More than a full day had passed since the heat of battle and every muscle he had ached so terribly it had woke him from sleep. His scarred hand stung more than normal as he flexed it over and over. Not that he could complain as he'd spent most of the last day and night lying on his back with the most gorgeous woman in the world draped over his chest.

They'd stayed camped while men healed, arrangements were made for prisoners and the Lannister camp was looted of everything valuable and useful.

He and Dany had barely left the tent, taking their meals alone in their bed so they scarcely knew what time of day it was. It was near as blissful as their ship ride from Pentos to White Harbour, and he was content for it to go on as long as possible.

A bath had been brought following the battle, but not before he'd ravaged her for. the first time in a short-sighted rush of passion. By the time it arrived, they were both a mess.

He'd insisted she go first before he'd muck up the clean water, and he'd barely been able to contain himself while he watched her closely as she made a show of washing herself. When it was his turn, she took her time laving him with soap and oils. Thinking of how her hands slipped down into the water, teasing him until he couldn't think straight, had him growing stiff again.

She was sleeping still, her warm little body pressed against him, his fingers running through her silky hair. He wondered, not for the first time, what she might look like as her body started to grow with their child. The thought of her enduring the war and time on the road in her condition troubled him. There'd be nowhere to take her but Winterfell and he hoped by some miracle they would be there before her time.

He ran his hands over the soft curves of her body, studying her face while he did. A small smile on her plump lips encouraged him to continue, sliding his fingers over her thighs and inching ever and ever closer to where they truly wanted to roam.

She hummed happily and slowly opened her eyes. "Again? I'm still tired from the last time."

He chuckled before rolling her on her back. "Don't worry, My Queen. You'll find little is required of you."

She smiled brightly, closing her eyes and stretching her arms above her head before relaxing back against the pillows. "If My King insists."

Unable to resist the draw of her little breasts, he took a nipple between his lips and listened to her soft sighs which had blood rushing to his groin.

The moment was broken by Ser Barristan's voice at the doorway, calling for his King and Queen.

Jon groaned, and pecked her lips before climbing out of bed and quickly dressing.

As he pulled aside the canvas door, the bright light of day shamed him for still being a bed while he and Ser Barristan exchanged greetings.

The old knight handed Jon a scroll. "One of the Silent Sisters gave this to me. For the Queen."

Thanking him, he quickly shut out the light and returned to their bed where Dany was sitting up bare-chested.

She looked confused as he handed her the scroll and he watched her face as she read it.

Her lips parted in surprise. "It's from Talisa. She left early this morning."

For a moment he felt relief until he thought of Robb. He'd never seen him as taken with a girl as he was with her. "Why would she leave now?"

Dany looked up at him through her long eyelashes. "I told her... everything about my dreams."

Jon ran a hand through his hair. "I suppose this is a good thing. Does Robb know?"

"Her letter says that she left early this morning with a group traveling to White Harbour. It says she left Robb a message as well."

Jon blew out a breath. "I should go to him."

He hated to see the look of worry on her face and he squeezed her hand. "It will be alright."

Throwing on the rest of his clothes, he left to face the bright light of day and what it would bring.


Dany sat in bed with a heavy heart as she unfurled Talisa's letter again. She thought she had been ready to set her friend aside in order to do what needed to be done but fat teardrops began to roll down her cheeks.

Your Grace,

When this letter finds you, I will be on my way to White Harbour. It is time for me to sail home to Volantis.

I don't know if I believe in your dreams but I do know my presence could create dire consequences for Robb and by that, I cannot abide.

I've taken your advice to break his heart. Please do your best to look after him. He will not understand.

I don't expect we'll see each other again but I do want you to know that your friendship has meant something to me.

Talisa

Guilt settled in the pit of her stomach like a stone. Talisa had been her friend and in the end, Dany had treated her harshly, unsympathetic of her plight. That it was necessary brought her little comfort now, and she wished she'd never been cursed with her dragon dreams.

In an act of selfless love, Talisa had let Robb go to spare him, showing all the more that her love for him was real.

It would be lonelier without her. Of course, she had Jon, his family and even some of the northerners but when she was with Talisa, she'd never felt like an outsider.

There was nothing to be done but to go on with her troubled heart and she got up quickly to tend to her dragons.


Jon felt a bit disoriented as he walked through camp toward Robb's tent as they'd never been idle at midday. Northern men and women were keeping busy, sharpening swords, skinning game, and chopping wood.

