainly made me feel just a little bit better."

Sansa looked up at Daenerys in curiosity,

"Daenerys, did your husband rape you?"

She closed her eyes and nodded, and Sansa sighed empathetically.

"It's a complicated matter, and I used to try and avoid it, but I won't deny that truth. We were able to grow a relationship out of that marriage, but I was so young. I've learned a lot since then."

Sansa moved to the edge of the bed, next to Daenerys. She took her hand, and leaned her head on her shoulder. Daenerys wrapped an arm around Sansa, and they sat there for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company.

"We've been through so much, and our closest friends that helped us to heal were taken away. It can't get better." Sansa sniffled.

"Oh but it will Sansa, it will get better," she stroked her hair, "do you know how I know?"

Sansa shook her head.

"When I think of Jorah, my heart is seared with only pain. But when I think of others who I've lost, I tend to smile and remember only good memories. Time has a funny way of turning our pain into something so bittersweet, and I know that in time, I will hear Jorah's name, and think of all the wonderful things about him, instead of the pain I'm plagued with right now."

Sansa looked up at Daenerys and smiled,

"Thank you, Daenerys, I do want to believe you, it just doesn't feel possible right now," Sansa said quietly.

"I know dear, I wouldn't have believed it if you told me that when I lost my son and husband," Dany replied.

Sansa sat up and wiped tears from her eyes,

"May I ask you a question Daenerys?"

Daenerys nodded.

"Who exactly were Rhaego and Drogo?"

Daenerys took a deep breath, remembering how she had asked Jon about Theon earlier. She thought it might be easier, so she decided to tell her everything. Her childhood with her brother, her forced marriage, her husband and son's death, the birth of her dragons, her conquests, her betrayals, successes, failures, everything. Sansa listened in shock about the surprisingly grim life of the Dragon Queen.

Later, when she was ready, Sansa did the same. From her happy childhood, father's death, time with Joffrey and Cersei, marriage to Tyrion, manipulation by Littlefinger, marriage to Ramsay, the birth of her daughter, her escape from Winterfell, and the glory she felt when they took it back.

They both felt understood, and Sansa felt well enough to attend the meeting and later the funeral.

"I must ask you one more question," Sansa said as Daenerys stood up to leave.

Daenerys turned to face her again.

"The father of my daughter is Ramsay Bolton, there's no avoiding that truth for myself, but I was wondering if maybe we could say she is a Greyjoy. I don't want his house to exist anymore, not after what they did to my family. She's nothing like them, but I don't even want her to know they existed if I can avoid it. Theon was more of a father than, well, I don't need to elaborate," Sansa paused, looking up to Daenerys.

"Well, I will certainly allow you to call her a Greyjoy if that's what you wish. I don't think your people will mind either; I'm sure they don't want the Bolton lineage continued. But Sansa, she is yours too. Maybe you'd like to call her Clara Stark instead?" Daenerys suggested.

"That does have a nice ring to it," Sansa considered, "I just want a way to keep Theon's memory alive."

"You don't have to decide today. But Sansa, I would suggest you tell her the truth when she's older. Gossip across the kingdoms will find your daughter's ears one day, and she'll discover the truth. If she knows growing up, it may make it easier on her."

Sansa nodded but didn't reply: she had a lot to think about.

The council room, which was full of chatter and movement, fell silent once Daenerys entered. Everyone bowed their heads, and she took a seat at the head of the table.

"Thank you all for being here so quickly after the battle. There is much to discuss, but before we get into that, I have an important announcement to make. Throughout my time in Westeros, I have spent much of it with your Jon Snow. He met me at Dragonstone, and since then we have been working together to defeat the dead. Now he has pledged to help me defeat Cersei, and to the Northern Men who have agreed to fight alongside us again, I thank you. As Lord Snow and I have become allies during this time, we have also become great friends. To tie the Kingdom together as well as to meet our own desires, Jon Snow and I are to be married at Winterfell before we leave to fight the last war."

It was silent for a moment, and then Tyrion began clapping. Soon Sansa, who knew this would happen, joined in, and in just a few seconds the entire room was in a standing ovation, slamming tables and cheering for their rulers.

"I appreciate the excitement, but we must begin strategizing for the next fight." Jon said happily.

The meeting with military and council advisors took over four hours. They discussed each and every possible tactic Cersei could use, and the benefits and risks of each of their possible approaches. They took inventory on their armies, supplies, and even morale. It was an exhausting debacle, but everyone was doing everything they could to contribute. They knew it would be the biggest fight of their lives, but their defeat of the dead seemed to add a necessary confidence to the group.

