He awoke in a state of ease surrounded by warmth and the scent of her hair. His swollen groin was snugly fit against her soft curves and he pulled her closer to him still.
His heart was so full he didn't know how he would ever leave the bed, how he could ever part from his gorgeous wife.
Her pink lips parted slightly, expression relaxed, she looked so young and innocent. His fingertips grazed the smooth pale skin of her cheek, pulling back strands of hair from her lovely face and letting them slip pleasantly through his fingers.
She was his own. His to love, and his to protect until he took his last breath. Things were changing. He had less an interest in battles and glory and instead his thoughts turned to home, wherever that might be. Home with her and in time, a newborn babe in his arms.
She began to stir quietly, her round little arse pushing back against his groin causing him to expel a breathy sigh. He nipped her shoulder in return and worked his way to her collar bone listening to her sighs.
He whispered against the shell of her ear. "You're awake."
She hummed sleepily with her eyes still closed, her mouth turning up in a lazy smile. "Barely. I'm so tired."
"My apologies for wearing you out."
A bubble of laughter escaped her. "Such a vain husband I have."
Blood rushed to his already straining groin to hear her refer to him as her husband. His mouth moved to taste her neck, relishing in the soft sounds he drew from her. "I love it when you call me that."
"What? Vain?"
He smacked her backside. "No."
Turning in the sheets, she nuzzled against his chest and melted him with a whisper, "Husband".
Needing her as close as possible, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled her on top of him. She smiled down on him sleepily, eyes still heavy.
"You're my wife now. My own. It's my duty to protect you and care for you now until the end of my days."
She opened her dreamy violet eyes and he felt momentarily stunned. "Hmm, and it's my duty to bear you sons and daughters."
"Many sons and daughters."
"Don't pressure me now."
He chuckled, letting his fingers run against the smooth skin of her back. "Don't worry. I will help you with that."
"How generous of you."
"I love you, Daenerys. I can't believe how much."
Propping herself up on folded arms, her fingernails absentmindedly drew patterns along his collar bone. "And I love you. There isn't anything in this world I would not do for you. No enemy I wouldn't face."
He felt tears prick the corner of his eyes as he smiled up at her. "My brave, southern girl."
Her radiant smile left him feeling helpless and then just as quickly, her face became serious and pulled him into a state of worry. "What is it?"
"Tell me, Jon... When you look at the map and see what your brother is facing, what do you really think?"
At that moment, he didn't care what he thought. He only cared about making her feel safe. "Remember, Dany, Tywin has more to contend with than the North and Riverlands. He also has to deal with the Baratheons and the Tyrells"
"You're worried too then."
"I'd be worried no matter the circumstances. We're at war."
She nodded but looked no less troubled. "Forgive me, I don't mean to speak ill of your brother, but he doesn't seem to have a clear idea of how it will end."
Jon had thought the same. "He set out to rescue our father and ended up King in the North and Riverlands."
"Our dragons will grow, but I fear they may need more time than we have."
"Ser Barristan is here now. Robb respects him. We can ask him to provide Robb council."
"I was very glad when Ser Barristan arrived. But if I'm honest, the more time I've had to think, the less confident I feel in him. How could he serve the usurper after what they did to my brother's family?"
"I know what you mean. Only time will tell."
A cold breeze shook the green leaves of the oak tree above her as she sat on a bench in the garden, and she pulled her cloak closer to her. It was a sunny day, warm enough for Jon to forgo a cloak altogether but Dany was still adjusting to the climate.
Ser Barristan had offered to train with Jon and she was amusing herself watching the old knight knock her young husband around.
Watching Jon at swordplay was a thing of beauty. He was quick, graceful, and strong, holding his own even against this legendary knight.
Her smile died when she thought of how he would soon be tested in a real battle, and then every tempered strike from Ser Barristan took on a different light.
Needing to look away, her eyes found her children, soaring and twisting through the air across the yard. They were growing bigger, that was plain, but she longed for the time when they would be big enough to mount. Then Jon could be safe, flying above the fray.
