Wow! Thank you so much for all the positive reviews, faves, and follows! I never thought this would get so much readers, thank you very much!

For all your rewards, here is a new chapter. Sorry, this one took longer because I had to brainstorm on how to het their reaction right and the relationship of our lovebirds. I got time to write some more since the Corona outbreak. Stay safe everyone! Let's also send our prayers to Tormund and Ellaria Sand so that they will recover soon.

Anyways….this chapter explores the reaction of Robert, Dany's adjustments amongst the wolves, the training that they had to do, and of course, our lovebird's relationship.

Also, I have been helping a fellow author on his fanfic called The Snow Dragon by Patriot-112. Check out his fic! And be sure to check out my other Jonerys fic "Defiers of Fate", you can click on my profile to find it.

Nuff said. Enjoy ^^

News of the Dragon cub in Winterfell traveled fast. It wasn't long before Lord Stark received a message from King's Landing that the Stag King will visit Winterfell to see the Dragon cub and that he is already on his way with the lions. The Alpha Stark immediately held a council just like before to inform of their possible arrival tomorrow.

At the mention of the Stag King and the lions, Dany began panicking. She became rigid beside Ghost, fearing what they would do to her and the pack. The alpha noticed her tense, so after the meeting, he made all his cubs, and Dany stay behind to have a conversation before they meet the king, they all shifted back to their human forms.

"Child, you do not need to worry about Robert. He only wants to see you." He reassured to her.

"But…. but what if he wants to take me? What if he is going to punish you for taking me in?" She panicked, Ned can see so much fear in her violet eyes. "Please, if he wants to take me-"

"He won't take you, cub. I promise. Robert is my friend, and he respects my way of leading."

Dany heard those words before, she shook her head furiously. "No, Lord Stark. You don't understand." Her eyes are already forming tears, "Lord Tywin and King Robert have long wanted me dead, my family did so many crimes towards his family and yours. I have been running away for my whole life from his assassins."

"I know, and I am sorry that you had to go through that." He sincerely told her. "But did you also know that it was I who stopped his hired assassins from going further?"

She froze at his statement, her eyes widened at the revelation. It caught the attention of his cubs as well, especially Jon. "You stopped Robert's assassins from looking for Dany?"

So he gave her a nickname, he noticed before continuing his tale, looking at the cubs. "Aye, a few weeks after Queen Rhaella, and Viserys disappeared, Robert immediately hired assassins to find them. It was only a few days later when I heard about this. I told Robert to stop this madness and leave them be. Of course, he didn't want to. He was paranoid that they would want to form a rebellion to take back their kingdom, which I told him that it was absurd. Then he called me a fool for not wanting revenge after what the dragon family had done to us and the realm."

Bran, who has been silent the whole time, became curious, "So what did you do?"

"I had a long debate with him, but when I managed to finally convince him the next day, Ser Willem have already been killed." He said sadly, recalling that horrific day when the assassins presented his body. "But because he is dead, it was simpler for me to convince him since the guard of the dragon is dead."

The cubs were silent for a moment, then Robb wondered. "He wasn't happy that you asked that from him, wasn't he father?"

"Aye, but we all must abide the ancient laws. Our laws are sacred, we do not pry on the innocence no matter what their other family member had done. Rhaella never made any orders to kill anyone, it was her husband. Viserys was only a child back then and Daenerys was not born yet." He gently explained to the cubs. "Are you going to punish someone for a crime that they didn't commit?"

Jon then scoffed, "But the lions and Stag did more of the killing. Then Viserys eventually went mad."

"And you saved her from him anyway, which goes back to what I told you, Daenerys." He looked back to her, she no longer looked frightened. "I am sorry that Viserys had to end up like that, but it may also be a good leverage so that King Robert will not be too paranoid that we have you in our pack."

Dany sniffed and looked down, "But I am not a Stark, just a member of your pack. He could still take me." The fact that he saved her life from the very beginning must've been overwhelming for her.

"Arya? Sansa?", he called his daughters.

"Yes, father?" the girls responded simultaneously.

"What did I use to tell you after you had a fight with each other? Would you care to tell Daenerys?"

They groaned for a while from the reminder, then Sansa recited first, "In winter we must take care of one another. Look out for each other."

"And…", Ned said.

"The lone wolf dies, but the pack survives." Arya finished it.

He nodded and smiled at them, "Precisely, I hope you heed my words, girls." He saw they looked at each other and looked away immediately, making him chuckle, then he turned back to Dany. "You see, child? We take our words truly. You are not a wolf, aye, but you are part of our pack, and by our own law, we protect each other, even from the King. Understood?"

The girl sniffed again, then she nodded. "Thank you, Lord Stark."

Ned smiled at the girl, then he patted her shoulder. "Now, let's get back, shall we?"

And the pack went back into the castle.

