His body felt heavy and weak, utterly drained by the violent cascade of events. He didn't know how much time had passed and fear coiled in his belly as he felt Dany tremble in his arms. The sun was rising higher, for good or ill the battle should be over by now.

If not for the dragons, surely they'd both be dead. He'd almost lost her again and he groaned at the thought, pulling her body flush against his.

The sound of flies swarming caught his attention and he noticed for the first time her dead and bloodied horse. He was suddenly stricken with panic when he realized she must have tumbled from the beast. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"I'm alright, " she replied, her voice strained. "I'm sore but I think I'm alright."

He could smell smoke in her hair as he kissed her brow. "I'm sorry, " he apologized, swallowing to keep the emotion from his voice. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him"

"No, no, " she whispered, offering him mercy with her words. "He was a demon. A cruel monster, no man could defeat alone. We've avenged our family and… we're together again. Nothing else matters."

His heart clenched in his chest, and he stood up slowly, offering both hands to help her to her feet. "It's not safe here out in the open. Let's get back to the others."

She stood warily. "Lord Karstark…, " she began, regarding him sadly. "Is he?"

Jon nodded grimly, and it pained him to see the tears fill her eyes.

Dany lowered her gaze. "His son. He didn't get to see his son."

Jon looked to the treeline as she took his arm, and they began to trek back. He was determined to get them there before he collapsed into a useless heap.

A thought occurred to him suddenly while as they walked. "Where is Ser Barristan? Why wasn't he with you?"

She looked up at him sheepishly. "I – sent him to Dorne."

"Dorne? Why?"

"We need allies. Not Robb's allies but our own allies."

It was an effort to keep his voice even. "I agree but he should have been here, protecting you."

"Let's discuss it later. Please?"

She tucked herself into his side as they continued walking and he conceded, too tired to even think on it. Ghost strode along beside them as quiet as a grave.

Dany cleared her throat. "We will have to send some men for his body straight away."

The rumbling of thousands of hooves had them stopping in their tracks. Jon's hand sought the hilt of his sword, at the ready as an army approached in the distance. As they drew nearer, he could make out Robb and his men but also Vargo Hoat and the Brave Companions.

The Essosi band stood out vibrantly with their purples and blues in contrast to the Stark gray. He felt Dany squeeze his arm and he held his own breath as Robb and his men came along side of them, while the Brave Companions kept a respectable distance.

Robb stood up straight in his saddle, exuding the confidence of a proud king though disheveled and battle weary. When Jon's eyes met his, and he felt anger flicker in his belly.

"Brother, good sister, " Robb spoke loud enough for all to hear. "We have taken Harrenhal, and this Vargo Hoat wishes to present you with a gift."

At a signal from Robb, northern guards closed around Jon and Dany and across the way Vargo Hoat, dismounted, and made his approach.

Jon glared at the monster, and watched as he removed his vulgar goat helm. Jon bristled as he knelt before Dany and he fought his instincts to step in front of his wife as the sellsword looked up at her.

"Dragon Queen who rains down fire from the heavens, I have a gift for you."

Dany gave him a regal nod. "Very well."

With a simple gesture over his shoulder, two of Vargo's men emerged, dragging with them a man bound and gagged- a humbled Lion.

Jon felt his breath catch in his throat and he heard a soft gasp from Dany. They exchanged looks of barely contained excitement before Dany resumed a mask of calm composure.

His face was tracked with dirt, his clothing now covered in grime, but his hateful green eyes still regarded them haughtily.

Jon watched her appraise Tywin with a cold smile before fearlessly meeting the eyes of the Goat of Harrenhal. "A gift? A fair trade more like. You offer me vengeance and salvation, and I offer you your life."

Vargo bowed and Dany turned her attention back to Lord Tywin.

"We meet again, My Lord. It appears you are now our most honored guest. Perhaps you'd like to join your son? I'm in quite a generous mood now that my husband has returned to me. Surely more room can be made in the pen? What do you think, husband?"

Jon cleared his throat. A queer feeling, a mixture of hatred and joy enlivening his senses. "I'm feeling less than generous. I know a black cell that will be to your liking."

Dany smiled up at him openly. "A black cell it is then."

Two Stark soldiers stepped forward and the Northern men and women around them cheered as Tywin was dragged within their midst.

Hoat's thick Essosi accent caught their attention again as he addressed Dany. "Tywin Lannister was unworthy of the protection of the Brave Companions but we would be honored to ride for the Dragon Queen."

