Ch 17

New chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

They reached the Magister's house after a few hours, the sun reaching high up in the sky already. His house is not a castle, but it looks homey. It's not too big nor to small, a good size that shaped like a box, overlooking the sea. It's quite beautiful, a new view than the forest and mountain. Perhaps they can cope for the next coming moons until the day they can return. Jon shakes Dany gently as she slept peacefully on his shoulder, "We're here love."

His mate's eyes fluttered open, her hand rubbing her eyes to clear her visions.

Jon took the time to look out the window again, there is someone at the door. A rather fat man with red rich finery clothing, this man may have a lot of coins. The last time he had dealt with rich people, they had to run away. He hopes that this person is the opposite.

"That's Magister Illyrio, a normal human being but with quite the shady connections," Varys said, "He is a little airheaded and quick to the point, so I suggest you cut straight to the point if you are addressed. Allow me to do the talking first."

The White Wolf nodded, understanding that they are in his territory. He looked down at Dany, checking how she's holding up. Dany looked rather unfazed, not excited nor nervous. But he can tell that she's trying to keep it together. After all, it's a whole new world for them both. Unlike before, Jon was able to guide her to fit in, even though it's not as its maximum to have everyone like her. But in this, they are all definitely new in this. They all do not know what to expect.

Sensing her worry, he holds her tight as they are exiting the carriage, "We'll be fine. We do this together."

She nods, holding onto his arm tight.

Ser Barristan walked together with Varys while the two cubs are behind them. The fat man stood firmly, his fat cheek twitching up as he smiled. Spreading his arms, he approached them as they got near, "Welcome to my humble home, my dear Dragon cubs and Kingsguard."

Varys bowed, "Magister Illyrio, may I present you Ser Barristan of the King's Kingsguard and the Dragon Prince and Princess, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen."

"Dragons amongst the wolves," he hummed, "How amusing," he approached to Dany, "I was actually expecting you all those seasons ago when Viserys called me, but after learning of your acceptance to the pack, I didn't follow up anything about it. I was grateful that I didn't touch a lot with the Dothrakis about the planned marriage, otherwise, I'm breaking their promise."

That name was enough to make him irritated, he's so glad that he foiled his plans. He held onto her hand tightly, "Whatever deal that Viserys had with you is long gone now," he growled, the wolf inside of him ready to emerge.

"I expect so too since he is no longer alive," he hummed, then he gestured them inside, "Come in, let us get you all out of this blazing hot sun and a proper meal for the Dragon family." He gestured nicely, making Jon utterly suspicious. Experience told him that there is no such thing as free lunch, there must be a catch to his sincerity. But he had to oblige anyway, there is no way of knowing what his intentions are.

Illyrio's house is what he'd expect to find in a fine rich person, but not as big as Winterfell. The walls are bright, fancy furniture decorated the room, and fine silverware and decorations paint the room, the dining table is not too long nor too short, but fancy. The food on the table reflects it as well, fancy steak and bacon freshly cooked. Everything looks so fancy and rich. Compared to Winterfell, this place looked brighter.

"Come, come," the fat man gestured them to sit, "Be our guest, enjoy them all! We can discuss whatever is in your minds here."

Jon took his place beside Dany, still a little suspicious of him. Ser Barristan sat at the opposite table with Varys while Illyrio sat between the cubs and the elders, indicating that he is the master at this table. Jon still doesn't like where this is going, he wondered if Ser Barristan felt the same. But if the old knight does feel the same way, he didn't show it. Rather, he behaved like a proper guest.

"Don't be shy, my lad," Illyrio patted Jon's arm, "Take as much as you want. After all, you are our guest here."

"Thank you," Jon mumbled nervously as he picks up a fork.

"Now, I do not know what you Westeros people like, I only assumed based on whatever forms of shifters you all are."

"This is just fine, good Ser," Ser Barristan remarked as if speaking to an old friend, chomping down his steak, "I ought for you to bring these culinary to Westeros, you can be swimming in dragons."

"Ahh, yes, perhaps one day. When all this madness is solved," the fat man took another big bite of his brisket, then turning to Dany, "That is, when the time you, my dear, will be Queen."

"What?" Dany looked at him in confusion.

"You are the rightful heir to the Seven Kingdoms, you must take your place as Queen," Illyrio answered, "That way, I can be a Masters of Coin." He snickered slyly. So that's his intention.