"It's simple," Tyrion said as he summarized the plans of the map sprawled before him, "We fly Rhaegal to Dragonstone as a red herring. It will make my sister spread out her armies and King's Landing won't be as heavily guarded when we arrive. Drogon can take it from there."

Many nodded in agreement to his plan, wondering how it would play out, and if they would survive.

"We should give King's Landing a chance, send a raven, tell Cersei to send a signal if she surrenders, I don't want to burn the entire city if we don't have to." Tyrion added.

Sansa pipped up from behind, "let them ring the bells. I saw them when I was there; when they're rung the entire city can hear them. You'll know, Your Grace, if she rings them. Then you can bring Drogon back down, and we can have her executed."

"Your Grace," Jon said, "can Drogon fly by himself? I fear it would be too dangerous for you to fly during the battle, especially because…" he paused and Tyrion looked up in sudden realization.

"Because what?" She said, raising her eyebrows.

"I have flown on Drogon for as long as he's been big enough to support me. I know what to do, and I assure you it's safer than having me on a ship or even far away on Dragonstone. He'll keep me safe."

It seemed to be all settled. In another two weeks, once everyone was recovered well enough, half of the soldiers would march for King's Landing, and the other half would arrive there by fleet. Twenty ploy ships would be sent to Dragonstone with Rhaegal, until the morning of the attack, when he would fly to be with his brother and mother. A warning would be sent to Cersei just an hour before, and then it was war. Daenerys would be riding Drogon. Even though they would leave in two weeks, it would be about two months before the men and ships reached their target. Sansa would stay in the North with Clara, heading to the Night's Watch with Brienne and Missandei if something were to go wrong. Jon and Grey Worm would command the Fleets and Armies, and Arya would stay with ground armies until it was time for her to sneak into the city. It would be risky, but if it worked, Cersei would be gone forever and Daenerys would have the Seven Kingdoms.

Finally, the meeting was over. Daenerys walked to the side of the room to find Clara curled up, sleeping next to Ghost. His head shot up as soon as she approached, but when he realized who it was, he laid his head back onto the ground.

Sansa came over, "You can pick her up if you'd like,"

Dany bent over and carefully picked Clara up, settling her head in the crook of her elbow. Her eyelids fluttered, and she appeared to be dreaming. Sansa walked with Daenerys back to her chambers.

"Your daughter is absolutely beautiful," Daenerys said, smiling as she looked down at Clara.

"Thank you. She's a very sweet girl; she's funny, and kind. I can tell by the way she treats Ghost, with such gentleness and respect; it's something I can't quite explain, but she seems to love everyone and everything. She's so innocent." Sansa smiled as she looked at her daughter.

Daenerys smiled and carefully set her into Sansa's arms.

"Of course she's all of those things, she's yours! I must go prepare for the funeral this evening, but I shall see you there. It feels like this day is never going to end."

"Tell me about it," Sansa whispered as she quietly shut the door behind her.

Sam was happy to finally leave the meeting. He gave some valuable contributions, but war was never his strong suit. He had congratulated Jon on his marriage announcement, but as he turned the corner of the dining hall to eat with Gilly, Bran sat in the corner.

"Ah, I was waiting for you," he said, looking into Sam's eyes.

"My Lord, how can I help you?"

"Don't call me Your Lord, you know I'm not anything like that anymore. Samwell, when are you planning on telling Jon and Daenerys the truth? You told me that you were the one that should do it, so why haven't you?"

"Well, Bran, I was getting ready to, after the Battle, but before I could leave the Great Hall, Daenerys literally fell ill right in front of me, I had to help, and then, well…"

"And then you discovered that she was pregnant," Bran finished.

Sam was surprised for a moment, still trying to accustom himself to the fact that Bran knew everything.

"Yes, then he stayed with her, and I left them. There hasn't been a good time since." Sam admitted.

"Don't you think they should know before they get married? Shouldn't Jon know he has a claim to the throne?" Bran asked rhetorically.

"What difference does it make? Family relations have never stopped Targaryen's from pursuing their romantic relationships. And I know that you are the Three Eyed Raven, but have you ever seen them interact? I've never seen something quite so marvelous. They need each other now, regardless of who they are. I promise you, I will tell them in time, but let them get through this war first, they don't need more to worry about."

Bran looked at Sam stoically,

"I won't interfere with your plan, but Jon has been true and good to you for as long as you've known him. He deserves the same honesty from you."

Sam nodded, and offered to take Bran back to his quarters.