The thought of the inhuman turncoat riding for his wife sent a wave of fury through him and in the next instance Vargo Hoat was on his back, Ghost snarling, fangs bared at the ready.

Dany made her way leisurely to the direwolf's side and looked down on the man trapped under his great paws.

Vargo panted in fear. "We had a deal."

Dany cocked her head to the side. "I offered you life but it wasn't me you took hostage."

Jon too stood over him, thinking back to their first encounter and how much had changed. "Vargo Hoat, you conspired with the traitor Tywin Lannister. You've terrorized the people of the Riverlands. You've raped, tortured and crippled countless innocents. By all rights, your punishment should be death, but I cannot deny that you have done us a great service. You and your men will leave before nightfall. You will make for White Harbor and return to your own shores.

"Before you go, you will leave the people of the Riverlands a final parting gift."

Murmurs fell over the gathered army as Jon called for an axe and block. Vargo Hoat glared and gritted his teeth but dared not struggle with Ghost's great muzzle so near his throat.

Jon felt nausea turn in his gut as a Stark soldier helped hold Hoat's arm down, but he remained steadfast in his duty. The hack was sickening, but the cut was clean. Far cleaner than it had been with Jamie Lannister.

Perhaps I'm improving.

The thought made him grimace and he ignored the man's cries as he rose, tossing the severed hand to Ghost who took it greedily.

"A maester will see to you and then you will be gone by nightfall, " Jon stated as Hoat stood on shaking limbs, clutching the wet and angry stump that was where his hand should be.

Robb approached him then, Grey Wind at his side and a look in his eye that Jon knew well enough meant his temper was boiling just below the surface. Jon felt his own temperature rise as he turned to face him.

"Jon", Robb spoke first, pulling him into a brisk hug. "I'm glad to see you safe, but his sentence is something we should have discussed before you carried it out."

Jon felt his pulse quicken. "He surrendered to Dragons, not Wolves." Ghost returned to his side, fresh blood standing out brightly on his snout.

Robb feigned a smile but Jon didn't miss the way his jaw clenched. "Aye, you're a Dragon, but you're also a wolf. You're under the protection of my army surrounded by my camp."

Jon glared at him and Ghost stood up straight and still. "If you thought I was a wolf, you'd not have sent me away, but eventually, during those long days and nights, I finally realized who I've always been."

Grey Wind's ears prickled back against his head, glowering at Ghost who mirrored his stiff posture.

Dany touched his arm gently but Jon didn't take his eyes off of Robb.

"Both of you stop, " Dany interjected through gritted teeth. Her touch was soft but her words were biting. "This isn't the place for this. We should be celebrating not bickering like children."

Robb ignored her. "Do you think I meant for you to be captured? You think I wanted you to create more problems for me?"

Jon took a step towards him feeling heat rise on his neck. "Your bastard brother sent away again. I'm sure it was quite upsetting for you."

Dany shook her head and muttered something under her breath before walking away.

Robb moved forward, the two now only inches apart. "I welcomed you into my camp with open arms, took you into my private council because you are my brother, but I am through making sacrifices for you."

Jon saw Grey Wind's hackles raise as he felt Ghost go rigid beside him.

"You make a sacrifice for me? I think not. You were all too happy to use my dragons in my absence."

Grey Wind began to snarl while Ghost's red eyes pinned him, long fangs bared.

Robb's face flushed a deep shade of red. "You are out of line. Tell me, what would you do to a man who conspired behind your back to part you from your wife? What would you do to a man who mutilated your most valuable hostage?"

"Tell me what you would do to a man who put his foul hands around your wife's throat?"

"I'd start by using my fucking head and remembering who is actually king here!"

Jon clenched his fists at his side to stop himself from breaking it across Robb's face. "Just remember who the Starks bent the knee to, brother."

Suddenly Arya broke in between them, her little hands pushing both of them back. "Stop it! Stop it! You're both stupid!"

Guilt washed over Jon and he backed away at once, Ghost's body relaxing, fangs hidden once again.

He placed a gentle on her shoulder. "It's alright, Arya."

"It didn't look alright!, " she replied angrily and he could see tears in her eyes that she was trying to hide.

"What are you doing here?" Robb asked in frustration. "You were supposed to stay at camp."

Jon saw Arya's eyes grow wide as Daenerys returned to his side and his chest swelled with pride.