"I'm sorry, you must be gravely mistaken," she lifted her hands up, "I am not anything like that, I'm just adopted by the Starks. I don't know how to be a Queen, and I never intended to be one. Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannisters made sure of that."

"My dear child," Illyrio placed his hand on hers, irritating Jon, "Why do you think your brother wanted to sell you to the Dothrakis?"

At the mention of that, he knew where he was going and what was their original intention. It made him sick that this man is willing to sell her to them. Jon immediately shot in, "You will not make this deal with those savages for an army," he growled, "Leave Dany out of this."

"Ahh, yes, the bastard of Winterfell," he gave a mocking tone, "I am sorry, but this is the rule of you Westerosi. Bastards can never be king. Whoever is next in line is the King."

"And I am," Jon stated firmly, fire burning in his heart, determined to fight back to anyone who would dare to oppose him, "and I am not a bastard. My father is Rhaegar Targaryen, and my mother is Lyanna Stark."

Illyrio scoffed, "Is it now?"

"Aye, it's true," interjected Ser Barristan, "Jon Snow is his initiative to keep himself hidden from the Stag King and the Lions. To keep him safe, Ned named him his bastard. But otherwise, he is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark."

The fat man's eyes flew wide, realizing that he had just stepped on someone else's territory, "Impossible."

"It is true," Jon growled again, much more like a dragon than a wolf, his eyes glaring daggers on him, the same way he did to Robb, "And I would very much appreciate it that you do not speak to my mate as if she's an object to sell."

Illyrio began to shrink down in submission, "Forgive me, Your Grace," he mumbled, "I was only recollecting the past."

"And let's leave the past in the past, shall we?" Jon said with coherent, "We shall think about what it is to come." From the side of his eyes, he could see Dany shellshocked of him. As if there is something on his face, but that can wait.

"Yes, of course, Your Grace," he said timidly, "And yes, how's fare Westeros?" he changed the subject swiftly, "The fact that you all are here means something must've happened, no?"

"Aye," Ser Barristan filled him in, "The Lions are already on the move, they want their heads. I had fought them, and they are gaining stronger allies, I could barely keep up."

"I see," he hummed, "And I suppose, you all escaped as soon as possible."

"Aye."

"We barely made it out as well," Dany finally said, making all three pairs of eyes looking at her, "Tywin came to Winterfell and attacked us." She rubbed her hand, comforting herself, Jon took hers squeezing it. His mate looked at him with content before turning to the two older men, "And for some reasons, I was able to…turn."

"Turn?" Illyrio asked.

She nodded, "into a dragon."

Suddenly, he clapped, making them shocked, "Do you see now?" Illyrio raised his hand to Dany, "The Dragons are finally back."

"Yes, I can see that," Varys, who had been silent, sneered.

"Can't you see? It's a sign," Illyrio exclaimed, "The New Dawn is coming."

"Here we go again," the bird whisperer grumbled.

"The Song of Ice and Fire is right here in front of us!"

"The Song of Ice and Fire?" Jon frowned, confused about all these new theories and news.

"It's what the priests here preached a lot about. A prophecy of their ancient blood."

"Which is?"

Varys leaned back, "That it was long been foretold that The New Dawn will arise again when Azor Ahai, the chosen champion of R'hllor, shall be born again amidst smoke and salt, to wake dragons out of stone and restore peace to Essos and Westeros."

"But those are just stories," Dany said, she had read them back in Winterfell. And it was said to be nothing more than just a children's tale.

Illyrio pursed his lips, "Child," he sighed, "You may not know this, but just because you left for Westeros to escape the wars, things aren't as different as it is here."

"What do you mean?"

"Perhaps you won't see it here, but beyond these cities, there are many people suffering. Slaves everywhere. No unifications nor civilizations," he confessed, "Now, thank the Gods, that plague did not fall to me, but the people who did….well….. let's just say that they need someone to make a difference."

"Ohh, now you are caring for the people," Varys mocked, "Or are you just doing it for the coins?"

"Face it, bird," the fat man shot back, "Coins are everything here. You can't get anything to work if it weren't for laborers, and they'll do anything to keep their stomach full. And slave masters get this. Lucky for you, I pay my servants well for this."