Dacey Mormont stepped into his path. "There you are, Jon Snow. Finally decided to come up for air? Tell me, how many days does a man need to lay abed to recover from battle?"

"Less than you it would seem. Have you seen the King in the North anywhere?"

"I've seen him less than you. Must take King's even longer to recover their strength, what with all the orders they have to shout."

"I'll give him your sentiments."

"See that you do!" She told him as she ambled away.

He felt his chest tighten as he stood outside Robb's tent wondering what state he'd be in.

"Robb?"

"Jon?" He replied, voice sounding hoarse. "Come in."

Robb was seated at the edge of his bed with his head hanging low and a scroll unrolled in his hands. Grey Wind laid at his feet dutifully.

Jon felt his heart lurch. "Talisa?"

Robb shook his head. "When I awoke she was gone. All she left was this letter. Didn't even bother to bid me farewell in person."

"I'm sorry, Robb. She left a letter for Dany as well."

Robb laughed before hanging his head in his hands. "I'd just asked her to marry me."

Jon was at a loss for words and suddenly he wished Ghost was there. Even the wolf was better at comforting others.

Robb furrowed his brow and clenched his fists. "She said she was distracting me, that she was putting me in danger, that I... that I needed to focus on the war." He stood up suddenly and began to pace. "I have been focused on the bloody war! I've won every battle!"

"I'm sorry it had to be this way."

"You're not sorry at all. You didn't want me involved with her!"

"I didn't want you to break your word to the Freys, but I liked Talisa, you know I did."

He proceeded to his map table and hunched over it. "She wants me to focus on the war, then I'll focus on the fucking war! Call the council!"


She sat on a grassy hill, with Ser Barristan guarding over her, watching her children take to the sky, the sun shining on their scales. They were looking more ferocious and formidable by the day. It now took nearly three whole goats a day to feed them and she expected their appetite would continue to grow rapidly.

"Look at them, " Jon remarked, coming to sit at her side. "I can't believe how much they've grown. We'll have to see about making some kind of pen for them at night."

She put a hand on his arm. "How is Robb?" Whispering she added, "Does be know I told her?"

Jon shook his head and looked back up at the dragons. "He's not well but he doesn't know you had anything to do with it. Definitely seems motivated to focus on the war effort."

His words relieved her fear but not her guilt. Pushing those negative thoughts away, she wiggled her seat in between Jon's legs and rested her head back against his chest. She looked up at him playfully. "Is that what you'd do if I left you? Focus on your duty?"

He snorted. "Who says I'd let you leave?"

Sitting up straighter, she faced him. "You'd dare hold me against my will?"

His half smile had her stomach fluttering. "I would ride you down, throw you over the back of my horse and lock you away in a tower."

She felt a warm tingling sensation begin to grow deep within but made to slap him. He caught her by the wrist. "Careful that I don't lock you away now."

"What will you do with me then?"

He bent down to kiss her lips. "Come to your tower every night to ravage you to remind you that you're mine."

She gasped in fake outrage. "You'd make me wait all day?"

"It is supposed to be a punishment."

Turning in his lap, she slid her hands around his neck. "Does that mean I'll be rewarded if I stay?"

His eyes were dark and she watched his lips as he spoke. "I'm at your service, My Queen."

"I believe I'm ready to retire for the day."


They'd been huddled together for hours with Robb and his council. It was crowded in the great tent and too bloody hot. They all stood around Robb's great map table: The Mormonts, the Umbers, Lords Karstark, Bolton and Manderly, along with Theon still pale and recovering from his injury.

Robb paced around the room with his hands behind his back. "I've won every battle, but I'm not yet winning the war."

They'd discussed every option at length: taking Casterly Rock, running the Lannisters out of the Riverlands and laying siege to Harrenhal with Tywin still inside.

Jon thought Robb would dismiss them at any moment, seeming to grow more and more dissatisfied.

Lord Karstark spoke up. "What about Jaime Lannister?"

Robb looked like his eyes might pop out of his head. "What of him?"

The room went silent as those gathered watched on with bated breath.

"I want justice, " the old man growled.

The Mormont sisters exchanged looks while others grumbled in either agreement or frustration.

The tension was disrupted by the unexpected entrance of Lady Catelyn Stark and the biggest woman Jon had ever seen, dressed in the armour of a knight.

"Mother," Robb sighed in relief, pulling her into a hug. "What news do you bring?"

Her countenance was serious as she introduced Brienne of Tarth and told them of Renly's death. "The Tyrell's are back in play and it could be disastrous if they decide to side with the Lannisters."