The next day, his wolf scout informed of his coming arrival, all of Winterfell then prepared for the king. Ned had his family up front in the castle, waiting for his arrival and to be the first to greet them. The Dragon cub stood behind Jon.

The Southern came with a grand entrance. A carriage with stags and lions at each sides of it, and a few members of the Kingsguard shifters. All the Kingsguard are albino lions, sworn protectors of the King and Queen of the realm, long before the Lannisters.

They are all white feline, all except for Jaime Lannister, who led the carriage up front. He leads the Kingsguard and because he killed the Mad King, Robert allowed him to keep his family form in his honor.

As they arrived, Robert stepped out of his carriage. Ned could've sworn he wasn't this obese the last time he met him, but here he is, putting up a lot of weight.

Dany whimpered behind Jon at the sight of them, he could hear her breathing harder. Jon sneaked a hand behind and found hers, he looked back to see her staring at him in surprise. He squeezed her hand, giving her a reassurance that everything will be fine.

He saw her swallow, then nodded. He released her hand and looked front. The king is approaching them.

"Ned Stark!" He boomed in excitement, opening his arms. "It's been a while, my friend."

Ned laughed and received his old friend in a brotherly embrace. "Your Grace."

He was about to kneel down before Robert stopped him, "Enough with the formalities, is this how you treat your old friend? Come here you!"

They embraced in a brotherly hug, joyful to be reunited. Ned untangled first and looked at his friend from head to toe, "Look at you, Robert! What have you been doing?"

Robert only howled in laughter, "King's Landing has many great things I tell you, that's why I am…." He raised his hands to present himself to his friend, which only made them both laughing again. "Ahh yes, meet my mate, Cersei."

A woman with golden hair came behind them, one look at her hair and grumpy face is enough to know that she is the daughter of the lion. She bowed to Ned, "My Lord, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Ned knows she didn't mean it but went with it anyway, "The pleasure is all mine, my queen."

The Stark introduced themselves to the King and Queen, until their gaze fell to the silver-haired girl behind Jon. Robert's voice began to turn salty, "So this is the Dragon cub you adopted, Ned."

Jon can feel her fear, she is still looking down. Jon then stepped aside so that Robert can see her better, he whispered to her, "It's alright, Dany. Everything will be fine."

Dany's eyes met his grey ones for a brief moment, she gave him a sad smile before she finally gazed upon the man who killed her father. Jon can see that Robert is not happy to see another dragon in front of him, his face immediately fell after his joyful reunion.

He glared at Dany. "I have known you for a long time, Ned. I trust you and believed in your judgements in every decision I make in the past." His voice turned angry. "But this cub is something I need to hear from you directly."

Dany lowered her gaze, staying silent. Jon can see that she is doing her best to hide her fear.

"Come, Robert." Ned called out, knowing that his presence is fearing the girl. "We should discuss this inside. Tywin would want this discussion as well."

All the Lords and royalties went inside, leaving only Jon and Dany outside. When he stood beside her, she was still frozen from the presence of the king. She stared at the royalties who are going inside.

Jon stroked her arm, making her startle and she finally broke her gaze and looked at him. He gave her a reassuring smile, "You alright?"

Dany let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and nodded. He saw tears beginning to form in her eyes as she hugged herself, "I am afraid, Jon", she squeaked. "What if….What if they take you because you didn't kill me?"

"Hey, calm down." He placed both his hand on each of her shoulders. "Nothing is going to happen to me or any of us, alright? Father told us yesterday, we are a pack, we look after one another no matter how harsh the winter will be."

Jon can see that Dany is still doubting it. How can she not? Her caretaker died and her brother turned mad, all her life she was taught to keep running. He sighed, "Come, let's go to Uncle Benjen."

She nodded, and they both left to find their uncle.

As they were on their way to his Uncle's hut, Jon began to sense something is wrong. The outside castle turned very quiet when all the royalties busied themselves inside, the guards and servants are already guarding the castle, and all the Kingsguard are inside.

But it seems…..not all are.

He heard a faint footstep from their backs halfway, then he pulled Dany before she can walk further.

"What is it, Jon?", she asked.

"Shhhh", he hushed her and looked around. Dany felt his tense and began to move closer to him, looking around on what seem to be the problem.

Jon can hear it coming from behind. He looked back to see a Kingsguard walking slowly behind them, his eyes gave him dagger stares. Jon didn't like where this can be going, he pushed Dany in front gently, "Come on, Dany." She nervously obeyed, and they picked up their pace.

Only to have another Kingsguard to block their path. From the looks of it, Jon knows that he means trouble.

He pulled her hand to get her closer to him. Dany held onto his arm, he can feel tense. As much as he wants to get mad at them, he tried to sound casual, "Good evening, good Sers. How may I help you?"

"My my…" the Kingsguard in front of them sneered, "How you've grown, Dragon cub."