After that ordeal meal, they were escorted to their own rooms. When Illyrio heard about Jon and Dany's union, being just married, they were given a room all to themselves. Quite a bigger room, overlooking the view, and it's on the second floor. A single large bed, a wardrobe, a table and chair, and even their very own baths! Jon had to admit, this room is so much better than his own room back in Winterfell.

They had time to get some rest after a long voyage, Ser Barristan was placed in another room a little further away from them on the first floor. He'd prefer to see what's on the front doors in case they need to make a run for it, and he can be the first to identify the danger.

Thus, leaving the two cubs on the second floor (thankfully, the Magister's room is far away from them).

After they both cleaned themselves, they lied on the bed together, trying to absorb everything. They didn't speak, merely staying silent as they hugged each other, both content of their situation.

"Jon," Dany broke the silence.

"Yes, my love?"

"Back there, when you were angry at Illyrio," she asked in a small whisper, "What did you do?"

He looks down at her, "What do you mean?"

She sat up on her elbow, "You did something when you were angry at Illyrio," she said, "The same way that Lord Stark did when he was commanding his pack. His voice was more…."

"Intimidating," Jon answered for her, understanding her concern.

She nodded, "And it's not just that, Jon."

"What is it?" he felt slightly confused now.

"Your form," she holds his hand, "Your direwolf form…. I think that you are getting bigger."

"Bigger?"

"Yes, your size, your growls, your strength," she said, "I think you could be something else than a wolf."

Jon stayed silent, unable to answer her. Sure, he did feel something changing in him since leaving Westeros. But to grow rapidly to the point Dany can see that change?

"I don't know," he confessed, "I still feel the same though."

"Did you ever notice anything different about you?"

He thought about it for a while. Now that she mentioned it, he did feel as if something changed in him. He was able to resist easily from an Alpha, just as he did with Robb. Something no one has ever done before, defying their Alpha. And then his sense of smell, he was able to even pick up the scent of something not too long ago. Everything seemed to just sharpen.

"Perhaps, I'm just growing?" Jon concluded sheepishly, he doesn't really want to talk about what changed in him, and it doesn't really matter anyway.

"But you did the same thing to the people at Castle Black. You were able to intimidate them…. a wolf amongst the panthers. That must be something."

"Perhaps it's Ser Jeor," Jon ducked, he doesn't like the idea that he might be a leader when all he ever wanted was to just live peacefully. Robb is the King and the Alpha, and he can never be like that.

"He came after you did that," Dany protested, "Jon, I really think that there is something different about you."

Jon stayed silent, he did notice. After all, he had done the same to Robb, but he thought it's just the rebellious side of his. Nothing more than his growing ability. But to be able to command other than his own species is another matter entirely.

"I didn't even know I have it in me," he confessed.

"We may want to consult with Ser Barristan," She suggests.

"Aye," he murmured, then he pulled her to him, making her drop from her elbow and just bring her closer until he can feel her lips kissing her neck. As much as he wanted to initiate coupling with her, he didn't feel comfortable doing it when they just arrived. "But let's just rest for a while, we have plenty of time for that."

"Fine," she agreed, "But we are going to talk about it, right?"

"Why are you so curious about me, Dany?" he looked down at her.

She slowly looked up to him, her hand slowly trailed up his cheek, violet orbs looking at him with love and concern, "I just want to be sure that you are alright after you came back to me," she said, "After all you have been through, all the things that have happened to us, leaving our home and family, it must've been so much for you to handle."

Oh, Dany. She is the only person to ever be concern about how he feels. She is the one who had seen his inside, how it's eating him and how he masks his pain. He hugs her tightly, "Thank you, Dany," he kissed her soft lips, savoring the feeling, "I admit, I miss Winterfell, how it used to be. But I am more focused so that we can all be safe, including you," he murmured to her lips, "And so long as I am with you, I'm not afraid to what's coming."

She scoffed, "I can hardly be any assistance."

"Says the dragon who drove Tywin and his Lions away," he teased, earning a giggle from her, "Can you shift into a dragon again?"

"I think so," she said, "but it was my first time, I didn't know what to do."

"We'll figure it out, for now, let's rest," he pulled their covers, "Then we speak to Ser Barristan."

"Sounds good," she said, tucking herself under his chin and closed her eyes.

"And how are you feeling yourself, love?" he asked, realizing that they are at the place where Dany should've been all those years ago, "Had I not found you all those seasons ago, you would've been here without me."