"This certainly changes things, " Robb said looking back to his map.

"That's not all, " Lady Stark continued. "I received news at Riverrun that Baelon Greyjoy has begun pillaging the Northern coast."

The room broke out into an uproar.

Jon caught Theon's glare before he shouted, "This is your fault, bastard! If I had brought terms to my father this wouldn't have happened!"

Jon returned his stare. "I think not, Greyjoy."

Robb stepped away from his table. "Out! Everyone! Except you, mother... and Jon."

Theon grumbled as he made to leave with everyone else. Jon felt Dany take his hand. "I'm going to see to the dragons. Find me later?"

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before she left.

Once the room emptied, Jon found himself in an uncomfortable silence with Lady Stark. Her presence always darkened his mood and made him feel uneasy.

Robb stopped pacing to slam a fist on his table before taking a breath and turning back to Lady Stark.

"What other news, mother?"

"Raids continue in the Riverlands, and an outbreak of the shivers has been reported in Harroway."

Robb ran a hand over his face. "On top of war now we have to deal with a bloody plague?"

Jon ran his hand along the map, stopping at the Neck. "If Baelon Greyjoy is attacking the North, it would be wise to reinforce Moat Calin."

Robb nodded. "I'll send a raven to Greywater Watch and then I'll decide how many men we can spare."

Lady Stark put a hand on her son's arm. "Robb, I should return to Winterfell to look after Bran and Rickon. My place is there, not here."

"She's right, " Jon agreed. "Bran is only a boy."

"I'll consider it, " Robb replied before losing himself in the castles and armies laid out before him. "I need time to think. Alone."

Relieved to be leaving, Jon followed Lady Stark out. Moving briskly, he was eager for the privacy of his own tent.

He heard Lady Stark call to him, and it made his stomach drop. It was only the second time she'd ever used his name before and thinking of the first time made his blood boil.

Facing her, they stood an arm's length away from one another.

She still looked at him with cold eyes but maybe there was a little less hatred than he was used to. Her mouth was tight as she spoke, "I will not apologize for the past, it wouldn't mean anything if I did."

"No. It would not."

"Your whole life you represented a dishonor I had to endure, and now knowing the truth, you are still a black mark on my marriage."

"And you are the black mark on most of my life, My Lady. Do you have a point?"

"You and I shall never be on friendly terms, but I plan to make an effort to be civil. So long as you serve my son and do not try to take what is rightfully his."

Her words had him gritting his teeth. "Good night, Lady Stark."


There was a chill on the evening air, that felt all the harsher given the days events. She was colder still without Ghost by her side, the beast still out somewhere in the wild hunting.

Little had been spoken between she and Jon and she imagined he felt as guilty as she did for their part in causing his brother so much pain.

While quiet, he was ever at her side, doting on her far more than was necessary. He brought her a plate of venison and hard bread as they sat on a log around a fire with Ser Barristan.

Even the northern nobles and soldiers were muted, the long and gloomy day having sapped the party of its energy. It certainly reflected the mood of their now melancholic king.

Robb was nowhere to be found and she noticed Jon scanning the crowd for him.

He put a hand on her knee. "I'm going to find Robb. Will you be ok while I'm gone?"

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes she shook her head. "Of course, I'll be fine. You worry too much."

"I'll be back soon." He told her before quickly fading into the gathering crowd.

She'd never cared for the taste of venison but began to eat it dutifully when Greatjon Umber began to croon a somber tune from the other side of the blazing fire. Instantly his song made her feel sad and lonely.

Looking to Ser Barristan, she saw he had also stopped to listen. "Do you know this song, Ser?"

"Jenny's Song, You Grace. It's about Jenny of Oldstones and the fire at Summerhall."

Her heart clenched and tears filled her eyes before she could even understand why. "He was born that night, my brother. The night of the fire."

"Yes." Ser Barristan nodded solemnly. "The tragedy of that night seemed to have left its mark on Rhaegar."

"I don't like it. It's too sad."

Looking up to the surrounding trees, the long branches looked liked gnarled hands against the evening sky and she instinctively drew a hand to her neck to keep them from reaching her. She stood up abruptly and Ser Barristan quickly mirrored her actions.

"Take your rest, Ser. I'm going for a walk."

"I'm well-rested, Your Grace, and will happily accompany you."

Marching away, she through over her shoulder tersely, "I'll be back shortly, and I wish to be alone."

He nodded grudgingly as though it would take all his strength to obey her.

While she wouldn't mind having just a moment to herself, more than anything she didn't want to be advised against what she was about to do.