Dany's face was still stained with dirt and soot but she still emanated grace and beauty. "Are you Arya Stark?"

Arya nodded, eyeing her skeptically. "You're Daenerys Targaryen…"

"I am, " Dany answered with a hopeful smile. "Your brothers have told me so much about you. I will be forever in your debt, for what you did for Jon."

"He's my family, " Arya replied, shooting a glare between him and Robb. "I would do anything for my family."

"Well, Arya Stark, you have helped your family win a great victory today."

Jon saw hope spring in his sister's eyes and he knew what she would say before the words left her lips. "Will you show me the dragons?!"

Dany laughed and he didn't realize until then how much he'd missed the sound. "Of course. We are sisters now after all. After they've rested. I want them to be on their best behavior when they meet you."

Robb blew out a breath. "We should all get some rest. There willl be celebrating tonight, to be sure." He gave Jon a solemn nod. "You and I shall speak on the morrow."

Dany spoke up. "Robb, could some men be sent for Ser Gregor's body?"

Jon looked at her in confusion but she paid him no heed.

"Aye, I'll see to it, " he said before turning to Arya. "Come on. I need you to tell me how you managed to slip past the guards."

Once Robb and Arya were out of earshot, he asked, "What are you planning on doing with Ser Gregor's body?"

"We are sending it to Dorne."

She took him by the hand before he could answer. "Let's go."


The warm feel of her arm wrapped around his had her feeling light-headed, and she felt herself flush when he caught her stealing glances up at him. Not that he'd taken his eyes off of her much as they made the way to their tent. For so long she'd been sleeping there alone and the thought of having his presence there again, thrilled her.

Soldiers and servants alike greeted them cheerfully, smiling and shouting praises, but they only nodded politely, never straying from their path. People were celebrating as they should have been, as they very likely had ended the war.

For the time being.

The sun was rising higher as the moon began to fade away, but the day would have to wait. They passed rows of tents with flying sigils of wolves, fish, mermen, bears, and sunbursts until they came to the lone tent with the black flag and the red three-headed dragon.

She watched a grin spread across his face as he looked up at it.

"Made some changes, I see."

She nudged him playfully. "Well, it was time."

Crossing over the threshold into their private haven, she felt the heat of a steaming bath that had already been drawn and she suddenly felt shy, having a hard time looking at him anymore.

There was an invisible barrier between them and she feared his touch as much as she longed for it. He was her husband and lover but the long separation made him feel distant and unknown to her.

Whatever she felt, he must have felt differently, as he tugged her by the waist so she was pressed flush against him, and his fingers splayed across her lower back.

His touch sent tingling sensations wherever he roamed and she found herself overwhelmed, needing him everywhere all at once.

Breaching the barrier, her lips brushed against his, savoring the feel and taste of him. Soft and sweet became rough and desperate and she whimpered as he lifted her by her seat into his arms.

A call at the door had her peeling away while his hands and lips tried to keep her in place. With a reluctant groan, he set her back on her feet. She smoothed down the fabric of her torn and dirty dress while he ran a hand through his unruly hair.

The silent maids came in, bringing with them everything they might need. A boy came too, presumably to help Jon shave away the month of scruff still clinging to his face but Jon gently dismissed him.

He didn't look at her but got up and sat before the looking glass, scrutinizing his face before dutifully reaching for the blade.

She felt like she was intruding all of a sudden and turned away, maids worked about her, removing her garments, soiled and tattered from the events of the night. She too dismissed the servants quickly and rubbed at her lower back which was beginning to ache terribly from being thrown from her unfortunate horse.

She could feel his eyes tracing over the curves of her backside as she looked back over her shoulder to see his heated gaze in the looking glass. He looked younger and more healthy already, and she bit her lip looking at his painfully handsome face. She felt the heat rise on her cheeks and neck as he continued to stare at her with unabashed desire.

Averting her eyes, she reached for a robe draped over the bed they would share again tonight and wrapped herself up before making her way over to him, her heart beginning to pound.

Finished with the blade, he just continued to leer at her through the looking glass, her stomach bubbling with excitement all the while.

Standing in front of him, she fought off her body's desire to tremble as she took the blade from his hand, setting it aside before crawling into his lap again.

His arms wrapped around her instantly and in that safety and warmth she felt suddenly like she could cry.

Her hands caressed his face, clean and smooth and she allowed herself to see the dark circles under his eyes, his pale complexion, and the way his cheeks had thinned.

