Robb's large host moved much slower than their small group from White Harbor. It was more lively than before, with laughter and conversation ringing around them. Jon remained quiet at her side as she rode between him and Ser Barristan.
Just ahead Robb, Theon, and Talisa seemed to be getting along well, all far more talkative than her introspective husband. Part of her was envious and another part didn't want anything to do with encouraging Robb's entanglement with the beautiful healer.
Nausea had loosened its grip on her belly and she felt her energy returning as she looked to the knight at her side.
"Ser Barristan, I was hoping you could tell me about my mother."
He looked somewhat startled as though she had interrupted some deep thought. "She was very beautiful, Your Grace. And always mindful of her duty."
Dany felt herself grow warm and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from responding harshly. "Beautiful and mindful of her duty? Is there nothing more you can tell me of her?"
"I'm afraid, My Queen, I have nothing happy to impart."
"Then tell me the unhappy."
"Your parent's marriage was not a loving one, and your mother suffered a great deal of loss. Many stillbirths. After a time, the King blamed her for the loss of the babes, and he grew distrustful of her. He confined her away, and had septons watch her every move."
Dany's heart sank and suddenly she wished she'd never asked.
"But she did love her children, My Queen. Rhaegar loved her dearly and she did her best to protect Viserys from your father's madness."
Her throat became thick with emotion. "The day Viserys had to sell my mother's crown... was the day the last of his warmth died. Thank you, Ser."
"I am sorry, My Queen."
She looked down at her mother's ring on her finger. "I'd rather know the unpleasant than nothing at all."
She felt Jon's gaze upon her and she found him giving her a sympathetic look.
"It seems no one in our family ever knew happiness."
Nodding, he looked ahead of him, surveying the unending lines of soldiers and wagons. "We will, Dany. You and I."
"Yes. We will. And whoever else might come along."
The smile he gave her reached his eyes and made her heart flutter.
The day's march was peaceful if uneventful and she still marveled at the terrain, so different from Essos, the forest thick with dark green trees. She was sorer than she would have cared to admit from the bit of riding they had done and she was all too happy when they stopped for a break in the early afternoon.
It was a relief to climb down from her horse, muscles aching for rest. She saw Jon wander off with Robb as she turned her attention to her saddlebag, rummaging for something to eat.
Her mouth fell open when she turned around to see Talisa. Recovering, she offered her a cordial greeting.
"Have I done something to offend you, Your Grace?"
"Of course not. What makes you think so?"
"It's just I thought we got along quite well the first night we met, and now you seem to be avoiding me."
Dany felt her insides prickle as she looked around to make sure no one was watching. "You know Robb's betrothed to one of Walder Frey's daughters? If he breaks his alliance, the North risks losing a powerful ally."
Talisa winced but gave her a weak smile. "He hasn't broken any engagement as far as I'm aware." She looked down for a moment before meeting Dany's eyes again. "I believe I have become a King's mistress. What would my mother think?"
Dany huffed. "I think some mothers would be quite proud."
"Not mine."
Dany felt herself soften. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright."
A mistress was a great deal less of a threat than a wife, she reasoned. Certainly, Walder Frey had many of his own mistresses with the amount of natural son's he'd sired. "I should like to have you as a friend, My Lady."
"I would like that very much, Your Grace."
Robb was leading him away from the masses, into a clearing where they'd hoped to talk privately. It was cool under the forest canopy, birds chirped, and spots of sunlight shone on the forest floor.
Robb looked around. "I think this as alone as we can hope to be."
"What is it you want to discuss?"
"Southerners always underestimate us. They think we are brutes, foolish for believing in the old ways. But I say we can use the old ways to our advantage."
"What do you mean?"
"Your wolf."
"Ghost?"
"Ghost. Grey Wind. I know what you can do, Jon. Don't think I've forgotten your wife running to my door in the middle of the night."
Jon pinched the bridge of his nose.