"And sold to the Khals," she murmured, shuddering at the thought of being sold.

Jon hugged her closer, "And you never will be, I'll make sure of that."

She nodded, "I know you will, and I wouldn't let them have me either," She said determinedly, "For I am a Dragon."

"Aye," he kissed the top of her head, "The time of the dragons will come again."

Once the cubs had rested, they went to see Ser Barristan. They couldn't find him in his room, Jon noted that he is on the roof, able to pick up his scent without his wolf form. Another thing Dany noticed. Her Jon had really improved a lot.

They found the Old Knight looking at the cities, just observing. The way his eyes scan the cities reminds her how Ghost would observe his surroundings as well, thoroughly spotting for any casualties. He changed to another set of travel suits, but a more casual one.

"Ser Barristan," Dany called.

He turned around to find the cubs looking at them, "Hello there, my prince and princess. Slept well?"

"Aye," Jon said, "Going to take some time to get used to being here."

"As you should be, we don't know for how long we will stay here," he looked at the cities, scanning the area again, "But it's not a bad place either, we are going to have to get used to it," then he looked at them both, "And it's a wider field for both your training."

Jon knitted his brows, "Our training?"

"Just because you are out here for a long time does not mean your training is over, boy," Ser Barristan stated, "I will make sure of that, for I will be your teacher as of now."

Jon looked at him quizzically, "In my training?"

"I have no doubt that your strength is remarkable," he said, "so I'll have to ensure it stays that way, should any war break out," then he turned to Dany, "That includes you, young Daenerys."

"Me?"

"Aye, it was your very first time to shift into a dragon, and you're going to practice that until your form is prepared for battle."

"Now hold on a second, what's this all about, Ser Barristan?" he interrupted, "Battle? War? What are we getting ourselves into?"

"In case you have forgotten, young Jon, you both are fugitives to the Southerners. Only the North is in your favor, and one day, they may need our help."

"But what can we do? We could only lay low as of now," Dany asked, "We ran away so that the North won't be in conflict over us anymore."

"Indeed," he said, "But Tywin is a devious man, he'll do whatever it takes for his reign to prevail, I do not believe that he'll put this matter at rest. And that's why I want us all to be prepared."

"But why would he still want to come after me?" she was curious, she had nothing left, so why would he want to come after her.

"Fear of rebellion," he said, looking at them with concerned eyes, "Tywin is not exactly very pleased with the Targaryens, and now that Tywin knows that Daenerys can shift, he'll do whatever it takes to get rid of all the dragons."

"But we are here now, would he stop fighting the North?"

"Hard to say, that is why we moved here. With our presence away from Westeros, this should drive the Lions away from the North and stop obsessing about you," he crossed his arms and looked at Jon, "Jon, did the Lions know that you are still alive?"

He thought for a while, "Not that I know off. I kept my distance when they confronted Lord Stark."

He nodded, "Good, that way, the Lions would believe that Daenerys cannot survive on her own. All we can do now is cope to living in Essos and wait."

"What if war breaks out?" Dany asked, "When I turned, the last thing Tywin said to me is that he will have my blood. What if Tywin invades Winterfell just to look for me?"

The Old Knight hummed, "Although that is a possibility, Lord Stark and I have already ensured that the Lords of the North knows that they do not harbor you any longer. And he had the approval of the late King Baratheon that the North was permitted to keep or banish you, no harm shall be done towards the pack. Perhaps it can be a defense to him."

"But Tywin did not heed those words," Jon pointed out.

"Aye, and that's the other difficult part," he said, "That's why we thought of another way so that the whole Westeros will believe that you do not want anything to do with Westeros any longer."

"And that is?"

"To stay here and live amongst the people of Essos as Mundane as of now," he answered, "That is the only safe option for all of us, to prevent war. How long must we stay, that's another question to be answered. We must see how this works."

He fell silent, understanding where this is going. They are going to live here for who knows how long, and that's the new life they must cope now. A rogue wolf with his mate and mentor.

"And be certain that your training will still go on here, Jon." He added.

"What?" Jon quirked his brows up.

"Just because you left the pack, does not mean that your training is over," he said, "Though I have no doubt that you have far more tremendous strength than I do, I'll see that you will still be trained. In my way, of course," Jon pursed his lips, understanding what he wanted. Then the old man turned to Dany with serious eyes, "And that includes you, Daenerys."