When she looked back into his eyes, she found deep affection set in them. She could see his desperation for her there, he left himself exposed and raw, only for her.

She couldn't keep her voice from quivering. "No one is going to take you from me again. Not ever."

A tear escaped the corner of his eye before he kissed her deeply and she moaned into his mouth, her own tears falling now.

Breaking away, she stood abruptly, pulling at the hem of his tattered shirt until he complied, and she cast it aside. Reading her thoughts, stood and her fingers quickly fumbled at the laces of his trousers.

He was reluctant but he allowed her to lead him to the waiting tub, and she could see his shoulders relax as he settled into the steaming water with a deep sigh.

She took her time, using a soft cloth to erase every trace she could of his time spent locked away until he was clean and new. His breathing had slowed and his eyes closed shut. The way he gave in to her so completely let her know he needed it and she willed the warm water to wash away those days of misery out of his dark curls as she combed through the tangles.

His head leaning back, his arms resting on the rim, she thought he could be asleep until he spoke. "Thank you, love. You can climb in now."

She hummed happily and began pulling at the ties on her robe when he suddenly sat up and lifted her in, water splashing and spilling over the sides.

"Jon!, " she exclaimed looking at the fabric of her robe floating around her. "Look what you've done!"

He ignored her and immediately set to undoing the tie of her robe at her middle. His rough fingertips tickled her belly as he pulled the fabric aside.

She studied his face and the way his cheeks crinkled up in a grin as he beheld the small swell of life that was there now.

"You're showing." He stated, caressing her navel. "I didn't want to miss this."

She covered his hands with hers. "And you haven't."

Slipping the robe off her shoulders, it slapped heavily onto the ground when he tossed it over the side. It became clear his strength was returning and she shuddered as he invaded her space, forcing her back as his tongue dipped into her collar bone.

"We should rest," she murmured.

His lips caressed her ear. "We shouldn't."

Breath hot against her skin, the way he took in her scent made it hard for her to breathe.

"Did you miss me, love?" he asked. "I was desperate for you."

She swallowed a lump in her throat. "Every day."

His gravelly voice teased her ear but she dared not pull away. "Were you needy without me? Was your bed lonely?"

She prickled with sudden irritation thinking of his heated argument with Robb. "Are you suggesting something?"

Her body trembled then, lips parted in a whimper as his clever fingers traced over her womanhood, where she had been needy and lonely.

"No, " he told her huskily. "I know it was lonely because I visited you every night."

A finger lightly grazed her nub and her head lolled to one side, his touch magnified by so many nights of solitude.

"I knew it, " she panted. "Spying on me? Do you think so little of me?"

He rubbed slow circles over her sweet spot, his touch softer than a warrior's should be, and she melted into him.

"No, I think everything about you, " he whispered as he buried two fingers into her depths. Overcome with sinful bliss, she closed her eyes and gave in. "When I was laid low in that cell, you were my sunlight and fresh air. It's others I think less of."

She panted. "And you think me too stupid to recognize a man's intentions?"

"No, " his lips sought her neck as he spoke. "But it drove me mad that I could smell him in here."

Using both hands, she pushed him backward, enjoying the way he melted under her as she straddled his hips. "I told you, I'm yours. Your brother was kind to me, he looked after me."

There was a dangerous spark in his eyes and he gripped her hips, sitting back up. "He's the reason you needed looking after at all. He's the reason I was locked in a dungeon."

"Yes, " she told him, staring into his stormy eyes. "Did you think this would be so easy?" Feeling terribly empty, she lowered herself onto him slowly, gasping while she watched him wilt beneath her. "We were built for struggle and pain." Her body shivered, the feeling of being filled by him again euphoric. "And our fury will be great when we take back all that was stolen from us."

Anger still colored his features as she rolled her hips over him at a tantalizingly slow pace. The sides of the basin were wet and cold as she gripped them for leverage.

He regained his strength quickly and she yelped when his fingers dug into her thighs, commanding her to pick up the pace. Groaning in frustration, he surged forward, hands tugging at her hair as his mouth took hers ferociously.

He growled before he lifted her roughly, compelling her to turn around. She'd barely grasped the sides of the tub before he had buried himself inside her again, water splashing over the sides as he drove into her.

"I am going to make you a Queen."

She whimpered his name as he slammed into her, the world blurring around her.

By the time they climbed out, the water had grown cold, half having spilled over the sides, soaking the ground all around.