Robb chuckled. "Something you might want to warn a woman about when she's warming your bed. I can do it too, you know. Live and breathe through Grey Wind. It's a gift from the old gods. We should use it to our advantage."
"I don't know how much I can control it. It usually happens when I'm asleep."
"It's something I've been working at. I can try to help you. We're going to use them to find a way into his camp."
"Alright. I'm with you. I will try."
"Good." Robb clapped him on the back. "We'll start tomorrow night."
"Why not tonight?"
"Because tonight I want us to enjoy ourselves."
As Robb made to head back, Jon put a hand on his shoulder. "Robb ... about Talisa..."
Robb stared daggers at him. "We aren't talking about that."
Jon met Robb's glare with his own. "Daenerys's dreams are no joke."
It was plain Robb cared too much for the girl already, the pitch of his voice rising. "It doesn't matter. I'm not planning to marry until after the war."
Jon clenched his fists as his own voice rose in response. "And what if you get her pregnant? What then? What happens to the rest of us if Walder Frey betrays the north?"
"It must be easy for you to judge me. Married to a beautiful woman you happen to love."
"Your actions affect us all."
"Don't I know it. I'll worry about my affairs and you worry about your own."
Robb stalked back off the way they came without another word.
Jon was grateful when they broke camp in the late afternoon, and he was looking forward to spending the first night in a tent.
Robb, Theon and the other noble northern lords and ladies around them climbed down from their horses eagerly, ready to stretch their legs. Jon felt a pang of guilt when thinking of the thousands of men who would have walked on foot all day. Men like those he knew at the Wall.
He helped Dany down from her white palfrey, enjoying being close to her again. She didn't need his help anymore and they both knew it but it was a gesture they were both fond of.
Kissing her crown, he could smell the sun in her hair. "Think you can keep yourself out of trouble while I help set up camp?"
"I think Ser Barristan and I can manage."
"I'll find you soon."
He would have felt better with Ghost at her side but he hadn't yet materialized. Jon was growing fond of the knight but he didn't know how much he trusted him yet. Would he remain loyal if misfortune befell his family again?
Dany strolled along the outskirts of the emerging camp with Ser Barristan by her side. She looked to the sky to see her children overhead, descending to meet her. There were gasps from the nearby northerners as the little dragons landed at her feet.
Kneeling on the soft grass beneath her, she pet and cooed to her children. Dreamfyre muscled his brothers aside to crawl into her lap.
"May I join you, Your Grace?"
She turned to see Talisa. "Of course."
The little dragons eyed her curiously as she sat at Dany's side. Finding the healer to be nonthreatening, Dreamfyre pounced on Rhaegal and soon all three were scampering around after one another.
"They're just like children," Talisa said.
Rhaegal leaped into Dany's arms, nearly knocking her backwards to evade his brothers.
"Yes, they are. My children."
The Mormont sisters approached, carrying what looked like sparring swords. "There you are, Mother of Dragons."
Gently setting Rhaegal down, she climbed to her feet to greet them. No one had called Dany Mother of Dragons before. It was something she could grow used to.
"Are you ready for your first lesson?"
Dany's heart began pumping in her chest but she stood straighter. "I am."
Dacey handed her a battered and blunted sword. It was lighter than she imagined, and she felt more confident holding it in her hand.
"Alright, do you know how to hold it?"
Dany shook her head reluctantly and Dacey patiently helped her adjust her hands on the hilt and nudged her feet into place.
"There you go, Dragon Queen, much better." She held up her own blunted blade. "Ok, try to attack me."
Dany felt her nerves rising as she bit her bottom lip but she moved forward anyway, swiping the blade down at the tall woman.
Dacey blocked her attack easily and with enough power to knock the sword from her hands.
Ser Barristan, who had been silently observing, now stepped forward. "Careful, she-bear. That's a Queen you're playing rough with."