There must be something wrong with me. Maybe I'm mad after all.

Jon wouldn't understand this macabre curiosity and so she'd never told him but she knew if she kept it up, he would find out.

It was like she was drawn to him in some unnatural and twisted way. He had known her family far more intimately than she herself ever would, and the thought made her clench her jaw.

Whenever she was reminded of her family's great suffering, she found it comforting to remember Jamie Lannister rotting away in his little cage.

Once more, she thought, I'll just see him once more.

The guards looked at her with wide eyes but didn't question her as she passed by. Alone with him in the airy prison, it was just the two of them.

She saw him slumped with his back against the wooden pole as he usually was, long golden hair covering his face.

"Good evening, Kingslayer."

He lifted his head slowly and gave her what might have been a charming smile if he'd bathed in the last several months. "Good evening, Princess. I've missed your visits. I must say, I feared you'd forgotten me."

"Never, Lannister. I enjoy thinking of you wasting away in here."

"Am I on your mind so often? Does your husband leave you so unsatisfied? I thought bastards were known for their lascivious ways."

"Alas, this will be my last visit, Kingslayer. You're far more interesting in my imagination. There you're a powerful monster, but here, you're a weak, pathetic man, no longer in his prime. How disappointing."

Satisfied and underwhelmed, she turned to leave when he spoke again.

"If this is truly to be our last meeting, perhaps you'd like to know more about your mother."

Her gut screamed at her to leave but a desperate curiosity washed the feeling away as she turned back to face him. He was harmless after all. A rope wrapped round his middle, securing him to a large stake, his wrists bound in iron chains in front of him.

A toothless lion, she thought.

He gave her a smug smirk as she looked at him expectantly.

"I recall very distinctly my first time standing guard outside your father's bedchamber. You see, I was very young, and I didn't understand the way of things. When I heard your mother begging," 'please Aerys, stop, you're hurting me', " well, it was more than I could bear."

His words turned in her stomach and she thought she would be sick. "Shut your mouth, Lannister!"

He went on unaffected. "I asked, aren't we sworn to protect her? And do you know what the great Ser Barristan Selmy told me?"

She waited with bated breath and glared at him as he dragged out the moment.

"Not from him."

Disgust and anger weighed on her chest.

His smile was ruthless. "Do you know why that is?"

"Because you're both worthless scum?"

"Because, like you, your mother was nothing. The King, he was all that mattered and a kingsgaurd's honor was a wet nurse's tale.

"You come and see me because it makes you feel powerful, because the truth is, Princess, you have no power. All you have is the infamous name of a ruined house. You were born nothing and you were nothing when your own brother tried to sell you to a horse lord. Your husband may be falling all over himself for you now but soon that will fade too and you'll be nothing again."

There were no coherent thoughts as she lunged forward and smacked him hard across the face, her hand and fingers stinging. "I have never been nothing!"

By the time she realized the folly of moving so close to him, his rough hands were already tight around her neck. The pressure on her throat all-consuming and she wrenched at his hands with hers in a desperate attempt to free herself.

The hatred radiating from him was thick in the air, but he spoke calmly as he attempted to crush her throat. "One can always count on the Targaryen temper. It's as I said, Daenerys Stormborn, without your dragons, or your dire wolves or your northern pets, you... are... nothing."

My dagger. Fighting her instincts, she forced her hands to move toward the boot where she kept her dagger hidden but she was already growing weak. Her eyes began to sting with tears as her fingers found the smooth handle.

It took all her strength to raise the dagger, but no sooner had she raised it then it slipped from her fingers.

He chuckled darkly. "There, there, Princess. It will all be over soon. I can't very well let you live. You, your bastard husband and the whelp inside you, are a threat to my family. And nothing is more important than my family."

Her lungs were burning now and her vision began to grow cloudy, and from far away, she heard a wolf's lonely howl. She thought of her scaly children, of Jon, and their babe.


Nothing felt right as he walked toward Robb's tent and he knew the chill he felt wasn't from the cold. The light glowing from behind the canvas and the stoic guards standing outside the entrance led him to know Robb was inside.

A light breeze rippled the direwolf sigil on the Stark flag, proudly raised atop the tent, twisting it in such a way that it almost looked like a lion.

He called to his brother requesting entry and it surprised him when Robb granted his request with enthusiasm.

His blood ran cold at what he saw within, Robb hunched over the table with Roose Bolton at his side. Despite his best efforts, he felt his hair raise in meeting Lord Bolton's cold eyes as they exchanged pleasantries, and in his mind's eye, he saw the sinister sigil of the flayed man.