Then the Kingsguard behind them spoke menacingly, "What's wrong, princess? We are here to take you home. I am Ser Meryn, I used to be your father's guard. So was Ser Mandon there."

Dany whimpered and shrank behind Jon, he knew he mustn't let his guard down. "Aye, and now you guard the Stag King."

"Ahh, you are the bastard cub that the lion said." Ser Meryn mocked him, "Maybe you should come with us for not killing the cub, we'll teach you properly on how to kill."

The two cubs backed away until their backs faced the wall, "Sorry, but as members of the pack, we are required to stay here."

"Not any longer." Ser Mandon growled, Jon can sense that he is preparing to shift. "Tell me, princess. Are you hungry?" The two Kingsguard began closing in to them, Ser Mandon teeth are turning into fangs. "Let's have a bite, shall we?"

At that, the Kingsguard transformed into a huge albino lion and pounced at them. Ghost immediately emerged and leaped to him, both shifters slammed to the ground and rolled away from Dany.

Ghost snapped and snarled at the lion, he managed to weigh him down. But as he was about to sink his teeth onto his paw, he heard a scream behind him. He turned to see Dany being cornered by the other young albino lion, ready to pounce.

Without missing a beat, he left his foe and ran to her. With all his might, digging his paws on the earth, he launched himself and slammed the lion away from her. The lion roared in shock, tumbling off the ground.

Ghost had Dany behind him now, protecting her from the albinos. On my back now, Dany! He lowered himself and she quickly climbed on his back, he rose to run away.

Only to be cornered by the huge albino, growling at them both. You fight like a true warrior, I'll give you that, you filthy mutt. The lion snarled, Tell you what, you give us the cub, and you will be rewarded.

Ghost tried to dart another way, but it was also blocked by his ally. He snarled at them to keep them away, though it is only giving them little effects. He can feel Dany's arms enveloping his neck and her face buried into his fur, she was trembling in fear and heard her whimpering on his back.

I don't answer to you, Kingsguard. She stays with me. Ghost snapped at them, lips curling and baring his teeth. If Dany isn't with him, he would gladly fight these lions.

Have it your way then. The lion crouched, ready to launch himself at the cubs. Ghost prepared himself to sidestep and tell Dany to hold on tight…..

Until another loud roar from a close distance stormed in. MERYN! MANDON!

They all turned to find the source of the roar, and saw a pair of lions running towards them, one young golden and a long-maned pale white lion. The long-maned albino ran and stood between Ghost and his members, then he gave a deep growl, making the other lions back away.

The golden lion calmly circled his members, The King requires our presence in the castle. Let's not mingle around the castle, shall we?

Ser Meryn and Mandon growled irritatingly, they gave one last glare at Ghost and turned to leave them. The golden and pale lion stood their grounds and watched them leave the scene.

Once they disappeared into the trees, all tensions earlier faded. The golden lion shifted back to his human form, revealing to be Jaime Lannister. He looked at the white direwolf, then at Dany. He bowed, "Forgive me, princess. They shouldn't have done that."

Dany peeked out from Ghost's neck, finding a young golden-haired man, armored with gold and silver plates and braces on him, looking apologetically at her. Beside him, the albino lion shifted into an old man, heavily armored. She wondered how his age didn't even ware him down, but nonetheless, he managed to keep his members away from her.

Ghost lowered himself for Dany to dismount him, he then turned back to his human form. "Thank you for your help, Ser Jaime. And…."

"Barristan Selmy, wolf cub. I used to be Lord Commander when my boy here finally earned his title as one. Now I teach him our ways." He patted the shoulder of the young lion, looking very proud of his successor. Then he turned to Dany, "Princess Daenerys, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

She gave him a sad smile, "I don't think I deserve such title, good Sers. Daenerys would do just fine."

"Well…you are the daughter of someone we used to serve." The old man chuckled. "But if that's what you prefer, then we will go with it."

"I used to serve your mother, Daenerys." Ser Jaime said, he smiled at her, "I am sorry I couldn't save her …..or your father." He bowed his head, his shame seems to be real, so Jon relaxed.

Dany only shook her head, "No, I am sorry that my family caused you all the troubles. I understand what you had to do."

"So you knew." The golden lion said. "That I…I…"

She nodded sadly, "I had to understand why I had to run away when I was little."

"No words can describe how sorry I am, Daenerys. I wish there was another way."

Dany only smiled at his apology, "I understand, Ser Jaime. All is in the past now."

Jon saw the two Kingsguard looked at the young girl before looking at each other. From the look on their faces, it was like Déjà vu, that they had experienced that same kindness from the queen they used to serve herself. Come to think of it, from paintings, she looks exactly like Rhaella Targaryen.

Ser Jaime sighed as if trying to release the sadness after reminiscing the past, "Right, we should get going. The King and the Alpha would probably want to see us. Would you like us to escort you to wherever you are going, wolf cub?"