Alysane snorted. "They're only sparring, old man. I don't see you trying to teach her how to defend herself."
"She'll have me to defend her if you aren't more careful."
"It's alright, Ser. I want to learn." Dany picked up her sword and nodded. "Again."
The Mormont girl managed to knock the sword loose from her grip again, but at least it took longer the second time.
Alysane began looking Dany over closely. "Why don't we teach her how to use something smaller first? Keep her from getting raped and murdered at least?"
"Aye." Dacey nodded. "We have our work cut out for us." She took a small knife from her boot and handed it to Dany. The handle was black and the blade was sharp on both sides. "Pretend my sister is some raper coming to attack you. What are you going to do?"
Dany resisted the urge to jump as Alysane came stalking toward her, and she stood her ground and slashed the little knife in front of her.
Dacey came alongside her and guided her hand in an upward jab. "Overhand is only good if you're coming down on someone, and with your height, I don't expect that will be the case."
Grey Wind appeared and tilted his head at the scene. Dany's stomach knotted up when she heard Robb's voice. "What's this?"
He walked past them to help Talisa to her feet. "They're teaching your good sister how to defend herself, My King."
Robb watched with amusement. "Is that so?"
Alysane came at her again and Dany made a lunge at her gut.
Robb came to assist her next. "Aim for the heart." He guided her hand in an underhanded thrust near Alysane's breast. "That will stop them quick enough."
Dacey took the knife from her hands as she continued the lesson. "Now, if he manages to overpower you, stab him right here on his lower back." She instructed turning and showing where to strike on her own body. "He'll be bleeding out straight away. Now you try."
Alysane approached her again and Dany reached around her back before making the stabbing gesture. Adrenaline was pumping through her making her feel invincible.
"Careful, Mother of Dragons." Dacey teased. "Whatever you kill, you have to eat."
They broke out into laughter and then Dany joined them, backing away from Alysane.
"Thank you, My Lady." She attempted to hand the knife back to Dacey but she stopped her.
"Keep it. We'll practice some more tomorrow."
As the Mormont sisters walked off, Jon approached a row of tents bearing the Stark sigil having been erected in the distance behind him.
"What'd I miss?"
"Just your wife learning how to ward off rapers," Robb answered.
Jon gave Dany a befuddled look and she handed him her new weapon. "The Mormont sisters are teaching me a few things."
Jon inspected the knife. "That's brilliant. I should have thought of that." Kneeling in front of her, she felt him lift the edges of her skirts and he showed her where to hide it inside of her boot. "There. If you're ever without me, my direwolf, Ser Barristan or your dragons, you won't be defenseless."
Robb looked down at Talisa who was holding his arm. "Maybe you need one of those, too."
"What makes you think I don't already have one?"
Robb raised his eyebrows. "A lady of many secrets. Well, then. Let's go find our supper."
They feasted on chicken, fruits and hard bread at a small table set up for just the four of them. After such a long day, she was eager to fill her belly. Ale and wine had been readily poured and Dany found it going to her head rather quickly.
She looked between Robb and Jon. "Your Northern army isn't half as wild as I imagined."
"Give them time," Robb replied. "They've only just started with their ale."
Ghost appeared out of the treeline and strode toward them, accepting a pat from Jon before laying beside Dany. As she ran her fingers through his thick fur, she realized she'd never felt as safe as she did now.
The moment was interrupted by Greatjon Umber's lumbering steps, his form towering over Jon who was seated at the table. There was no denying he was an intimidating man and Dany felt herself freeze waiting for him to reveal his intentions.
"So you're Rhaegar's son, " he mused aloud before taking a swig of ale. "No wonder you're so pretty."
Ghost growled and hastened to Jon's side as he stood up quickly, placing his hand on Dark Sister. "Been told I inherited my father's skill with the sword as well."
Ghost stood at his full height and barred his fangs.