Using the little energy they had left, they helped each other dry off before climbing under the furs. It had been so long since her bed had been so inviting and she hummed happily as he wrapped an arm around her middle.

"If I wake up believing I'm still in that cell, " he whispered, "I'm going straight for your cunt."S

She huffed, pressing her back side into him. "May your sleep be troubled."


He was somewhere between sleep and wakefulness when he heard Dany murmur his name. "Are you awake?"

A slow smile spread across his face to wake up warm beside her, their limbs tangled together and him holding her the way he'd longed to for so long. The bright light of day was peaking through the creases of their tent, heating it up more than was comfortable for him.

Tenderly, she laced her fingers through his and guided his hand to the smooth swell of her lower abdomen.

"Do you feel that?, " she whispered.

Holding his breath, he waited until under his palm he felt the slightest twitch of movement, so small he might have never noticed.

His heart was full and his head was becoming hazy. "Gods be good, " he breathed out.

"I know, " she replied, her fingertips sliding up and down his forearm. "He's truly real."

Jon sat up abruptly and placed both hands on her belly, feeling for another twinge of movement.

Dany's lips turned up into a beaming smile. "You probably won't feel him again for a while."

He couldn't keep from grinning as they shared a tender look. "You're incredible, Dany, " he told her in a hushed voice. "I never thought I would have this."

She sat up, her hands softly brushing over his cheeks as she kissed him sweetly.

Jon felt a sense of urgency rush through his body, and he pulled away. This had never felt as real as it did now. He was going to be a father responsible not only for his wife's safety and future but a babe's as well. "Alright, tell me more about Dorne. What are we offering for an alliance?"

Dany straightened her back, the furs pooling at her waist, long hair tousled about her shoulders. "The body of Ser Gregor Clegane and... a betrothal with our first born. Assuming a suitable match can be made."

"Dany… what?" His mind was spinning and his shoulders grew tense. "Did you think perhaps the father should have a say? If it's a girl we'll be sending her off to Sunspear!"

"I've told you, it's a boy, " she told him with calm certainty.

Jon exhaled. "We won't know for certain until he's here."

"I know." She took his hand and brushed her thumb across his knuckles. "You weren't here, and I was scared. I had to do something."

If she was trying to exploit his emotions, it was working. He sighed. "I don't know that they would be agreeable to an alliance where I'm concerned, given the very proof of my legitimacy is also proof my father disgraced Princess Elia. More importantly, we hold no lands nor armies."

"That certainly doesn't help," she conceded. "But delivering the Mountain's corpse might. I didn't expect Doran Martell to raise up an army and march for us. Not yet, anyway. I remember Illyrio telling my brother that Doran longs to have a Martell on the throne. If nothing else, maybe it will neutralize them where the Lannisters are concerned."

He squeezed her hand. "Alright, it's not a bad plan. We'll need to start thinking about how we can find other allies. The vassals of Dragonstone were loyal until the end."

"Yes, the userper's brother holds our ancestral home. As soon as our dragons are grown, we'll take it back."

He cupped her cheek. "I wish I could take you there now. We'll have to go North, once negotiations are complete. We should be able to get to Winterfell before your time."

"I don't care where we go as long as we're together."

"Aye, we'll be together. I can give you that at least."


The camp was full of excitement with the evening sun promising another few hours of light. Lords and soldiers alike were speculating they'd all be returning home soon enough with Tywin Lannister taken captive. Servants told tales of the darkened halls of Harrenhal which was being prepared for the nobles, and the delicious aroma of roasted chicken filled the air.

She and Jon had given their condolences to Harrion Karstark, the new Lord of Karhold. He stood tall and proud in his black cloak covered in white sunbursts, deep respect and sorrow for his father shining in his eyes.

Robb celebrating their victory with his lords, Theon at his side, and Jon and Dany found themselves watching Jon's little sister practice at sword play with the Mormonts. Arya was skinny, but quick and full of enthusiasm. Jon wore a look of delight watching her, and Dany hoped one day he would look at their son that way.

"Well done!, " Dacey praised Arya. "You're already better than the Mother of Dragons!"

Arya beamed with pride. "Really?"

Dany felt her cheeks grow warm and she shoved Jon playfully when she heard him snicker.

"Don't you dare laugh."

"What?" he chuckled. "They didn't see you holding up your dagger to the Mountain himself."

She shook her head, her mood darkening. "I just want to be more than a quiet little wife. I need to be more than that. I don't want to be seen as helpless and weak."