What could have possessed his brother to take private council from such a man?

"I was just going to send for you, brother."

Robb's words were warmer than they had been for some time but it didn't bring him comfort.

Robb stood up straight. "I know how we're going to end this war."

Jon looked at his brother expectantly.

"We're going to lay siege to Harrenhal, and root out Tywin himself."

Jon might have laughed had he not heard the seriousness of Robb's tone. "Lay siege to Harrenhal? But that could take months... a year or more... And we'll be vulnerable to outside attacks."

"Lord Bolton knows tactics we can employ to shorten a siege."

Before Jon could respond, Ser Barristan entered abruptly and without ceremony.

"Your Grace, might I speak with you privately?"

His heart began to race as he followed Ser Barristan outside. "What's wrong? Where's Daenerys?"

"That's why I'm here. My Queen will not be happy with me after tonight."

Jon was shocked to hear what Ser Barristan had to tell him as they walked to the prisoner camp and then shock melted into anger burning hot under his collar.

Ser Barristan kept pace behind him as he stormed through the camp, ignoring nods and friendly calls, singularly focused on finding Dany and demanding to know what in seven hells she'd been thinking.

The part of camp where they held prisoners had grown substantially since Oxcross but there were no prisoners so well guarded as Jamie Lannister.

His private prison came into view and he tried to imagine what his wife could be doing inside.

The distant cry of a lone wolf sent a shiver up his spine and he darted past the guards and into the pen.


In an instant, Dany felt the pressure lift from her throat and she breathed in deeply, desperate for air. Her lungs and throat were searing as she began to choke between gasps for breath.

"Dany! Are you alright?!"

It was Jon on the ground before her as she sat clutching her throat. She tried to speak but she could only make rasping noises that stung terribly.

His hands were warm and gentle on her face. "Don't speak. It will be alright."

When he rose to his feet and faced Jamie, she saw all of his gentleness melt away.

"I should run you through right now, Kingslayer."

Jamie sneered. "But you won't, will you? Your brother still needs me, and he's the only king that matters here."

She heard Jon growl before the Kingslayer was slammed back against the stake, Jon's hand closed tightly around his neck.

"You dared put your filthy hands on my wife? What kind of knight strangles a pregnant woman?"

Jon let up enough for Jamie to speak just barely above a whisper. "I can't stop your wife from seeking my company."

Jon's voice became eerily calm."You're a funny man. Just as funny as the day we met. Do you remember? When you shook my hand to thank me for my service.

"Must be easy to make jokes when Fate's never dealt you an unkind hand." Jon moved his face closer to him. "I know all about unkind hands. Now it's your turn."

Without warning, Jon violently forced the Kingslayer's hands above his head and against the post at his back.

She heard Jamie gasp as Jon unsheathed his dagger, all arrogance wiped from his face.

Dany tried to scream, tried to beg him to stop but all that came out was a hoarse whisper, "Jon, no!"

Rising to her feet, she found her knees weak, and she stumbled forward, trying to pull Jon away, but it was too late as in a flash of movement, Jamie began to scream. She froze as droplets of warm blood sprayed her face and she watched on helplessly as Jon sawed away at Jamie Lannister's wrist like a nightmare butcher.

Two Northern guards ran in behind but were halted by Ser Barristan, and they all stood watching the scene before them.

Jamie's screams were like those she remembered at the manse in Pentos and she let go of Jon's arm and staggered back. Knees bending, she hunched forward and tried to catch her breath.

Jamie was still screaming as Jon stepped away, looking at the mangled hand he now held in his own in disgust before dropping it at Jamie's feet.

Dany swallowed the bile bubbling at the back of her throat.

When Jon spoke to Jamie again, it sent shivers down her spine. "My apologies. That cut wasn't clean."

He was wiping the blood from his face when he turned back to her. Perhaps she should have felt fear but all she felt was worry about the repercussions that could follow.

Without speaking to her, he lifted her up into his arms, his expression unreadable, but still she felt safe.

He turned back toward Jamie once more, the Kingslayer covered in blood and staring in disbelief at his disembodied hand.

Jon spoke casually. "I'll have someone see to you. Before you bleed to death."

Dany's voice was wrecked. "Jon, I-."

"Quiet now. I told you it will be alright."


His face was still sticky with blood and his arms were shaking as adrenaline still pumped through his veins. The rattle of her breathing was terrifying and he focused all his efforts on getting her to their tent.