Ser Barristan the Bold was sparring with him. Ser Barristan Selmy was calling him King. This was yet another moment he never could have fathomed before he set out to cross the Narrow Sea.
Whether or not this man was truly trustworthy remained to be seen but he couldn't hide the fact that he was awestruck in his presence.
This match was a far cry from his most recent experiences training at the Wall. Strikes that sent his brothers in black soundly to the ground, were easily brushed aside by the gray knight and Jon found himself more often on the defensive and his arm strung from a recent blow.
Their match ended with Ser Barristan landing a biting strike to his forearm that had him gritting his teeth.
"Not bad, Your Grace", Ser Barristan told him. The knight looked in fine form as Jon wiped sweat from his brow. "Your father had a talent with the sword as well."
The mention of his father filled him with a hunger that made him want to learn more. "Did you know him well, Ser?"
"Not as well as I would have liked. If Rhaegar had become king, he would have been the best of those I served."
His words made him cold. It seemed he would never find someone that was well acquainted with either of his parents.
Dany approached with soft steps and stood by his side. "All Viserys was able to tell me about Rhaegar was that he was good at killing."
Ser Barristan looked at her solemnly. "Prince Rhaegar was a skilled fighter, that is true, but he never liked killing. He liked singing best."
Jon would never have expected that. "Singing? You're having a go at me."
The Knight laughed. "No, Your Grace. Your father loved to sing and play his silver harp. He was quite good too."
Dany was beaming and barely contained her mirth. "That's wonderful! What else can you tell us about him?"
"He was a bookish sort. Very intelligent, but prone to melancholy."
Jon didn't know what to think of that. He certainly wasn't overly interested in books and no one would be catching him playing a harp.
Dany touched his arm. "The melancholy part sounds about right."
Ser Barristan smiled wistfully. "I've heard it said that at the tourney of Harrenhal, Rhaegar sang a song so beautiful, it made Lady Lyanna weep."
Suddenly he no longer wished to continue the conversation. It was no use talking about his ill-fated parents and what their love affair did to the Seven Kingdoms.
Dany came to his aid as he often found she did. "We would love to hear more about them, Ser. At another time."
Ser Barristan bowed before them and took his leave, and when he was halfway across the yard, she gave him a knowing grin that made his cheeks feel warm.
"Playing a silver harp... " She teased him. "Why haven't you been singing to me?"
He tried not to smile but couldn't hold his frown. "That is never going to happen."
"I think it's brilliant. To know he was human, to know he was good."
He felt his heart swell at her words, and he knew she was right.
Their quiet moment was interrupted as Robb walked across the garden with a training sword in hand. "I hope you're not too tired to train with me."
"Just warming up." Jon replied.
Dany rolled her eyes in amusement and turned her attention toward their scaly children, leaving them alone together.
Both Jon and Robb watched her for a moment as she stood on the garden path, bright hair shining in the sun while the dragons each flew to her feet.
They could hear her call out simple commands in Valyrian that had them taking to the sky again.
"Look at that, " Robb mused. "We'll be killing ourselves training and she walks around teaching her pets commands with fancy words and she'll be the one taking down full armies."
Jon grinned knowing it to be true. Knowing he'd be the one to ride beside her.
He had to pull his eyes away from Dany or he knew he would get lost in watching her. "Have you thought more about trading the Kingslayer?"
Robb sighed. "It's not as though I don't want to rescue my own sisters. It's bigger than that, you know it is."
Jon tried not to judge his brother too harshly but he couldn't agree. "I can't believe Lady stark doesn't have more to say about it."
"Oh, believe me, she does. She just makes sure she says it where no one else can hear."
"Do you really think we can hold the North and the Riverlands?"
"What would you have me do?"
"Beat Tywin back, sue for peace and return home. Reinforce Moat Cailin."
"And leave the Riverlands at Tywin's mercy? It's not so simple. Has marriage made you soft already?"
He felt his irritation rise and his pulse along with it."It's like your mother said. We can sue for peace, take more hostages. You can hold them to keep Tywin in line."
"None of that matters until we've beaten Tywin back, does it?"
Jon tightened his grip on his hilt. "Let's get on with it then."
