Chapter 14: Threatening

Jon POV

It had been two weeks since he and Dany had their first dinner alone, without the court, and he loved that a lot. So much so that in addition to dinners, they also had breakfast. Of course, they didn't cross the line of only kissing, but it was still a step forward. They talked about their childhood, and especially about the pranks, he did through the North. He was a little embarrassed when he was telling her that because she never stopped laughing, apart from the dramatic moments, when he said that he was injured, even if he put a bit of exaggeration into it, to see her reaction to the issue, and she had expressions of concern, and that was a positive sign, because it meant that she cared about him, even if she didn't love him, yet.

In these nights, he also managed to sleep well, no longer dreaming of the woman of his nightmares, or the Night King, but in the last two days, he dreamed about the shadow of a dragon flying over Winterfell, in a time of winter, and Jon knew that this hasn't happened yet, because, in the skies of the North, a dragon has never been seen since Jacaerys Velaryon arrived. And apparently every dream he had, always pointed to the crypts, but this time, instead of the mysterious door, to the statue of a woman, and in the crypts there were only two statues, with individual women: Lyanna Stark, sister of his father, and Sara Snow, sister of King Cregan Stark, to whom, according to sources, he was very attached and wept for her death, as well as for the children. And Jon intended to go there, to search for answers and to inspect the tomb. But first, he had to head to the council.

Upon entering the hall, he saw that the members were all present, but this time Lord Aerys was there. After the little discussion they had, Lord Aerys asked to absent himself from the court for a while, and he allowed him that because he felt a bit guilty for how he had responded to him on that occasion, about Daenerys.

"My Lords," greeted them Jon and sat in the king's seat, but saw that Daenerys was absent. They had agreed that she too should attend the meetings, but this morning she didn't tell him anything.

He'll have to talk to her in private about it. As queen, she will need to be present at these meetings.

"News from Robb?"

"Yes. He is one day away from the Wall. But in the distance, he saw a great light in the night, and he was sure it was a fire."

"That means the Wildings have decided to attack."

"Yes. In fact, Robb has increased the pace of his army."

"I'm sure Lord Umber will succeed in holding back the wildlings until Robb arrives."

"Yes. But there are about 5 Giants."

And Jon was not to believe the Giants. These stories always interested him when he was a child, and having the knowledge that the Giants still existed was having a dream come true. Old Nan told him that some legends tell about the coming of a predicted King, who will reunite the North, the whole North. From the Neck to the Lands of Always Winter, uniting the Houses of the North, the Clans of the mountains, the freefolks, and even the giants. All the men of the North will kneel to the Great Wolf. When he was a kid, he always dreamed of being that king, but looking at the situation now, he knew he wasn't that King. Because, instead of uniting them, he would have to fight them.

"Your Grace," his attention was drawn by Lord Aerys.

"Sorry I had plunged into my childhood memories at the news of the giants. Considering the news received, I think it's time for me to leave for the Barrier.

"Your Grace," said Aerys, standing up and resting his fists on the table, " I don't think you should do that."

And Jon gave him a look. It was the second time that Aerys had opposed this decision. Last time, they were in private, but now he did it in front of the Council.

"Lord Aerys, thank you for your advice, but I have made my decision. Robb is a great soldier and a commander, and I'm sure he won't have any problems dealing with the Wildings. But I'm the only one they'll believe about our offer."

"I agree with you. But you mustn't go until you've consumed the marriage," replied Aerys.

Jon saw that the other members had a surprised face, and he turned red from embarrassment.

"My Lord Hand, I don't think that's a topic that we need to discuss here."

"Yes, it is. It's a matter of state. If you don't lie with the queen, my daughter, and if she doesn't get pregnant, her life will be in danger, and the throne will be left to the ambitions of the South. "

Jon looked at him speechlessly. He could not believe that Aerys spoke these words, considering that he was aware of his promise and above all was and above all was in front of the council.

"Lord..."

"No, your grace. I apologize for interrupting you, but I have to make the things clear. If you leave for the Wall without having consumed your marriage, which has been celebrated, a month ago, you will have to look for another queen and at your return."

His mouth fell open, and his eyes were widened. Jon could not understand what he was saying. Recovering, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"That, when you return from the Wall, or if you return, you will have to look for another wife, because I will annul the marriages."

At that point, Jon burst out laughing, throwing his head behind, and leaning against the back of the chair. He saw that Aerys was getting angry.

"You cannot annul a marriage sealed by the Old Gods."

"Yes, I can. Because it was not consumed. It has already happened before."

Jon felt the anger begin to rise in him, and as he got up from his chair, he rushed toward Aerys, and stood in front of him, "Are you threatening me, Lord Aerys?"

"No, your grace. But my daughter's goodness and happiness are more important, and if you do not intend to lie with her, I am forced to find her another husband, who can protect her from future dangers, away from the court, and especially someone who can give her children."