Jon shook his head, "We'll be fine from here. Thank you."

"As you wish, take care", Ser Jaime bowed again. It seems that not all will look down at him even if he is a bastard, or maybe because the daughter of the queen they used to serve is here. The golden lion then turned to Ser Barristan, "Come, Ser Barristan. Before the King wants our head."

The old man chuckled, "Until then, young ones."

And at that, they left the cubs on their own.

Jon watched them leave, he then turned to see Dany weakly smiling at them as she held her hands together. He smiled at her, "See, Dany?" he said, she turned to him, "Everything will be just fine."

She nodded.

Jon then shifted back to Ghost, then he lowered himself, Come, it'll be faster to get to my Uncle's this way.

"Alright." She agreed. She climbed on his back and off they went to wait for any news from his father and the Stag King.

It was near evening when the Alpha and the King have finished their discussion, however, they didn't say anything to them. The two friends held a feast as if the discussion never happened, and Jon took it as a good sign. The royal family stayed at Winterfell for a few days before they finally left.

All except…..Ser Barristan. The white lion stayed back at the castle, mostly at the side of Ser Rodrik.

Jon was about to ask why is he still here when his Alpha father called for council again for everyone to join that evening.

That is when he announced everything, the good and the bad. This time though, he wants everyone to be in their human form, so that men will also know about this.

"My friends, brothers and sister, and my cubs." The Alpha began, "The King has renounced the claim of the Dragon cub's blood."

There were whispers and murmurs. But the Stark cubs were only smiling and looked at Dany, feeling relieved that they are allowed to have a new member who isn't a wolf. Even Sansa was smiling for her.

But there will always be a catch. "However,", he raised his voice, "In exchange, the Dragon cub is forbidden to keep her last name. From now on, Daenerys Targaryen is not amongst our pack. But Daenerys Stormborn is."

The cubs were surprised to hear this, and they all turned to Dany. The Dragon cub herself wasn't expecting this information, that she must relinquish her name. This time, the murmurs got louder, Jon can hear their exchanges.

"Erasing the dragon's name?"

"Is that against the law?"

"Are their clans, no more?"

"Is she to be a bastard?"

The murmurs became too loud, and that's when a roar silenced them. It was a new roar, one that doesn't belong to Ser Rodrik nor Benjen. It was the roar from the albino lion, Ser Barristan.

"Thank you, Ser Barristan." His father said before turning to the audience again, "As you know, we have a new member here, Ser Barristan the Bold. The Stag King wants him to stay and keep an eye on the cub."

The murmurs continued, but it was more to mockeries.

"That old man?"

"He is going to die before he can survive the next spring."

"I bet Ser Rodik's cubs can take him down easily."

The old lion roared again, but this time, it was louder that it startled everyone, even the birds flew from their perch. The mocking stopped immediately.

His father chuckled, "As you can see, the lion is not as weak as you may think. Ser Barristan was hand chosen by Ser Jaime Lannister to do his task, that means that he knew what he is doing." The Alpha said. "That is all I have to say. Dismissed."

The crowd dispersed, going back to their own tasks. When the Alpha met Dany's eyes, Jon saw that he gave her a sad look. Then he and his family left to go back to their chambers.

Jon and Dany went back to their chambers, after the meeting, Dany seem to be lost in thoughts after she was given another name. She was quiet the entire time they went back, Jon didn't want to say anything, he thought that the news is already too overwhelming for her.

She sat on the bed, her back resting on the wall, she wrapped her legs with her arms, her violet eyes stared straight at the wall. She looked so…. devastated.

Jon took his place beside her, sitting on the bed. "Dany."

She turned a bit to look him in the eyes, but it was brief before she turned back to stare at the dark walls. Jon sighed, "Are you…..", he changed his tactic, "How are you feeling?"

Dany shook her head. "I don't know."

"Sansa once said to me the same thing, but it turns out she had more to say." Jon said, recalling the time with his half-sister. "Arya told me she was ranting at her the whole time instead of to me or Robb." He laughed, it made her smile, but it was a sad smile. "Come on, what's on your mind? Is there anything I can help you?"

"I don't think anyone can."

"Oh," he said, he could guess that their earlier council had her weighing down, he doesn't want to force her to talk about it, but at the end of the day, she must speak about it. "Then…..can you tell me about it? Talking might help."

She shook her head, but he can see tears began to form in her eyes.

Jon sighed, girls crying in front of him is not something he has ever dealt before. Maybe with Arya, but she mostly ran to her mother or father, and she is mostly tough. This is completely foreign to him, he just doesn't want to say something that will make her even more upset.