People stopped and stared at the spectacle they were. Theon ran out from the crowd. "Jon, what's happened?"

"Not now, Greyjoy, " he replied curtly and kept moving.

Ser Barristan had gone for healers for Dany and the Kingslayer.

He would have to speak to Robb straight away but first, he would see that she was safe.

Ghost was standing outside their tent and he realized he had been the lonely howl. Somehow he must have known.

He helped her climb into bed and winced to see the deep red splotches appearing angrily against the pale skin of her throat.

She looked up at him with eyes that were pleading as she held a hand to her throat.

"Dany, it's alright. The Kingslayer will live. I will talk to Robb."

She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face, and he crawled into bed beside her.

"The healers are on their way."

No sooner had he spoke then two women rushed through the door. One as young as Talisa and one near in age to Lady Stark.

Ignoring Jon altogether, they spoke gently to Dany, preparing her a concoction to drink and lathering her neck with a salve. Finally, she was given milk of the poppy and slipped into sleep, breathing easily again.

With a signal from Jon, Ghost jumped to the foot of the bed to act as her guard, and he kissed her forehead before leaving to find Robb.

When he walked into Robb's tent, Jon saw he was pacing back and forth but his brother's wild eyes found him and pinned him at once.

The Mormonts were there as well as the Umbers, Theon and Lord Karstark.

"There he is! My brother who thinks he can make decisions about my prisoner!"

Most of those gathered had unreadable expressions, and Theon didn't have his usual smug grin, though Lord Karstark gave him a subtle nod of approval.

"Leave us!" Robb shouted and those gathered left quickly.

Once they were gone, Robb rounded on him, face burning red. "Did you forget who's camp this is? Mine!"

Jon stood his ground, flexing the muscles of his ruined hand. "He used his foul hands to strangle my wife."

Robb raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "What was she doing there?! Perhaps you two are more trouble than your worth!"

He turned his back on Jon and resumed his pacing.

Jon refused to cower before his brother. "Robb, it shouldn't have happened but it did. There has already been plenty of talk amongst the lords about what should be done with Jaime Lannister. If I'd done nothing, they'd think us both weak. Now, when you trade Jaime at the end of the war, he'll go back without his sword hand."

Clenching his jaw, Robb shook his head. "Do not try to make it sound like you've done me a favor!

He walked to the tent opening and shouted, "Bring the Kingslayer's hand to Lord Karstark! He can wear it round his neck and sate his blood lust!"

Marching back inside, Robb ran his hands through his red hair. "It's all going to shit! All of it!"

Jon spoke carefully. "Robb, it's not as bad as you think."

He glared at Jon before shouting, "Do not speak to me! You were the one so concerned about the girls at the capitol. What will Cersei Lannister do to them when she hears!"

Jon lowered his head. This was a thought he had not considered.

"I am not going to be the King in the North whose reign imploded in his own camp!"

He hunched over his map table and moved a direwolf sigil to Tywin's current stronghold. "We are marching on Harrenhal. I've no choice now. I need to take out Tywin before he can get to me."

Jon was at a loss for words.

"Now, get out of my sight! Get some sleep and be ready to use your fucking head in the morning!"


The next morning did not find Dany much better and deep bruises, blue and purple, covered her neck like the dead petals of a winter rose. She was barely able to whisper and when she did he saw her wince in pain.

The healers returned right away, giving her another warm medicinal drink with milk of the poppy.

Robb followed close behind hoping to check on her. His mouth fell open when he saw her neck. "Seven hells, Dany. You're lucky to be alive."

She rode in front of him on his horse that day, resting against his chest, in and out of consciousness. He was thankful at least that the healers had told him the worst was over.

He was riddled with guilt over what had happened to her. When they'd set sail to White Harbour, he'd told her he was going to protect her and last night he almost lost her.

He was angry too. Angry at her though he didn't want to admit it. While he wished she wasn't in pain, he was almost glad they couldn't speak to each other so that he didn't say something he'd regret.

The distinct smell of death pulled him out of his head and he looked to his left to see Lord Karstark riding alongside him, holding up the Kingslayer's hand for Jon to see.

Jon nodded reluctantly.

"The Kingslayer deserved that and more for what he did to the Dragon Queen!"

"Aye, that he did."

The next day went much the same but by the third day, she was able to forgo the milk of the poppy and ride on her own. She began to be able to speak more before getting too tired but Jon actively avoided conversation.

In the evening, he occupied himself with tasks so that she was asleep when he came to bed. He ignored the looks of hurt in her eyes during the day and avoided looking at the cascade of bruises, turning yellow.