As they stood facing each other, sparring swords in hand, it felt like they were back in Winterfell a lifetime ago. Their Lord father wasn't watching them now, nor Lady Stark for that matter. No cold eyes to bore into him when he bested Robb, and he planned to.
Robb advanced on him first as he usually did and Jon felt satisfaction blocking his attack and pushing him back. His muscles were weary from his time with Ser Barristan but he was eager to see if he'd increased his skills since leaving Winterfell.
Jon moved to strike next and found his brother quicker than he had been before, and a familiar resentment began to creep over him. A bitterness that was always there, sometimes laying dormant. Voices from the past telling him he'd never be as good as his trueborn brother.
More powerful than Lady Stark's cold eyes were Dany's warm ones, and the thought of her eyes on him had him landing a blow against Robb's arm far harder than he intended to.
Robb hissed and clenched his jaw but rather than complain, he rushed forward, overwhelming Jon enough to put him on the defensive.
There was a rage inside of him taking on a life of its own, and it told him everyone who wasn't Dany was an enemy.
His skin lit up like fire where Robb's blade struck but it wasn't physical pain. Bursting forward, he kicked hard, sending his brother to the ground.
"I yield, " Robb grunted.
The fog clearing, Jon helped him to his feet.
"You've improved some since I saw you last."
"Some."
"Save the rest of your foul mood for the meeting with the Northern lords tonight."
"Are you nervous?" She heard Jon ask as she looked over her hair one last time.
Returning the hand mirror to her vanity she joined him by the door. "I am."
He gave her a sympathetic look. "Northerners don't trust outsiders, but my father said we find our friends on the battlefield and we are at war."
"And what if it doesn't work out that way?"
"You'll still have me." He assured her. "And we'll find our own way. Together."
His words made her feel warm and she called to her largest son. She gasped when he landed on her shoulder, feeling heavier than ever.
Jon offered to carry him but she knew the little dragon wouldn't stand for it. Besides, it was clear she wouldn't be able to hold him at all for much longer.
Ser Barristan escorted them on their path and Dany tried to hide her amusement at the stunned and fearful looks of servants as she strolled by with Dreamfyre.
Raucous laughter and boisterous chatter could be heard outside the doors of the great hall, the sound overwhelming once they were opened. As they proceeded inside, the sounds slowly died, faces, unfamiliar and hard turned toward them, but she knew they weren't looking at Jon. She felt their heated glares on her, the silver-haired foreign woman on his arm.
Every long wooden table was full of northern lords and ladies, the fruity smell of their cups of ale filling the air as serving girls ran back and forth with pitchers and plates of pigeon pie.
Their entrance halted the merriment or so it would seem as they stopped and glared at them.
His wife held her head high, the blood of the dragon would not tremble before them. Nor was she alone. She was his wife and these were his people, and he would do everything in his power to see her accepted and treated with respect. No matter how long it took.
Robb was standing at the head table, wearing his fur mantle, looking as hard as father. Jon knew he would be proud. The Blackfish and Edmure sat to Robb's left, looking serious and unreadable.
Jon took his place beside Robb, and Dany beside him with Ghost resting under the table between them.
He took a steadying breath and held Dany's hand as they both looked to Robb as he made to address those gathered.
Before he could speak, a great man stood up abruptly, letting his chair scrape against the floor. Greatjon Umber. If he'd never laid eyes on the Mountain, he might have been the tallest man he'd ever seen. His voice echoed in the now quiet hall. "It's true then. You've brought a Targaryen among us."
"My Lords and Ladies, " Robb's voice boomed, "This is Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen."
The hall erupted in outrage, and Jon felt shame and rage wash over him. He could handle their scorn, they could revile him all they wanted but he would not let it touch her. All he wanted was to hide her away from their hateful stares, his secret treasure.
Robb raised his voice to be heard above them. "She brings with her three dragons!"
Another man whom Jon recognized as Lord Glover addressed Robb. "My King, you must not do this. Targaryens are not to be trusted."
"This Lady was brought to me from across the narrow sea by my bother, Jon with quite a tale to tell."