To her surprise, the Greatjon laughed and held up a marred hand, scarred and missing two fingers. "I'll not start trouble with you tonight, White Wolf. I've lost enough fingers to dire wolves for the time being. You'll show us what you're made of in time no doubt." Gesturing to Dany he added, "Or your little wife will."
Robb laughed along with him, and Dany felt her shoulders relax as Jon returned to his seat.
"You'll sing for us tonight, won't you Lord Umber?"
The Greatjon smiled and bowed his head before walking toward a crowd gathering near a great fire.
"You'll be surprised to know that man can sing," Robb remarked.
"Shall we join them?" Dany asked.
Talisa and Dany were seated on the ground, huddled together around the crackling fire, with Ghost and Grey Wind at their sides. The last rays of daylight were fading from the sky as the moon began to show through, steadily growing brighter, and bringing the dark with it. It was growing cold, and Dany pressed her nose into the fur of her cloak for warmth.
They'd had several cups of wine between them and they were watching the northern noble men and women around them with curious fascination. Conversations all-around them full of threats and wagers and tall tales about skin changing bears.
Suddenly a man with a fiddle began playing a tune Dany didn't recognize, and there were jovial shouts of approval from those gathered.
The Greatjon began singing loud and clear, and other men began to join in. It was a pleasant surprise to find the great beast of a man did have quite a fine voice.
And down the road from here to there.
From here! To there!
Three boys, a goat and a dancing bear!
They danced and spun, all the way to the fair!
The fair! The fair!
Dany looked to Talisa who seemed equally amused. "The men really seem to like this song."
As the lyrics continued to unfurl around them in the night air, the bawdy nature of the song began to reveal itself to her.
She kicked and wailed, the maid so fair,
But he licked the honey from her hair.
Her hair! Her hair!
He licked the honey from her hair!
Dany laughed out loud as she and Talisa exchanged looks. Seeing the healer's face turn a dark shade of red only made her laugh harder. "No wonder they like this song so much."
Then she sighed and squealed and kicked the air!
My bear! She sang. My bear so fair!
And off they went, from here to there,
The bear, the bear, and the maiden fair.
Talisa snorted and began to laugh uncontrollably. "I'm going to have nightmares tonight."
Dany laughed again until tears were pooling in the corners of her eyes, and she felt a stitch in her side.
She felt a flutter in her stomach when she found Jon standing before her through her blurred vision. "What are you two laughing about?"
She caught her breath, straightened her face and spoke casually. "Oh, just about bears and their appetite for honey."
Talisa spit out her wine and they both fell into a fit of laughter again. The brothers exchanged looks and regarded them silently.
Robb crossed his arms. "If you like, I can ask the Greatjon to sing it again."
"No!" Talisa protested, catching her breath. "Once was enough."
Robb knelt beside her. "Are you too scandalized to dance with me, My Lady?"
"Not yet, My King."
Robb took her hand and they danced away, as other couples began to join in around the bonfire while the Greatjon sang another tune.
Jon filled up the lonely space beside her and she felt comfort in leaning against his arm now wrapped around her.
Dany nudged him playfully. "I take it you aren't going to ask me to dance?"
"Actually, I was thinking we might find our bed."
His words made her feel fidgety. "Ready to sleep already?"
"Not exactly." He kissed her neck and made her shiver.
"Not yet."
"You want to stay and listen to the Greatjon singing?"
She pushed him playfully. "He does have an excellent voice."
Jon kissed her temple and held her closer.
Robb and Talisa returned with bright smiles on their faces, and Robb reached out a hand. "Come on, Daenerys. Your hair will turn gray waiting for this one to dance with you."
Dany couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across her face, and she looked back at Jon before taking Robb's hand. "It's a good thing I have other options."
He watched his beautiful wife spin around in the light of the fire, as Talisa took a seat beside him.
"She's quite a woman, your wife."
"Aye, she is."
"I used to hear about her troubles growing up in Volantis. I'm glad she found her way here to you and Robb."