She blinked, "Me?"

"Since you told me that you can shift, we are going to develop you as much as possible," he said.

Jon held her hand, feeling a little skeptical about her being in the front line as he does. She has not trained in physical combat in the pack, merely following with Bran, being support behind. "Are you certain? Dany has never done any physical combat."

"There's always a first," Ser Barristan smiled, he then slowly walked around them, "The dragons were believed to be extinct, yet," he raised his hand and gestured to them both, "Here you are."

"But why?" Dany objected, "I don't have an army, I just want to live in peace. Even with the Starks. I don't have to shift if the Starks doesn't want me to."

"That's not what Tywin sees," he said, "The lion is afraid that his reign might be taken over, and that's why he won't stop until you are out of his way. And that's why I want you to be prepared should he come to get you again. The same goes with you, Jon."

Dany looked at Jon, feeling a little skeptical with her own strength. Jon squeezed her hand, "Perhaps we should think about this," he murmured to her.

She looked down, "But I never fought before."

"Jon here will help you as well, so you do not need to fret that some cub like Theon will humiliate you," he chuckled, making the cub smile, lifting away the tension, "Including you, Jon."

He rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, "Aye."

Ser Barristan then walked closely towards Jon, his eyes looked serious, "Are you able to shift into a dragon?"

He blinked, "Not that I know of."

The Old Knight hummed, "I believe that we will need to discover your routes again. How Daenerys was able to shift into one is still something that I do not understand besides some priest showing up at you. But I believe whatever that snake did to you must've awakened something in you both, and we're going to find out."

"But I can't shift into one," Jon interjected, he has always been a wolf since day one. Can there be more than one animal living in him?

"In Castle Black, I saw that your senses have become more powerful, and that's no coincidence," the Old Knight pointed out, "A mere wolf cannot just intimidate another species, it may have looked like Ser Jeor told off his members, but I know that it wasn't. You have gifts, boy. Far more than you could ever imagine."

Jon gulped, unsure how to process this information. For all he knows, he doesn't want to be special. He wants to be him, but for him to be more powerful? "No, you must be mistaken. It has to be Ser Jeor."

Ser Barristan crossed his arms, "Oh, my mistake. Perhaps what happened to Illyrio was also a coincidence? The way he shrunk when you had your voice against him, a mere cub able to intimidate a full-grown adult?" Jon was taken aback, Dany just told him the exact same words. "Your ancestor's blood has awakened in you, boy. Like it or not, you are a natural-born leader, a dragon, and one day, you are going to have to accept that you are no longer a bastard."

He pursed his lips, why is he so insistent that he should be a dragon? He was alright with the concept of Tywin and his pride to reign, so long as they leave them alone, and now he wants him to be a leader? "Be honest," he grumbled, "What is your true intention for keeping us safe?"

"What are you getting at?" the old Knight raised his brow.

"This fat man that we reside at accepted us willingly," he deduced, "He must've asked for something in return of sealing his mouth. What did you tell him that made him agree to this?"

Ser Barristan hummed, impressed that he took notice of the little things. Ser Rodrik and Benjen taught him well. He sighed, "Truth to be told, we hope that one day, you both will lead Westeros to a better future."

The cubs blinked, eyes as wide as an owl, "What?"

"The realm has been in chaos since the Targaryens are gone. Everybody wants the throne now, that's why the Stag brothers were in a fight, the Lions taking over and declaring war here and there," he finally told them, looking dead serious, "A dragon must be in Westeros if the Kingdom is to hold together."

Dany stepped forward, feeling uneasy hearing this, "And that's why Tywin has been after me?"

He nodded, "Correct," she gasped at his statement, "He feared that one day you will defeat him, and that is why your life is in danger."

"But I never wanted to be Queen!" she exclaimed, "Robert Baratheon relinquished my name…."

"They are just words, cub," he countered, "And when the realm heard that you and Jon have been close, that made Tywin even more desperate to have you both killed."

The White Wolf kneaded his brows, "Why? I was a bastard, it's not like I can start a rebellion. And we had no intention to be King and Queen."

"Small words can start a rebellion, boy. Look what happened to the Targaryen Dynasty. One weak link can break the chain of a mighty dynasty," the old man stared at them with intense eyes, it's as if he himself is the Alpha lion, making Jon purse his lips. No wonder he is a Kingsguard. "For now, you both do not need to think about reclaiming your throne, you do not need to think about it at all. Forget what I said, just think of your previous intention, to stay safe."