A man whom Jon didn't recognize but who appeared to be apart of the Karstark camp, rose angrily. "We know why she was brought here! Because your bastard brother was seduced by a foreign whore!"
The room took on a reddish tint and Jon found himself standing with his hands on the table, ready to leap over it and crush the man's throat. Ghost darted ahead of him under the great table and stood at his full height. Before man or wolf could take action, Theon stepped forward and with a swift kick, sent the man grumbling to his knees.
Jon hadn't even noticed Theon in the crowd but they shared a look as Jon nodded to him in approval. Tempers sated for the time being, he took his seat again and they turned their attention back to the Northern King.
Robb looked around the room shrewdly, meeting every discontented set of eyes.
"No matter our differences, you will treat my good sister with respect."
Ghost sauntered back to them and laid himself in front of Dany's feet, and she gave him a thankful scratch behind his ears.
"We've all of us been deceived, My Lords and Ladies. The man you see seated to my right is not the bastard son of Eddard Stark."
Gasps and murmurs filled the room as Robb let his words sink in. "Jon Snow is not a bastard at all but the trueborn son of my aunt Lyanna Stark, and Rhaegar Targaryen."
Words were shouted and fists pounded against wooden tables.
Alysane Mormont, a young, short and sturdy woman in chainmail stepped forward. "What do you mean trueborn? Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna. Everyone knows."
Her words needled Jon and he clenched his fists quietly under the table.
Robb met her confidently. "Lies, My Lady. Jon and Daenerys have presented me with proof, the High Septon's diary confirms their marriage. My father, finding his sister dying on her birthing bed, took her boy and raised him as his bastard son, protecting him from King Robert's wrath."
Jon found his heart beating wildly as he looked around the hall, trying to glean their reaction. For once they sat quietly.
Ser Wendel Manderly, a smaller version of his father in White Harbor, looked around solemnly. "The Lannisters and the Baratheons have played us for fools."
He felt some relief at the merman's words until Rickard Karstark, a tall, sour-looking man with a gray beard, darkened the tone of the room once more. "I raised my banners against King Aerys for your father and against King Joffrey for you. Now you want me to kneel before dragon spawn?!"
Dacey Mormont, a tall slender young woman, stood proudly. "Bear Island fights for the Young Wolf. We will fight for no other."
"Here, here!" Shouted the Greatjon. "We named you King in the North. We'll not be married to dragons again!"
"I'm not asking the North to kneel!" Robb shouted, quieting the room. "Jon is the heir to the Iron Throne, but the north will remain independent. A Stark will rule in the North and the son of Lyanna Stark will rule rest of Westeros."
He felt the press of Dany's small hand against his knee as she asked quietly, "Who is that?"
His hair stood up on the back of his neck when he followed her gaze and met the cold, pale eyes of a clean-shaven man with an unremarkable face.
He leaned forward, moving further in front of her. "That is Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort."
Lord Bolton didn't speak or react, he only watched but Jon knew he feared him more than any other person in the room.
Robb went on. "When their dragons are grown, they will be the greatest allies the north has ever known."
Rickard Karstark seemed unimpressed. "What good are a little girl and boy with baby dragons to us? They look to be more trouble than they're worth."
Jon felt himself bristle but then without warning, Dreamfyre lept from Dany's shoulder, and in a flurry of movement, Lord Karstark hit the ground with a resounding thud.
Dany stood in a panic and cried out to her son, "Naejot issa, issa dōna!"
Dreamfyre flew back instantly and Lord Karstark rose to his feet looking frazzled and muttering angrily.
Jon was surprised to hear his young wife speak. "It is not wise to insult a dragon's mother and father, My Lord."
Jon stood beside Dany and glowered at Lord Karstark. His reaction could make or break their relationship with the Northerners.
"Do they breathe fire?" Lord Karstark asked gruffly, dusting himself off.
Dany spoke fiercely again. "At my command, they melted the flesh and armor of Ser Gregor Clegane himself."
Lord Karstark gave her a curt nod. "If you can help us rain down hellfire on Tywin Lannister, you'll not hear me object. Now let's get on with it! I'm thirsty for Lannister blood!"