This went on for two days until one night as he crept through the entrance to their tent, he found her sitting up in bed, waiting for him. He froze momentarily before averting his eyes and retreating to a corner to undress.

His fingers halted at the fastenings on his tunic as a pillow collided with the back of his head none too softly.

He turned sharply to see her sitting on her knees at the edge of the bed, glaring at him.

"You've been ignoring me. For days."

His insides prickled with irritation as he continued to disrobe. "Aye."

The pitch of her voice rising, she demanded, "Why?"

Though her temper was bubbling on the surface, he saw a softness to her eyes that squeezed at his heart. "Because I don't know what to say to you."

"You're angry with me?"

He tried to ignore the outline of her perfect teats beneath her shift. "Of course I'm angry with you!"

"Then tell me you're angry instead of sulking around!"

"Fine!," he shouted, meeting her at the edge of the bed. "You almost cost me everything. And for what? So you could gloat over a Lannister!"

Her eyes began to shimmer with tears and he saw the barest hint of a tremble to her lips. "It wasn't like that. Doesn't it bother you? Knowing all they did to our family and all we lost? No, of course not. Because you grew up with a family!"

"Of course it bothers me, but our lives cannot only be about vengeance." He finally gave his hands leave to touch her, slipping gently over her cheeks. "You are worth more to me than any of that."

Her eyes betrayed a tender look before she straightened her features and raised her eyebrows haughtily. "Have you considered I might be angry with you as well?"

He almost laughed at her boldness but instead, he closed in on her, leaning onto the bed to face her. "Why would you be angry with me!?"

"You," she began while her small hands started to roam the expanse of his chest. "Cut off the hand of our most valuable hostage... instead of showing a little restraint."

Her lovely face flush, she pulled her shift over her head, revealing her delicious pink form. His mind went blank for a moment as he followed her up the bed, and as his eyes fell to the sweet curve of her lips, his anger rushed low in his body.

"Restraint? He's still breathing. That's how you know I showed restraint. I took off his hand instead of his head."

He slid a hand up her thigh and over her womanhood. His fingers slipping into the wet velvety depths of her center as he watched closely as her face scrunched up in a desperate pout.

Looming over her now, he pushed his forehead against hers. "What was I supposed to do? I'm not going to let anyone get away with hurting you."

Her violet eyes seemed to darken as she pulled his hand away and pushed him back until they were both seated. Her warm fingers roughly held the back of his neck while she kissed him slow and deep, making him moan.

Crawling over him, she compelled him to lie on his back. His heart was pounding and he felt an overwhelming need to fuck her into submission.

Still lacking an apology, he challenged her again, "You never should have been there."

She scoffed as she undid his trousers. "What makes you think you can tell me what to do?"

"You- " he was interrupted by his own deep grown as her warm dainty hand stroked his cock. "You... almost got yourself killed."

He was panting as her hand continued its mesmerizing attentions.

"Do you think I don't already know that?"

In an instant, she guided him inside of her, overwhelming him with a wave of wet warmth. Not giving him time to adjust, she began riding him heatedly

"Fuck, Dany." He sat up abruptly, fingers digging into her thighs as he helped her keep her rhythm. "You should have told me, " he breathed out before he took a pert nipple in his mouth.

"Oh. You would have tried to stop me."

He growled as he pulled her off his lap and compelled her onto her back. "Of course I would have."

Wrenching her thighs apart, his lips found her cunt pink and swollen, her bitter taste driving him on. He'd have the upper hand as his tongue caressed all her sensitive parts rendering her speechless.

Her retort came in sharp tugs at his hair, much harder than usual making him grunt. He looked up to see her smirking down at him.

Taking hold of her hands, he held them captive so all she could do was wiggle as he kept pushing her toward the edge. He felt more powerful and alive with every syllable of Valyrian slipping from her lips, dripping in bliss.

He groaned with her as she came, his cock throbbing painfully. Her eyes were still shut, a dreamy smile on her face, as he laid next to her and pulled her towards him.

Linking his legs through hers, their chests flush, he melted against her with a long groan as her dainty fingers guided him into her hot center.

Catching her starry eyes watching him, his heart softened and he felt foolish for his recent behavior. He brushed her cheek and ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

He was about to speak when she began moving her hips. Meeting her movement, with his own thrusts they were both panting as he became lost in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, " she whispered, her breath warm on his lips.

"I'm sorry too."