So he did the one thing Lady Catelyn did if her cubs cried, he nervously wrapped an arm around her and pulled her towards him. It shocked her at first, then she began to relax. Now, her head rested on his shoulder, and her hair tickled his cheeks. It was an awkward position, but if she's calm, then so be it.

That's when her sobbing began. It was faint, then she inhaled hard, and finally cried. She turned her head and buried her face on his chest, crying into him. Her sadness is a stab to his heart, he then used both his arms to pull her to him and let her just stay there, letting it all out.

He doesn't know what it feels like to lose the very thing that is left of ones family, but he knows what its like to be alone. Sometimes, being around his siblings and uncle would ease him, but it was for a short period of time before Lady Catelyn would snatch them away from him on purpose. Uncle Benjen would be their alternative, but sometimes, he too just doesn't have the time to be with him since he is a ranger. He was always looked down throughout his whole life, that's why being alone is much better than being shamed on. He nearly joined the Night's Watch because of that, hoping that it would somehow prove his worth to everyone and be like Uncle.

That is….until he found her.

He stroked her back, hoping that it'll ease her. Her small body trembling with sadness, and her breath became ragged until she hiccupped. "You are going to hyperventilate, Dany. Come, breathe with me, alright?" He felt her nodding.

"Right, come. Breathe in with me. Inhale." They breathed in together, "Exhale." And breathed out together, they repeated the same exercise until she calmed down.

She didn't cry again, but he can still feel her awake. So he asked, "Better now, Dany?"

She nodded. "Thank you, Jon."

Unconsciously, he held her tighter. He was thinking to let her go, but it seems that she was the one who is not allowing him to, for she rested herself on his chest and from the looks of it, she's not going to move for a while.

They were silent for a while, just enjoying the quietness. Until she broke it with a whisper, "What am I going to do?"

Jon moved his head a bit, "What do you mean?"

"The Targaryens are no more, that name will forever be gone." Her voice is hoarse, "It was the only thing I ever had of my own family, I don't have anything else to remember them or honor their memories."

Jon praised her for wanting to keep her family memories going, even when her father and brothers were complete arses. She really doesn't deserve all the pain she went through. He stroked her back gently again, "They live in us now."

Dany shifted under his arms, pulling away from him. She looked confused at his statement, "It'll sound weird, but Uncle Benjen once told me, that whenever he felt alone, he would look to the stars. He said that the ones who passed on to another life, would look down on us from those stars. So, whenever we feel alone, just remember that they will always be there to guide us."

They both looked out the window, there are bright stars on the night sky, lighting up the solemn night. Jon continued, "I never knew my mother, and my father never wanted to talk about her to me. So I went to my uncle, and he was the one who told me this. He said that there are times that he missed his sister dearly, and that's when his habit on stargazing began."

She turned to him, meeting his grey eyes. "Did it help?"

"Well, I assumed that it did. Because he told me that he felt closer to my aunt. It sounded strange, but at the same time, it's oddly comforting." He said, "I did it as well, and strangely, I felt closer to my mother, even though I never knew who she was. But…..I felt like she has been guiding me all this time."

"How so?"

"Well…..I am here", he immediately answered. "There are times I felt like I just want to die rather than to live my whole life as a bastard. But…somehow, a part of me always tell me to be strong. And I like to think that it was my mother who whispers to me."

Dany smiled at his remark, she no longer has tears in her eyes, just the trails on her cheeks. But her smile faded a bit and looked down, "But if I am no longer a Targaryen, then…who am I?"

He placed a hand on hers, "You can be yourself, Dany." He eyes found his, he found that her violet orbs fascinating. He knew that her eyes are always violet, but it was never this deep, he felt like he could lose himself in her eyes. He managed to regain himself, "You can make your own path, be who you want to be."

She smiled again, Jon gave himself points for returning her comfort. She opened her mouth, "I don't know who I want to be."

She left her lips part a bit, he had to restrain himself from kissing her, so he quickly gazed away before meeting her eyes again. "Well…..tomorrow is your first day in your lessons right?" She nodded in confirmation, "Well, you can discover yourself there. Might give you some ideas."

She gazed away from him and thought about it for a moment, she seem to like the idea of exploring her own talents. She looked at him again, "What do you want to be, Jon?"

"Honestly now? I am not sure." He admitted. "I used to want to join the Night's Watch, thought I could prove myself there. But then…I met you, and it seems the pack is going to need more members to help ever since the lions confronted us…..so really, I guess we are on the same boat." He smiled at her, the last sentences were added ones so that it doesn't sound awkward.

Then they both chuckled, realizing that they both are just as confused. Then it was quiet again.

"Why don't we rest for tonight?", Jon changed the subject, "It's been a long day after all, and I have to patrol tomorrow morning." He got up to prepare himself to shift and sleep on the floor as usual.