Now Jon knew that Aerys had crossed the line, and clenching his fist, he said in a harsh and menacing tone, "This seemed like a threat to me. And you should know that I don't digest the threats well. I could execute you for treason, considering what you said."

"Your Grace..." Aerys tried to defend himself, but Jon stopped him by raising his hand.

"When you married your daughter to me, against her will, her goodness and her happiness didn't matter to you...but considering that you are like a father to me and that I have known you since I was a child, we will ignore this discussion..." Taking a breath, he added, "This is already the second time that you confront your King, but if you still say these things, or threaten me, you will suffer the consequences. "

And Jon stormed out of the room to head outside. He knew that Aerys was right, and he knew that he would be able to find another Daenerys husband instantly. Because who wouldn't want her? She was beautiful, but he knew that the other Lords or Kings would not be kind to her, because they would take her against her will, and who knows what else. Jon stopped on the balcony and felt that the wind of the North was beginning to extinguish his anger, and after calming down he headed to the crypts. As he walked he began to think, he had to make a great choice. Leave for the Wall or stay here. What was certain was that he would not lie with her. Things were starting to get better, and they were getting closer and closer, but if they took that step, without loving each other, and not having deeper feelings besides friendship, would be a mistake.

When he arrived at his destination, he saw the statue of Sara Snow and decided to examine it.

Behind the statue, on the dark side, he saw a dark bag, with a silver seahorse as a coat of arms. Opening it, he couldn't believe it. Inside there were two dragon eggs. One red and black, the other one silvery, with some dark grey. It almost seems as if they symbolized the union of House Stark and Targaryen. He remembers a story that Old Nan tells him, about how Prince Jacaerys left two dragon eggs of Vermax for his children, and that King Cregan hid them here, after the death of his sister and her children.

Jon knew that it was not his right to take these dragon eggs, but his kingdom needed them. They could hatch at any moment and have two dragons on their side would allow him to face the threats to his kingdom, both from the North and from the South.

"Forgive me, Sara, if I deprive you of this treasure from the afterlife, but the North needs them," said Jon, putting his hand on the cheek of the statue.

He had to go and look for Daenerys and show them to her. So he headed out.

Daenerys POV

Daenerys stood on the walls of Winterfell looking at the surrounding land, the Winter City and all the outside inhabitants who worked. Then she looked towards the Unsullied training area and saw that Grey Worm was training the Northerners in their tactics, and Daenerys was very interested. From what she had understood from Jon's stories, the Unsullied fought in the so-called phalanx a formation of tight shields, in line and fighting like a single man. Jon told her that they also learned the shield wall formation, but that it was used more as a defensive tactic or when attacking a fortress.

Suddenly Daenerys heard her name called and turning to the voice calling her, she saw that it was Jon, and she smiled at him and then began to descend the stairs. He wore a brown tunic and a coat.

She loved the last two weeks that she spent with Jon, and alone. She started to know him better, and the more she knew him the more she fell in love with him, even if she didn't admit it, because she didn't know what love was, yet. But they have crossed the line of kissing and now they kiss more often, and certainly, Daenerys couldn't complain about that. Kissing him was such a good thing.

As she approached him, she kissed him on the lips, smiling, and saw that he had a bag with him.

Intrigued by it, she asked, "What's in the bag?" she asked him, with a puppy look.

"You're a very curious girl," he replied, smirking, and giving her a peck on her nose. She smiled, blushing, and he continued, "I'll show you, but not here. Would you like to come with me for a ride?"

"Yes." And they headed for the stables.

Once on horseback and out of the city, with the only Ghost as an escort, Daenerys asked, "Where are we going, Jon?"

"To a special place. I have to show you something very beautiful." And she smiled, wondering at what it might be but as she looked at it from the side, she saw a smirk on his face, and that intrigued her even more.

After some riding time, Daenerys saw a waterfall from afar and a smile painted on her lips. She has never seen such a beauty, since around the Dragon's Keep, there were none, and she usually didn't get far from her father's castle, except when she came to the capital.

Once they got there, they got off the horse. Jon took the bag and Ice, and she said, amazed by the scene, "Jon, this is beautiful."

"Aye. I used to come here to hunt, when I was a bit younger, with Robb, and sometimes with my father. It's the place I love the most. Outside, as you can see, there is a waterfall with a small lake that has cold water," he responded, waving with the hands, "but inside the cave," he added, pointing his finger to the entrance, "there is hot water. The so-called hot springs. Come!"

And she followed him. As they entered, it was quite hot indeed, and she saw vapor rising from the water in the middle of the cave. She saw him take off the fur coat he was wearing and put down his sword and the bag.

She approached him, and she also took off her white coat and saw the contents of the bag. "T-They are dragon eggs," she said without believing.

"Yes." And he gave her the chance to choose. Both were beautiful, but the red and black one was special, and she knew it. It was as if he was calling her. Holding it in her hand, she was surprised, because the dragon egg was warm and inside it was as if it was moving.