Her long nails scratching down his back had him shivering, and his release hit him hard, her own movements continuing to rock him until he was completely spent.

Once recovered, he gently moved her hair away from her neck and forced himself to look. Carefully, he kissed at all of the blue and yellow markings, wishing them away.

No more words were needed that night. Everything felt right again with her safe between his arms.


Early the next morning, Jon was summoned to Robb's tent and he walked in to find him looming over his map table as he had been more and more lately. There were bags under his eyes making Jon wonder if he'd slept.

They'd spoken little since the night he'd relieved Jamie Lannister of his sword hand, and he knew his brother was still quite angry with him for undermining his authority.

He spoke without looking up. "There you are, Jon. I have a task for you."

"What sort of task?"

"I want you to ride with a small party to Riverrun on the morrow. Tell Edmure of my plans for Harrenhal. I can't trust a raven."

The request caught Jon off guard. "Surely you have others you can send. Dany has only just recovered."

Robb snapped his eyes to meet Jon's. "Are you here to help my cause or are you just here to play husband? Because I've no use for the latter. This is a war in case you've forgotten."

"That isn't what this is. You're still angry with me and this is your idea of a punishment."

Robb didn't bother to respond, only returned back to his map.

Jon shook his head. "I'll go then. And when I return, I hope you can put this aside."


Jon returned with a dour look on his face and her heart sank. "I know that look. Tell me, what is it?"

Without responding, he toed off his boots and joined her on the bed. Her heart was racing now as she tried to glean what she could from his body language.

His eyes were full of regret. "Robb wants me to lead a party to Riverrun. To inform Edmure of the plans for the siege in person so they can join us quickly."

"Why doesn't he send someone else?"

"He's angry with me. Wants me out of his sight for a time."

"I'll go with you."

"No. I'll not have you sleeping on the dirt again."

"Don't I get a say?"

"Dany, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"It will still take weeks. Anything can happen to you out there." A thought struck her and she pulled her mother's ring off of her finger. "Take this with you."

His heart was full to see the little offering. "I can't."

"It will be mine again when you return it to me."

Nodding slowly he pulled her small frame into his arms.

She gave him a sad smile. "I suppose throwing you over the back of my horse and locking you away in a tower is out of the question?"

He laughed in surprise. "That is quite tempting."

Tears began to fill her eyes. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow at first light."

"We don't have much time then."


It was his second evening on the road to Riverrun and they'd soon be looking for a place to camp. The first night had been long and lonesome much as he expected it would be. He'd laid on his back to watch the stars, hanging bright in the dark sky. A small consolation.

The evening sun was blinding as he surveyed the open road before him. Being away from the large camp and crowds was a bit of a relief but it wasn't worth it to be without Dany. Recently healed, and carrying his child, he wanted to be there for her.

With Robb's host, Ghost and Ser Barristan, she should be well protected but she'd had all that and himself when Jamie Lannister got his hands on her.

Robb had promised to instruct some of his most trustworthy to keep a close eye on her. He hoped that soon Robb would forget this whole thing had ever happened so they could move forward.

Dacey Mormont was one of the other five companions setting out to Riverrun and he was glad to have her company.

"You made Lord Karstark quite happy, Jon Snow."

He smirked and shook his head. "Not the King in the North, however."

She shrugged her shoulders, the sun shining on her long black hair. "He's angry with you now but it won't stay that way. Serves the Kingslayer right for what he did to our Mother of Dragons."

There was a sudden shift in the air and a pit in his stomach. On a hill in the distance, a large band of men on horseback came into view.

He squinted his eyes to try to get a better look but he thought his eyes must be mistaken.

Copper skinned men, Westerosi and brown skin men riding black and white striped horses like he'd never seen. One man had a purple beard and hair.

"The Bloody Mummers!" Dacey cried.

Jon turned to her sharply, "Ride hard back to Robb! Go!"

Her horse screamed as she spun around and tore off.

Rhaella's ring hung on a chain beneath his leather gambeson and he kissed it softly as he prepared to be surrounded.


Dany was awoken by a sharp whine from Ghost, and she startled to see his great head resting on the side of her bed. Moving over, she made room for the great beast and patted the bed for him to join her.

The bed dipped under his weight and she found herself instantly throwing her arms around his neck.

He started to whine again. She couldn't recall if she'd ever heard him whine like that.

"What's wrong, boy?" Her heart lept to her throat. "Is it Jon?"

He couldn't answer her of course but continued to whine and began licking her face. Squeezing him tightly, she hoped desperately that Jon was safe.