Shouts of approval and cups banging on the table started to rise when Dacey Mormont stood again. "I will stand by the Young Wolf and would be honored to fight beside the son of Lyanna Stark. If the Targaryens are his allies, then they are friends of Bear Island."
More approving shouts filled the hall and Jon felt pride swell in his chest at being referred to as Lyanna's son.
Dacey's shorter sister looked at the men around her and raised her mug of ale. "Gods know we could use more fighting women around here!"
Ser Wendel Manderly stood, with minor difficulty, and addressed Robb. "The Manderlys will always stand by house Stark."
Lord Glover rose from his seat again and Jon felt anger rise in his belly. "Once news of Targaryens and dragons reaches Tywin Lannister's ears he will strike hard, My King."
Robb held his ground much like father and responded without faltering. "Let him. I want Tywin to bring me his full fury. Let us send him snarling back to Casterly Rock."
More mugs and fists hit the table, and it seemed that, for now, they had the backing of the northerners, so long as their wish was to fight alongside them and nothing more.
Robb's voice boomed around the hall again. "It's settled then. Let's move on, time for killing more Lannisters!"
The room erupted in shouts of agreement and Robb informed them their armies would set out in two days' time. Once official business had been concluded, the men and women in the hall returned to their ale and merriment, while others lined up to bring individual petitions before the King.
Dany felt at peace sitting next to her husband knowing that another difficult task was behind them. Soon they would be setting out on the road with these people and she hoped they would indeed find friends.
She was pleasantly surprised to see Dacey and Alysane Mormont approach her.
Dacey spoke first. "My sister and I are glad to have another female warrior among our ranks. What's your weapon?"
Dany felt sudden embarrassment. What would these fighting women think of a woman who couldn't wield a weapon? "Besides my dragons, I don't have one."
The shorter sister shook her head. "That won't do. Those dragons are too small to do you much good in a battle. Tywin's army isn't only made up of crotchety old men. You need a weapon."
Dany rose from her seat, handing Dreamfyre to Jon. The little dragon protested at first but settled into Jon's lap as Dany moved around the great table to join them.
Dacey handed Dany a mace for her inspection. It wasn't as heavy as she expected and she gave it a swing through the air.
"Not as heavy as a sword, " Dacey told her. "And you can swing it easily from atop your horse."
Alysane unsheathed the great sword at her side. "This is what I use. May not be as large as some of these lot have but where we may be weaker, we are also quicker."
"I don't know how to use either, I'm afraid."
Dacey gave her a pointed look. "My sister and I will teach you once we set out."
Dany felt her stomach flip. "I would like that very much."
When she returned to her seat, she could barely contain herself as she looked at Jon, and the way he looked at her made her feel warm.
"I've never met women like them, " she told him. "In fact, I've barely known women aside from handmaidens and servants."
He chuckled. "If you like them Dany, you're going to do well in the North. I cannot wait for you to meet my little sister."
After the last Lords had left the hall, Robb turned to them wearily. "Well, that went much better than I expected. Someone might mistake you for a Northern girl, Dany."
"A dragon, Your Grace." She told him haughtily, making him laugh.
Jon leaned toward his brother. "I noticed you didn't say anything about sending Lord Bolton to the Iron Islands."
"After speaking about it with Ser Barristan, I'm considering the Iron Islands a lost cause. For now anyway."
Dany ran her hands over her arms suddenly feeling cold. "Roose Bolton is a terrifying man."
Robb laughed humorlessly. "You can see why I wanted to send him away."
"I've heard it wise to keep your enemies close." Said Jon.
Robb shook his head. "He's close enough for me just now."
It was late when they finally left the hall, and for once, when they reached their bed, they fell asleep quickly.
Something had pulled her from sleep, and she shot up suddenly in the dark. She let her eyes adjust to the dim light of the all but burned out the fire in the hearth. Her breath could be seen on the air and she pulled the furs closely around her.
She and Jon had fallen asleep quickly after that council meeting, content but overly exhausted, and she could hear Jon breathing peacefully next to her.