"But what of Illyrio?" Dany asked.

"What about him?"

"Why is he willing to help us?"

"That," he sighed, "Is because Varys managed to convince him…..and with a ransom of dragons from Lord Alpha Stark."

"My uncle paid him for us to stay here?" Jon asked in disbelief, he knew that there is a catch to live in such a prestigious home. And his uncle is willing to pay for him to stay here.

"Apparently," he said, "Thankfully if it weren't for Viserys, it would be tougher to allow us to stay."

That name made his blood boil, hands fisted, "But now he's gone, what does he want?"

"In the past, he wants to be the Masters of Coins in Westeros, and thankfully a supporter to the Dragon clan," he said, "But truly, he wants a better trade for Pentos and Westeros, tax reduction, something like that."

"So, it's all back to me and Dany becoming some King in Westeros?" he growled as his voice is raised, feeling like he was being used. "I don't know how to be a King! Or a leader! I have raised a bastard. No one accepted me! Not even the Lady of Winterfell!"

"And thankfully your uncle did that to keep you safe," Ser Barristan countered as if not intimidated by him at all, "Otherwise, you won't be alive, and Daenerys is sold to the savage clans."

Jon's breathing became uneasy, "And what if Robb found her instead of me?" he blurted without thinking, from the side of his eye, he can feel violet eyes turned to him.

"He will be dead if he found Daenerys," Ser Barristan casually answered, not realizing the impact of his question to the Dragon cub, "If the future Alpha was the one who insisted, and not you, the wolf and the lion will bring war. All this is a reason why that it has to be you, you and Daenerys are special. You both can bring balance to Westeros."

Jon looked down, unable to process it all. It can't be him. He can't be a leader, he's nothing. Lady Catelyn made sure of it.

"I'm sorry that this is all very sudden to you and that you'd feel like the burden of the world is all on you. But right now, you do not have to think about it…"

"I don't have to think about it?" Jon barked, feeling as if his wolf would emerge at any moment, "All my life I've been raised a bastard, still not accepted in that pack, my uncle humiliated me by targeting me during the Running, the Lions attacked us, we all had to run away from our home, leaving the pack, and then you just told me that you want me to be King and you think that I won't think about it?"

The old man stayed silent, unable to answer. He only looked down, not making any eye contact to either of them.

"I've been a bastard all my life, all I ever wanted is to be accepted into the pack. And you telling me this will suddenly make the pack change their minds?" he jabbed at him, "And we're not special. We're not special!" he repeated loudly this time, "We'll never be one of them! We're freaks! We're not special, Barristan! It's just something people tell you to make you feel better about yourself because you came out wrong!"

Barristan remained silent at his rant, which still irritates Jon. He wanted to take this old man and throw him out of the house for not telling him the truth. Together with his uncles.

Suddenly, the old man's eyes shifted to the side, "Daenerys?"

Jon forgotten that she was with them this whole time, he turned to her. And found that her violet eyes are close to tears. The White Wolf suddenly became aware of everything he just said, though it wasn't directed to Dany, it was indirect to her family… their family.

The White Dragon sobbed, without making eye contact with him, and ran back inside.

"Dany, wait," Jon exclaimed, regretting his sudden outburst, he ran after her. Leaving the old Knight on his own with his thoughts. He's going to need to speak with Jon again about this.

Instead of running to their room, she had dragged her legs out of the house, wanting to be further away from everyone. His words broke her heart. He had indirectly said that he doesn't want her, that she was a mistake. He was still upset about the Running. He still wanted to be one of the pack members.

And had she not been accepted to the pack, Jon would've achieved them all. So… all their relationship has been a lie.

"Dany!" the familiar voice called her desperately.

"Go away, Jon!" she shouted back, running towards the beach, hoping to run further away from him.

"Dany, we need to talk," he shouted.

But she didn't answer back, saving all her energy on running away from him. He can't face him anymore.

Suddenly, a white blur appeared in front of her, earning a yelp. She startled back and fell on the golden sand, to see Ghost right in front of her.

But he shifted back, "Dany, please listen to me."

"No!" she sobbed, fisting sand into her hand and threw it at him. Jon turned away to shield himself. Dany grabbed more, "You made it clear back there! You don't need me! I was a mistake like you! You can go back to your precious pack and leave me here!"