"No", she pulled his hand back, surprising Jon though he did an excellent job in covering it. For he knew she felt nervous, her hand holding his is fidgeting. "I'm sorry, I…..I don't think I can sleep alone tonight." She fell quiet then, it seems that she is hoping that he understood her silent plea. To sleep beside her.

As if he could ever deny her, "Alright."

She smiled at him again, and she made room for him to lay down beside her. She rested her head on his pillows, "Goodnight, Jon." She murmured.

"Goodnight, Dany." And for the first time in their lives, they didn't feel alone anymore.

Months after the Stag King's visit, Dany has been following the ways of the wolves and doing her best to fit in. Even if she isn't a wolf, she can still hear them communicating in their forms. She can hear that some accept her, but some are still wary of her. Neither less, she did all she can to be part of the pack.

As per Alpha Lord Stark's request, she goes to her lessons with Arya and Bran everyday. It wasn't easy at first, she did know how to read and write, but she hasn't advanced them as she only knew the basics. Luckily, the Maester Lord Stark chose was patient and didn't mind teaching a Dragon cub. He mostly taught her literature so that she can advance her learning and catch up with the youngest Stark cubs.

Arya and Bran were also helpful for her. They didn't mind at all having someone who is not their family member to join them. Dany was shy at first, but the cubs were very welcome towards her, and her insecurities began to fade. She also gets to know each of them better in the process.

Arya is the most enthusiastic in her learning of history. She was so absorbed with all the historical figures, especially the Targaryens. She would always tell everything she knew about them to her. Dany felt delightful knowing that not everyone has a grudge towards her family. However, if it weren't anything else related, Arya became less engaged in her lessons, especially in arts. There were times Arya would miss her lessons and Dany would find her watching Jon and the other pack members training the whole afternoon.

Bran, on the other hand, was the quietest and tolerable towards any lessons. Unlike Arya, he is a studious one. He too was, at first, shy around her, but quickly began to open up to her by telling anything about what he learned. He is the most studious amongst them both and Dany would sometimes find herself discussing art and literature and asking opinions about anything. He truly will be a great advisor for the future Alpha.

After their lessons, she would go to the training grounds where Jon, Robb, and sadly, Theon and his gangs, would train and wait for them. She wanted to hear more about her dragon family, to which Ser Rodrik obliged to keep his promise. As they train, he would tell her his story and at the same time, managed to keep the training cubs in check. If Dany finds herself walking to the training grounds by herself, Ser Rodrik will always accompany her. The black bear allowed her to watch the other cubs train.

Most of the time, Arya would join her to watch them train, and if she had the chance, she would pick a bow up and tried target practicing with Ser Rodrik. The young she-wolf can nearly be as good as the training cubs. Otherwise, the Septa would find her to continue her sewing lessons.

Bran would often join in to watch them train, but not too long. Most of the time, he would either lock himself in the library, go scouting around Winterfell with the other cubs or join her to watch the others train.

This day is the day that the cubs enter their new training, the Running of the pack. This training is a preparation for the real test for the next season. The wolf cubs are to race at The Lonely Hills before Benjen, the ranger panther, catches them. This is the most important tradition that all cubs must participate to be a true pack member.

Arya and Bran are told to join. Their mother didn't agree at first, but Ser Rodrik and Benjen insisted, especially since Arya spoke for Dany during the council. Ned feared that the lions may target her too, so she must be ready at all costs, including Bran. Sansa didn't bother to join since she believed that it is not for Ladies and Rickon was too young for such training.

So here they are, in the forest of Winterfell. As they gathered, Dany sat on a fallen tree. Beside her is Benjen, observing the cubs carefully in front of them.

The wolf cubs lined up to rows, yipping, and barking in excitement. The Stark cubs are aligned, there is Summer (Bran told her his wolf name), Nymeria, Ghost, and Grey Wind. Then next to the future Alpha is Theon and the rest of his gangs. And in front of the cubs is the black bear, standing on a boulder.

"Alright! Listen up!" Ser Rodrik roared to get their attention, which effectively made the cubs straighten their backs and look at him.

"This is the North! In the North, we all hunt and..." he jumped down with a loud thud, making the cubs flinch, "We are all hunted." He walked slowly and eyed each of them, "you see what that means?" he paused for a while before continuing, "It means that you…..you don't want to get caught." He walked behind the cubs, "That's why you can't join the true pack until you have passed the Running. It is a trial that every cub must go through to test their strength and see if you truly are part of the pack, even Lord Stark had to go through this."

Whilst he is explaining, she saw Theon trying to mock Grey Wind, laughing and hissing at him. Amazingly, Grey Wind ignored him as if he is a wind. As he tried to annoy him again, the black bear slapped his back and roared, "PAY ATTENTION!". The force sends the wolf sliding on the ground and whine, making the other wolves immediately silent. Theon went back to his position with his tail between his legs.