Jon simply nodded. He didn't know what to say. He didn't like to think on Dany's time in Essos. Hurt, hungry and lonely.
Smalljon Umber approached them and was soon whisking Talisa away to dance, while Jon was content to watch.
His solitude was broken by the dark and lovely Dacey Mormont standing above him. "Come on, Jon Snow. Dance with me. Or I'll blacken your eye."
Reluctantly, he rose to his feet and offered his arm. "How can I refuse such an offer?"
"You can't."
The ale must have made him braver and it wasn't as bad as he thought as he spun her around. He moved them close to Robb and Dany, nearly bumping into them.
Robb gave Dacey an approving nod. "My Lady, you're a miracle worker!"
Dacey smiled and shrugged. "I didn't give him a choice."
He caught Dany's eyes. "I'll dance with my wife now."
They switched partners and as he danced with her he wondered how they had never done it before.
"I never thought this moment would come, My King."
"I never knew how pleasant this could be."
He knew he was smiling like a fool as he turned her about just to make her laugh. Being with her had pushed him to many limits he thought he'd never push past and now he wondered how far he could go with her at his side.
He danced her about for a couple of songs, enjoying being close to the softness of her body before they retreated back to the outskirts.
As they watched the others dance, it was difficult to determine by the way she was hanging on him, if she was drunk or just randy.
He had begun to feel drowsy, ready to turn in but the gentle brushes of her hands over his chest and far too low on his abdomen had him wide awake and alert.
A sideways look from Theon had him stilling her hands. "I think we best turn in, love."
She said nothing, but gave him a grin that made him feel weak, her cheeks rosy from wine, as she took his arm.
Things were much quieter now, most deciding it wise to find their beds before another long day's journey ahead of them but the careless and foolhardy could still be heard in the distance, singing and laughing heartily.
He felt a tug on his arm as she stopped them on their path.
"What is that?"
They were walking past a tall pen of sorts with several guards posted outside. The torches lit near it gave off a menacing feeling, though it was impossible to see what lay inside.
Jon felt disgust roll in his belly. "That's where my brother keeps the Kingslayer."
"He didn't leave him behind at Riverrun?"
"No. He's too valuable a hostage to leave behind."
As they continued on their way, the pale moonlit their path as they walked among the rows of tents. Theirs was easy to find with Ser Barristan standing guard outside of it, their little dragons safe inside. He greeted them with a bow of his head before going off to find his own accommodations.
A brazier was already lit as they walked through their canvas doorway, and it's warmth hit them in gentle waves. In the middle of the room, a large bed was prepared, topped with fine furs. A stark difference from the sleeping accommodations of their first travels together.
The dragons slept curled up near one another in a corner of the tent and only Dreamfyre looked up momentarily to acknowledge their arrival before going back to sleep.
He tied up the fastenings of their tent and turned to find his beautiful wife sitting at the edge of their bed. She was a vision with her rosy cheeks standing out on her pale skin, in contrast with her fair hair. A goddess in his bed, one that belonged to him, and he to her.
Her warm violet eyes were on him as he made his way to her and her plump lips parted as his palms found her warm cheeks. For a moment, he could only stare at her lips, so perfectly made and waiting for him.
He took them softly at first, wishing to worship her gently, but the first soft whine from her reverberating against his mouth had him kissing her deeper, his hands moving to her chest, trying to pry the fabric away to reach her breasts.
He felt her delicate fingers loosening the fastenings of his cloak, and lifting the weight of it off his shoulders while he continued his quest to free her teats. Managing to liberate one, his lips moved directly to the exposed pink nipple. He felt her pant under him while she began to moan softly, driving his need.
He almost growled when he felt her soft hands pushing against his chest. "Wait. Stop."
Her face flush, a smile broke across her face as she caught her breath. "Turn around."