She looked for Ghost's form in the darkened room and then remembered he had gone out in the evening to hunt. The outlines of her children were barely perceptible but she could see them asleep near one another in a corner of the room.
Nothing was out of place but something felt different. Some energy in the air that put her on edge. Everything looking to be right, she curled against Jon's bare form.
It must be my nerves.
They would be setting out with Robb's army in a day's time and she was more than a little anxious to be on with it.
Thankful for the calm of Jon's gentle breathing, she propped herself up to kiss his cheek and gasped at what she saw.
He lay still as if in deep slumber but his eyelids were opened wide, only the whites of his eyes showing, glowing in the dark.
Fear put weight on her chest as she began to shake him, begging him to wake. When he didn't respond, she placed her hands on the sides of his face and called his name.
The hatchlings stirred in the corner and quickly flew across the room to investigate. Their frantic screeching only intensified her panic and she knew she needed to get help.
Throwing her shift over her head, it had barely slipped down to her feet before she was throwing the door wide open, startling the guards.
"Please, bring me to the King in the North."
Walking quickly behind the northern guard who had agreed to escort her, she ran her hands down her arms for warmth, her bare feet hating the cold stone beneath them. The chill at least helped stave off her fear, stopping her mind from running wild with unpleasant possibilities.
Standing outside his door, she began to feel embarrassed, and she crossed her arms over her chest. While her guard began talking with the one's outside Robb's door, Dany grew impatient and slipped between them, her small fist pounding against the dark wood.
"Robb, please I need your help."
She heard him call back groggily. "Dany?"
Hushed voices behind the door, one unmistakably female, left her feeling sheepish.
The door cracked open and she was met with his tousled red hair. "What is it Dany? What's wrong?"
She loathed the tears that spilled down her cheeks. "It's Jon. There's something wrong with him. I can't wake him."
Looking past her, Robb commanded his guards to fetch the maester and then called back over his shoulder into the dark of his room. "You'd best come too."
Talisa came out meekly with roses on her cheeks, tucking loose hair behind her ears. Dany's mouth fell open before she could think better of it, but there were more important things to attend to.
Dany rushed through her chamber door first, with Robb and Talisa following close behind. Climbing onto the bed, Dreamfyre and Viserion greeted her while Rhaegal stayed at Jon's side.
Jon was the same as when she had left him, seemingly sleeping peacefully but with eyes blown open, and glowing eerily.
Talisa approached him cautiously from the other side, while Rhaegal's black eyes stared at her intently from atop his chest.
"It's alright, my sweet, " Dany cooed to her scaly green son, pulling him onto her lap.
With the dragon gone, Talisa began checking his vitals, and Jon did not stir.
"This has happened before." Dany realized as she spoke. "The night we arrived at Riverrun."
Robb moved closer. "Did it happen when Ghost ran off to find me?"
Dany shrugged. "I think so? I'm not sure."
Talisa stood up and turned to face them. "He appears to be fine, only sleeping deeply."
Robb walked back to the door and she overheard him telling the guards the maester was no longer needed, and she waited for him to explain.
Coming to stand near her alongside the bed, he appeared to be contemplating his words carefully. "Dany, what has Jon told you about his... relationship with Ghost?"
Dany's heart began pounding. "What do you mean?"
"The blood of the first men runs through Jon's veins as much as mine. We have certain... abilities where are wolves are concerned."
"Speak plainly, Robb Stark." She commanded with building irritation.
He cast a wary glance toward Talisa, who looked as uncertain as Dany before he went on. "Jon can warg- skin change- into Ghost. Or at least I assume he can... as I can... with Grey Wind."
"What does that mean?"
"His body is here but his mind is with Ghost- hunting in the woods I expect."
Dany looked down at Jon, a dull pain emerging in her chest. "Why didn't he tell me?"
Robb rubbed the back of his neck. "It's a hard thing to tell someone."
"How long will he be this way?"
"I suspect he'll be right before morning."
She nodded, avoiding his eyes. "I thank you for coming. We'll be alright now."