Ser Rodrik cleared his throat then, "So…. 'what's the running Ser Rodrik?'", he looked at Dany as he said this as if addressing her silent question before he turned back to the cubs. "The Running is the hunt where you…..are the prey." A wolf whined as he said this, but she saw that Ghost didn't seem unfazed.

The black bear then looked to the panther, "Now Benjen here, you all know Benjen, don't you? Friendly Benjen." The wolf cubs turned to their direction, looking at the ranger who is sitting sternly beside Dany. For a brief second, Ghost and Dany's eyes met. It was quick before all the cubs turned to the ranger, then Ser Rodrik continued, "In the Running, Benjen will hunt you, and if he catches you….. you fail."

"What happens if we fail?" Dany heard young Summer asked.

"YOU DON'T JOIN THE PACK!" the black bear replied harshly, making all the cubs shudder, including Dany. The thought of being kicked out of the pack and live on her own again scares her. She hugged herself, wishing Jon is beside her when she felt someone sat closer to her. "But….I've never had one of my cubs fail." He grinned wickedly. "And I am not going to start now."

She turned to see that it was Ser Benjen, as if he sensed her wary. "Don't worry, little dragon" he gently told her, "It's his way to show discipline." His reassurance made Dany feel safe now, no wonder Jon thought of his uncle when he first brought her to the pack. They both watched them again.

"Are we clear?" The black bear asked, the cubs nodded. "Good, let's practice, shall we? Five laps!", he said. "In position!". The cubs readied their stance, "Wait…wait….GO!"

And off the cubs ran, Ser Rodrik followed behind them, snarling and roaring at them to go faster. The black bear stayed closer to the youngest cubs to encourage them whilst the rest of the older cubs ran ahead.

Dany watched the cubs running in laps. She saw Ghost and Grey Wind on the lead as if competing with one another. In their laps, Ghost was always at the lead, sometimes Grey Wind will playfully snarl at him to slow him down and managed to steal a head start. Dany is silently rooting for Ghost to win.

"So, Daenerys…", Dany turned as Benjen called her, "How are your lessons? Bran told me that you managed to catch up with them fast."

"It's going well, thank you," she smiled.

"Let's find out, shall we?" He shifted his sitting position so that his body is turned towards her. "Tell me the three laws of the pack."

Dany thought for a while, "No wolf shall hunt man and shifters in Westeros, for killing man and shifters only brings danger."

"And why is that?"

"Because hunting is sacred, it is our right. But we never do it for sport." She answered.

Benjen hummed. "Next."

She continued, "The cub scout follows the alpha. The cub scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the cub scout grow. The cub scout gives goodwill."

"Impressive. Last one?"

"Now this is the Law of the Westeros. As old and true as the sky. And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die... For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack." She finished without missing a beat.

Benjen hummed in satisfaction. "Splendid, little cub. Now, let's hear the words of the Starks."

"Winter is coming."

"And the words of the Targaryens?"

Dany flinched at the name of her own House. That name is so forbidden that most people wouldn't dare to say it. Then again, he asked for it, "Fire and blood."

The ranger clapped his hands, "Magnificent, my child." He praised her, making her smile. "I can see why Bran is taking a liking of you, maybe you are both a dragon and a wolf."

This made her blush, she has never been praised like this. "Thank you, Ser Benjen."

"Please little princess, Benjen would do just fine." He said, they were quiet for awhile before he spoke again. "I am sorry that you had to lose your name, young one. It was the only way to keep you safe."

But Dany is long past caring about that after her conversation with Jon, she will live to honor their memories from now on. "You all did everything for me." She smiled at him.

He smiled at her, and they watched the wolves practicing their running again.

That night, after the training, Robb, Jon, and Dany spent their time at Benjen's hut, talking about their days. This was something Dany too wanted to get used to because she never had someone to talk to in the past, to tell everyone their days and how they felt. It's strangely comforting.

The four of them sat together on a mat, circling a lantern as they told their tales. They had small snacks, water, and wine. Then it was Robb's turn to speak.

"Father told me that I am to marry Margery Tyrell." Robb finally announced.

Jon looked at him in shock, "The elf of the Tyrell clan?"

"Aye, they will be here in a month or so. Depending on their schedule."

Benjen quirked his eyebrows, "Why is your father making them come to the North? Shouldn't it be us to visit them?"

"Father said that Margery wanted to see the North."

"Then you better marry that child, boy. No questions asked." Benjen immediately stated. "She's a keeper if she says that."

They laughed at his conclusion just because the lady loved the North. Dany suddenly had the urge to ask, "You aren't marrying her because of the trouble I caused to the North…..is it, Robb?"

"Oh, he should be thanking you instead, Daenerys." Benjen poured himself another cup of wine as he said this, "I've met Margery, and by the gods, she steals the breath of every young man around her, a true rose. Robb will be left breathless."