Giving her a rueful look, he refrained from groaning as he stood back up and did as she asked. He could hear her removing her garments, her boots, and clothing landing softly on the floor and he sucked in a breath to keep himself from turning back around to ravage her.
"Take off your clothes. And no peeking." She commanded and he obeyed begrudgingly, not in the mood for whatever game she was playing.
Standing nude in the middle of the room, his manhood swollen, he could think of little else besides burying it inside of her.
"You can turn around now."
All irritation faded when his eyes found her sitting on the bed again, bare legs tucked under her, with his dark fur cloak draped over her shoulders, accentuating how petite she was. He felt a rush as his heart began pounding. She is mine.
Her breasts were hidden again and he longed to unwrap her but he was transfixed by the sight of her.
She was giving him a devious smile, seeming pleased with herself.
"Do I look like a Northern girl now?"
He almost laughed. "Not any that I've ever seen".
"What are you doing over there, Jon Snow?" She asked, casually playing with her hair. "You look like you don't know what to do with me."
He practically growled as he closed the distance between them, placing his hands on either side of her knees and leaning into her. His voice was heavy, unable to conceal his desire. "I know I want you. I love the smell of you. I love your silver hair." He twirled it in his fingers. "I love your mouth and the way you kiss me." He studied her lips. "I love your smile. I love your teats." Folding back his cloak she wore, he kissed them one by one. "I love your gorgeous legs and what's between them."
"If you love me so much, then what are you waiting for?"
Restraint untethered, he crawled over her and followed after her as she moved back towards the headboard. With her trapped between his arms, he kissed her hungrily and grinned against her mouth as she yelped in surprise when he used one hand to pin hers above her head.
The way she was squirming beneath him only had him wanting more and he took her nipples between his lips again, one and than the other, while his cock throbbed for relief.
"Jon, please."
Softly sliding a hand down her body, he let his fingers drag over the flat plane of her belly, feeling gratified by the trembling he felt beneath them. He found her cunt wet and warm and wanting as his fingers slid inside her core, her hips rising to meet him.
"Jon, I need more."
He chuckled darkly. "That's what you get for teasing me."
She closed her eyes and began to mewl as his lips found a pert nipple again while his fingers continued fucking her. "Oh, Gods Jon."
No longer able to take it, he drove into her, and the world faded around him. Her hands clutched his back and he watched her gorgeous features twist in pleasure. Gods, how he loved her. His heart was aching in his chest from how much.
Suddenly, he knew he needed to change positions or it would all be over for him before it had barely begun. As he began to pull away, he heard her whine and felt her legs wrap around his thighs, willing him back inside of her.
"And where do you think you're going?"
He smiled down on her, taking in her tussled hair, flushed cheeks, and battered lips. Making a show, he narrowed his eyes and looked around the room. "Do you smell that?"
She giggled. "What? Sex?"
"No." He pretended to sniff the air. " I think it's... honey."
Before she could respond, she was sighing and squirming as he kissed his way down to her cunt.
The smell of her, the taste of her, it drove him mad. The power he had over her, to make her beg and moan with every stroke of his tongue. Watching her face scrunch up adorably as he let the signals of her body direct his movements. Faster, slower, harder softer, he could know her body in ways she never could.
He could bring her to a state of total bliss. She was his and she would want for nothing.
Nothing was as satisfying to him as the trembling of her thighs and the sweet sting of her pulling at his hair as he guided her through waves of pleasure while he watched it all.
Without giving her time to recover, he thrust into her again in time to feel the fluttering of her release. He was momentarily stunned when she maneuvered her ankles over his shoulders but was soon lost in the added sensations.
Losing focus, he kissed her ankle and found her eyes, holding them until he was gasping her name as intense relief surged through his body while he began to spill his seed.
Lightheaded and breathless, he collapsed into the haven of her bosom, while she ran her fingers through his hair. He knew he could fall asleep at any moment.
"I've gotten your cloak all wet."