Jon smirked at her. "A quiet little wife? There's not much chance of that happening."

"I'm serious."

He slipped an arm around her waist. "Daenerys, you could never be nothing. You're a fierce little thing without wielding a sword. You command dragons and stand up to men that terrify most. You don't need a sword, I'll be your sword."

Dany found his dark eyes full of sincerity and her own grew wet with tears. "I've missed you, Jon."


As Jon walked into Robb's tent he came upon Robb rolling his eyes at an impatient Arya.

She looked to Jon instantly as soon as he crossed the threshold, and quickly demanded, .

"Don't take too long! You're supposed to take me to see the dragons!"

Jon raised his eyebrows at his little sister. "Go on, Arya. Dany's right outside."

Robb and Jon exchanged amused looks.

Robb shook his head. "I still can't believe it. Arya's safe, we took Harrenhal and Tywin is a prisoner."

"Lady Stark's heart will probably stop when she receives that raven."

"I'll be sending good news home for once. You're looking better."

"Aye, I'm feeling much better. Robb, about yesterday… I didn't intend for things to get so out of hand."

"Aye, me neither."Robb pulled a serious face. "We need to trust each other going forward, and you need to remember full well that I am king here. Two kings in one camp? It's ridiculous. I never should have allowed it. I cannot afford to look weak to those men out there, not even for a moment."

Jon clenched his jaw. "You think I could ever forget you're king? I've spent my entire life in your shadow… cowering under your mother's hateful glare… wishing father would look at me the way he looked at you… And then I learn I've never been a bastard at all but, " he laughed and shook his head. "I'm the heir to the Iron Throne, but still I'm in your shadow. And now I have a wife and a babe on the way and she looks at me like I can do things that I don't know that I can do…"

And I still see you in my way, he left unsaid.

"No brother, " Jon continued. "I won't forget you are King in the North and you won't forget who helped you end this war."

Robb sighed. "None of this has been easy for either of us, but no matter what mess our parents made before us, you and I are brothers. You have three dragons that are growing, and when it's time, the North will support you in taking back the throne. In the meantime, we sue for peace, get Sansa back and go home."

When they shook hands, Jon felt the knot in his chest loosen. He could still feel a nagging resentment burning in his gut, but it was a feeling he was used to carrying and for now, he could let it be.

"And if I'm honest, " Robb began. "Had I been in your shoes, I might have murdered the Kingslayer."

Jon chuckled for a moment and then grew serious. "Gods, I wanted to, but then we wouldn't find ourselves in the fortunate position we are in now. And... for what it's worth, I was truly sorry about Talisa."

Robb nodded solemnly.

Searching his brother's face, Jon chanced a suggestion. "You're in a far better position than you were when you set out. Have you thought of making a stronger marriage alliance?"

Robb gave him a dark look. "Of course I have. You think my mother hasn't already been in my ear? Emissaries are preparing as we speak to go south."


Arya looked like she would jump out of her skin as Jon, Dany, and Robb trekked with her to the place the where dragons rested for the night. As they neared the edge of the treeline, Dany called for Dreamfyre.

Arya rushed beside Jon and grabbed his arm.

"Can I touch one?"

"Only if you want to be roasted alive, " Robb replied.

"No, and you can't get too close, " Jon added.

Arya stopped in her tracks, lips parting in awe as they came to a clearing where the dragons laid looking to just be waking from a night's sleep.

Dany was beaming with pride when she stood at Arya's side. "The green one is Rhaegal. He's partial to Jon."

Arya looked at him. "The one named for your father?"

Jon shook his head, her words stinging, bitter sweet.

"That is Viserion, " Dany went on. "He's the most gentle of the three, and that is Dreamfyre."

Jon grabbed hold of Arya's shoulder before she could run off after Dany who was rushing out to meet her black and crimson dragon.

Dreamfyre sat up, looking down on her, and Dany reached out her hand to pet his snout the way he had seen her do a hundred times. Without warning, Dreamfyre lurched forward, screeching at her so fiercely that she stumbled back in shock.

Jon ran to her side, while Dreamfyre curled back up as if returning to sleep.

He pulled her away. "What was that?"

"I don't know, " Dany stammered, eyes wide.

"Arya, " he heard Robb say. "You're never to go near them alone. Do you hear me?"

Jon ran his hands up and down her arms. "Dany, are you alright?"

Confusion was plain in her violet eyes. "I don't understand."