"Jon, but..."

"Yes, Dany. I can feel it too," he responded, approaching the hot water, and immersing the dragon egg into the water, and she did the same thing.

"The water is almost very hot."

"Yes, I know, it's a bit too much for me, but I see that you don't suffer from it."

She smiled. "How is a Dragon born?"

"I don't know. I've heard stories that a dragon is born, when it is placed in the baby's cradle, or sometimes called by its name, from his Dragon rider. Or when the egg and the dragon egg have reached a great connection."

"So shall I try to call him?" She asked and Jon nodded.

Closing her eyes, she said the first name that came to her, from her heart, and that she always loved, from their family's history books, "Dreamfyre, Dreamfyre." But nothing happened. And she lowered her head in sadness. He had always dreamed of having a dragon, but now that there was an egg he didn't want to hatch.

She heard Jon approaching and kissing her head. "I'm sure he'll hatch."

She gave him a smile and then stood up, to put her fur coat back on.

"Let's go back to Winterfell."

"Did you try it?" she asked, not having heard him because she was too immersed in her own egg.

"Yes, but I didn't work."

As they were exiting the cave, they saw Ten men, and Jon immediately drew out Ice and gave her the sword he had on his hip. She knew she wasn't a warrior, but Arya taught her the basics and if she had to, she would defend herself.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Jon asked.

"As you can see we are assassins," said the hooded man showing up with his hands. "And we're here for the Targaryen girl. Come girl, and we'll leave your Prince alive."

"Go to hell," she replied, pointing her sword, and saw Jon smiling.

"Dany, go into the cave. I'll be fine" and she went immediately, but she still stayed at the entrance.

Two of them immediately charged towards Jon, but he managed to deflect him with Ice and cut off his head with a spinning slit.

Chaos broke out when the others began to charge against him and Jon set himself in position. One thing was certain, either the killers were weak, or Jon was too strong and good for them, as he was spinning his sword with elegance and deflecting their attacks, almost as if Ice wasn't heavy. While Ghost was attacking by surprise and then bringing his attention to the leader.

The leader drew his sword to attack Jon from behind, but he deflected immediately. And so they began to duel. The killer was damn good and strong, Danny thought, but Jon, he was a completely different warrior. She has never seen anyone fight like this and wielding a big sword lightly. After a while, Jon managed to hurt him, not gravely, but only cutting off his hand.

Jon was furious, it was visible on his face, and before he calmed down, she saw that one of his eyes was white.

"Jon..." she said in a low voice, hearing some men who weren't dead, groaning.

"I'm fine," replied Jon, before heading toward the leader of the assassins who were on the ground.

"Who sends you?" shouted Jon, making her jump, and making her skin shivering of fear because she has never seen him like this. "Daenerys. Ride to Winterfell and bring some guards."

She nodded and ran to her horse, but she overheard Jon say to the leader, "If you think losing a hand is a horrible thing or that your friends are dead, you don't know what's waiting for you."

Daenerys rode to Winterfell as fast as she could, even though they weren't far from the city. And Ghost was with her all the time.

Once she arrived at the gates of the city, she calls Grey Worm.

"Prepare twenty men. We were attacked, but we need to bring the prisoners here." he nodded and ran straight away to prepare a carriage and his men.

"Your Grace" Dany heard Ser Arthur from the courtyard and saw the Wolfsguard coming. "What happened?"

"We went to the waterfall where Jon used to hunt, and we were attacked by assassins," she replied not getting off the horse.

"That reckless man went alone. Stableboy, bring six horses."

"Arthur, you don't have to. There are no more assassins."

"I am Lord Commander of the King's Wolfsguard, and my job is to make sure he's alive." Then turning to the other members, Arthur said, "Benjen, Viserys, Dacey, Torrhen, and Ned. You're coming with me."

Daenerys shocked her head. There were no more assassins, but now almost all the guards were coming.

When they arrived at the scene, Dany saw that Jon was cleaning Ice. She got off her horse and ran straight to him to see if he was injured or not, but luckily he had a chainmail underneath.

"Jon, what happened?" Arthur asked.

"Dany, go and take the bag, and keep it with you." She nodded and ran to the cave, for she knew that at the entrance she had left them. Before entering, she glanced at Jon and saw that he and Arthur were in a heated discussion. But she heard almost nothing because either they whispered or raised their voices, but the Wolfsguard, as well as the Unsullied, were around him.

Then she saw Dacey coming towards her, "Do you need help?"

"No, but thank you, Dacey."

After taking the bag, Dany returned to Jon, and before beginning the ride back to Winterfell, Jon approached the leader and said in a cold, emotionless tone, "Your suffering has just begun. I'm going to make you suffer the pains of all hells until you tell me who sent you." Then they get on the horse and headed towards the city with the Unsullied behind.

And Dany thinks about what the leader said. That they had come for her. But who sent them and why she didn't know, but she was certain that Jon will find out after hearing the threat he made to the leader.