He chuckled but kept his eyes closed. "Do you have any idea how hard I am going to be all day tomorrow thinking about you in that. Naked and needy."
"Mmm may nightfall fast."
As he moved to lay on his back, she followed quickly after, laying against him.
He felt her fingers trace patterns on his chest. "You and Talisa seem to be getting along. Aren't you worried about your dragon dreams?"
"I am. But I can't bring myself to just ignore her... I can't help but like her."
"I guess we're doomed then."
"Maybe it will be ok so long as be doesn't marry her."
He nodded and was about to fall asleep when she spoke again.
"Ghost is gone again. Do you think you'll dream with him tonight?"
He covered his mouth as he yawned. "I don't know."
"What's it like?"
"It's hard to put into words. I become him. Sometimes it feels like I'm in control and other times it's like he's just taking me with him."
"What about when he eats... It must be disgusting."
He chuckled. "No. Because I'm him."
"I wonder what you could do with it... If you could learn to control it."
Jon opened his eyes. "I did once. When we arrived at Riverrun. I sort of reached out to him. So I could find Robb and bring him to you."
"My gallant husband."
He kissed her sweetly. "Robb wants me to try to use Ghost to find a path for us to ambush the Lannisters."
"Imagine the possibilities if you could."
In the early light of morning, the camp was bustling as men and women packed up and prepared for another day on the road.
Dany sat with Talisa and the Mormont sisters around the smoky remains of a late-night campfire, eating oats and berries.
Alysane spoke as she chewed, not looking up from her meal. "We're nearing the Lannister camp. We'll see battle in a week's time I expect."
Dany felt fear turn in her stomach at the thought. Jon would go into battle without her and without their dragons.
Talisa shook her head. "I'm not looking forward to the aftermath."
Alysane huffed. "What the smell of shit and grown men crying for their mothers?"
She winced at the thought and felt suddenly sick to her stomach. Getting up quickly, she ran to the treeline and knelt on the ground as her breakfast came back up.
She heard soft footsteps behind her and then Talisa's gentle hands held back her hair until she stopped gagging and was able to sit up. Panting, she wiped her mouth. "Thank you, My Lady. I've been sick lately. I think it's just the food."
"Oats and berries?"
"I don't know... Maybe the wine last night?"
"When is the last time you had your moonblood?"
"What? I don't know. I haven't really thought of it. I guess it's been a while..." Pentos, she realized. That was the last time.
"Any other symptoms?"
"I have been exhausted lately."
"Are your breasts tender?"
"A little..."
Talisa smiled at her. "Your Grace, have you considered you might be pregnant?"
Her throat went dry. "What? No. I can't be pregnant. We're at war."
"It's ok."
She felt her heart race under her breast. "No, it's not. I- I didn't think it would happen so fast. What am I going to do? Give birth on the road?"
"It's a long time still before you have to worry about that. And I'll be here to help you."
She didn't know what to think. Isn't this what they wanted? Unsure what to do, she thanked Talisa and rose to her feet.
"Let's get back. I'll give you something for nausea, Your Grace."
As they started to make their way back, Jon and Robb approached looking well-rested and ready for the day.
Dany touched Talisa's arm. "Please don't say anything."
"Of course I won't."
They exchanged greetings and then made their way to their horses.
As they walked, Jon looked down at her. "Are you feeling ok? You look pale."
Dany sucked in a breath. "I'm fine." As she said it, she realized she was more than fine. Happy even. She smiled up at him. "Yes, I think I'm quite well."
His lips were warm on her temple as he kissed her. She allowed him to help her onto her horse, enjoying his touch and care.
When no one was looking, she placed a hand on her belly and closed her eyes. A boy, a son. Beautiful with dark hair and bright eyes.
A babe had taken life inside of her womb. A sweet babe of their very own who would be raised in love and honor. They would restore their family to its former glory and perhaps make it better than it ever was.