"Why can't I just marry, Dany?" Robb whined and took the jug from his uncle and poured himself one. His statement left her in shock, even Jon went rigid.

Dany blushed furiously, "I hardly know anything about ruling, Robb. And it'll ruin your reputation if you are going to have me as your mate, who knows I'll turn mad like my father if I were to marry you." she jokingly said the last part.

"Oh come one, Dany. Am I that bad?" The Young Wolf complained as he gulped his wine. "Besides, you are with us. There is no way you will ever be like your father as long as Jon keeps an eye on you."

Jon laughed at his statement and took the wine jug out of his hands, "Alright, I think that's enough wine for you."

"Don't worry, Robb." Benjen howled with laughter, "Margery is loved by everyone!" As he said this, he opened his arms, then he pointed to him, "And you…you have a duty as Alpha. That is…to find a pretty mate to rule with you." And then he continued laughing.

"How much did you drink, Benjen?", Dany giggled as she asked.

"Least he is conscious though, just a bit tipsy," Jon stated before he grinned at his brother. "Though it is true, you do need to find yourself a mate. Someone who can assist you to be a true Alpha like Father."

"And I will need a Beta by my side, by then." He slapped Jon's back, "You….since you are as excited as our dear Uncle here for my marriage with the elf, you shall be my the Beta of the pack." He said it casually as if it's an easy way to do so.

Jon only chuckled, not believing his words taking it as if he was joking, "Alright, I am forbidding you from having any drinks here ever again."

"I'm awake, Jon."

"There must be a catch."

"I'm being serious, brother."

The bastard boy looked at him, "This is not a subject of jokes, Robb."

"Because it's not." Robb said seriously, "I want you as the Beta of the pack, Jon."

He scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous. What will your mother think?"

"Doesn't matter what she thinks. I will be Alpha of Winterfell sooner or later, and that's something that everyone needs to get used to."

"I'll be old by then." Jon joked, making Robb playfully push him. This side of Jon is something Dany rarely sees, happy and carefree.

"Well….because I will be Alpha, it's also my right to make you be a Stark," Robb said, making Jon stopped at gazing at the lantern and turn to him.

Benjen, who watched the brothers interact finally spoke, "It's true though. When Robb is Alpha, he has every right to rank his pack members. This is one of them."

Jon was a loss of words. All his life, all he ever wanted, is to be seen as equal, for everyone to see him more than just a bastard. To truly be a part of the Stark pack and to really feel belong in one. He has always been so different than the other wolves, especially his snowy pelt, making him even more noticeable as the bastard of Winterfell. No females even dared to look at him…..that is….until he met Dany.

When he met Dany, all the thoughts of being a Stark seem to have slipped off his mind. He used to think about it everyday, but ever since he met the Dragon cub, he thought less and less about it.

Robb slapped his shoulder, breaking his thoughts away, "You just need to pass The Running test, then everyone can see you as a true Stark, even without me telling the pack."

Jon only nodded.

Dany smiled at them, "You've long thought about this, didn't you Robb?"

"You got me there, Dany." The Young Wolf laughed, "Jon and I have been close since we were little, and I think it's time Jon earns his ranks. Better he earns the ranks of the Starks than the Night's Watch, no offense, Uncle Benjen."

"None taken." Their uncle waved them.

"Just pass the Running, alright Jon?" His brother pleaded him.

"It's too much to think for one day, give me some time alright?" Jon said. "It's too early for this, and it's overwhelming as well."

"That's a good lad", he slapped his shoulder again and was rewarded with a playful push from him, making them both laugh and debate again.

Dany felt happy for him, that her savior gets a chance to prove himself. To be more than just a bastard, just like how he has ever wanted.

Then her face fell, as far as she knows from her studies with Bran, a Beta must report to the Alpha at all times and travel all the time. If she can shift into a wolf, maybe it's possible for her to travel with him and help with his patrolling and scouting. But sadly, she can't. If he is truly to be a beta, will he ever have time for her again?

Unbeknownst to her, their uncle was watching her expressions since Robb said he wants Jon to be his Beta. He knew that Jon and Dany have a spark since the very beginning, which is why he can tell the true reason why Jon was hesitating for his decision and how the Dragon cub's face fell after that.

It seems that he is going to have another conversation with the current Alpha Stark later on.

So! What do you think?

Yea, I took the Lion King reference there. I thought it was suitable for both of their relationships. I was listening to the OST "This Land" from the Lion King as well, so that idea popped up. And yea, the Tyrells are elves. If the turn into flowers its odd. Haha

But ultimately, this fic is also inspired/based on the movie Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Though I tweaked some of the plot lines, as you can see.

Be sure to check out my other Jonery fic "Defiers of Fate" yea? It's a time travel AU, but it's not Jon or Dany who traveled through time, but their kids.

Next up: The Phyton will finally meet Dany!

Till next time!

-Claire