Not looking up as they silently left the room, she watched him wondering where he was and what he was seeing. This was quite a significant secret he had kept from her and she couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't trusted her with it.
When she heard the door close, she leaned over him and caressed his brow, eyes still unnerving and far away. She would not get answers tonight.
Slipping her body under his arm, she laid her head against his chest and tried to find rest.
Gray morning light had barely begun to trickle across the floor as he forced himself into consciousness. They were set to leave on the morrow and there were many things to prepare before their departure.
Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, preparing to wake Dany, when he found her sitting up in bed watching him with a frosty expression.
The look she gave him unnerved him but he greeted her anyway. "Good morning, love."
She raised an eyebrow, giving him a haughty look. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes... What's wrong?"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
It was too early for riddles. "Tell you what?"
"That you're a warg."
He froze momentarily. Was he still sleeping? "Dany, how-"
The pitch of her voice began to rise as she sat up straight. "I woke in the middle of the night to you staring at the ceiling, with your eyes rolled into the back of your head!"
Heart pounding, he feared what she might say next.
"You wouldn't wake! I was so frightened I ran to find your brother, pounding on his door like a scared little girl."
"Seven hells. Dany..." Words escaped him. He was mortified. "What did he say?"
"He said what you should have. He told me what a warg is, said he could do it too. Told me you would be alright."
He hung his head in his hands and groaned.
"It was humiliating." She went on. "Not knowing something so important about my own husband."
He reached out with tentative hands, feeling his shoulders relax when she let him pull her soft body against his. "I'm sorry, Dany. I don't know much about it myself. I didn't even know I looked different when it happened."
"That isn't all. Robb is bedding Talisa. A mortifying discovery for all three of us, I'm sure. So much for your talk with him."
Fuck. "He said it's only a dalliance." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I should have told you. Do you forgive me?"
She said nothing at first and then lay her head on his shoulder. "You know I do."
He made to kiss her and she pushed him away playfully.
"Do I know everything now?"
"I'm not a man of many secrets, Dany".
"I'm starting to doubt that, Issa Zokla Dārys. You're magic... like me."
With sleep still heavy in her eyes, she climbed into the leather saddle of her white palfrey. The pale rising sun had done little in the way of providing warmth and she wrapped herself tightly in her white fur cloak, a gift from their gracious host, the King in the North.
Not ready for conversation, she was happy that Ser Barristan was quiet by her side on the back of his own white courser. Dressed in his plate mail, greatsword sheathed at his side, she and Jon would be better protected than before.
She bit back nausea that had been plaguing her most mornings, sometimes through the afternoon. Not wanting to worry Jon or have him insist she see the maester, she kept it to herself. Surely it was only due to all of the excitement.
The sounds of horses braying, and the murmurs of the northern men and women surrounding her as they prepared their own mounts filled the air. She was jostled by Greatjon Umber's booming laughter some distance away, and she looked over to see the Mormont women looking excited to head out. What strange new companions she would have.
"You ready to set out on the road again?"
The sound of his voice had her smiling even before she turned to see him mounted on his black courser, looking comely and gallant.
"As ready as I can be."
He brought his horse alongside hers and spoke quietly. "You're about to get acquainted with the real north now."
She gave him a knowing smile. "Worried it will scare me off?"
"It has crossed my mind."
"I'm not so easily shaken, Jon Snow."
He gave her an appraising look. "I see you can handle yourself on a horse better than before."
"I'm a fast learner. Perhaps it will be you who has to keep up with me now."
He smirked and opened his mouth to speak when Rhaegal landed on his shoulder suddenly, making him lurch forward.
"Seven hells, I think he's doubled in size."
Dany looked up to see Viserion and Dreamfyre fly overhead. "Yes. They won't be riding on our shoulders anymore."
Rhaegal took back to the sky to join his brothers and the party slowly began to move forward.
Leaning close to her, Jon whispered so only she could hear. "After you, Issa Dāria."
Her lips parted and she felt the heat rise in her body. Had she taught him the word for Queen? The idea of Jon speaking Valyrian and calling her his queen filled her with excitement. There were many miles before nightfall. It was going to be a long day.