"Wait, listen to me. Just stop this."

"I don't want to listen anymore, Jon Snow!" she shouted in agony, "Just leave me alone!"

"No!" then he lunged at her, reaching her arm, and pulled her to his chest. Holding her tightly.

"Let go of me, Jon!" she struggled against him. But he didn't let up, his arms are so strong, yet gentle at the same time. She's sick of these pretending. As hard as she tried to push him away, he's not budging. Even his muscles seem to grow. The White Dragon even tried slapping his chest, giving out all her furies, but he endured it. Every offense she did was not making him budge. All he did was bury his head in the space between her neck and shoulder.

Feeling her energy-draining, her attacks became weaker. And finally, she cried. Sobbing into his chest, hands crumpling his white shirt. Letting out all her fear of being left alone again, being sold, that familiar feeling she had when Viserys was about to sell her.

"I'm so sorry," he muttered to her, there is so much sadness in him, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said."

"You wanted to return to your pack," she sobbed, pushing him a little, "You can just go, Jon. It's me who should stay. I don't care, just leave me. Pass your Running, leave me."

"No," kissing the side of her head, "I promised you that I won't."

"They only want me, Jon."

"And I want you," he pulled back and kissed her lips, "Until the end of our days, right?" he leaned his forehead to hers.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks, "But….you said…."

"I know what I said," he interrupted, not wanting to hear what came out of his mouth, "I just wanted our lives to be as it were before, I wanted us to be accepted in the pack," he admitted, "If I were, maybe you'd have a better life. And I can't lead, Dany. I don't want to be King, and I don't know how. I just want to live in peace with you. I never wanted anything more than that."

She fisted his shirt, "You wanted Robb to find me instead of you…"

"I thought that by doing so, you'll be much safer than being with me," his voice became hoarse, she can see a small tear running down his cheek, "Yes, I may have the Dragon's blood. But in my head, I was always told that I'm a bastard. That I'm nothing. That I was wrong…. That…had Robb found you, you'd be in a much better position than to be with me, and the pack would've accepted you better than I did."

Shaking her head, her violet eyes blinked away her tears, "You weren't wrong," she cried, her mouth searched for him and she kissed him with so much love and passion, "I love you, Jon. And I'm so glad that you found me, and I'm glad that you chose me as your mate."

"And I you, love," he mumbled between their kisses, "I just want us all to live in peace, Dany. I never wanted this to happen to you, to be exiled like this."

"Lady Olenna once told me that peace can never last," she recalled a conversation that she had with the Queen of Thorns during the elves' visit. "I don't care if the pack still doesn't accept me, so long as you are with me," she kissed him again, tongue plunging into his mouth before she breathed out, "Don't leave me."

"Never," he growled and kissed her with an equal amount of passion again. Pouring out all his love to her, how much he wants her, needs her. He'd make love to her right there and then to show her, but the sand isn't a great place to do it. When air is dangerously close to being needed, they pulled apart, gasping. Jon rested his head on her shoulder, "I didn't mean to say that we are not special."

She hiccupped, "I understand."

He hugged her tightly, "I just hate all these secrets being kept away from me. From us."

She nodded, "I understand."

"Why us?" he added, "We never wanted to rule."

Dany ran her hand onto his curly locks, giving him all the comfort he needs to calm down. Everything is just so sudden, "We'll speak to him again," She suggested, "As he said, we don't need to think about reclaiming the throne, and we don't even have to."

Jon pulled away from her, "Don't even have to?"

She nodded, "We can just run away, be who we want to be," recalling the first time she cried in front of him, those words seem to mean something now, "which we are pretty much doing."

He chuckled lightly through his lump caught in his throat, "I suppose."

Dany pressed her cheek onto the side of his head, "Jon, do you still want to go back to the pack?"

"I don't know," he whispered, hand rubbing her back, giving her the equal amount of comfort, "But I miss my family."

She pulled him to her tightly, "Me too."

"Robb would not be too happy though."

"Why?"

"After you flew away from Winterfell, Robb insisted me to stay," he recalled the story, "And I left in a bad term with him."

She pulled away from him, "You never told me this."

"Aye," he said, "He wanted me to regroup in case Tywin attacked again, but I had to find you."

She pursed her lips, resting her forehead onto his, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," he said, "And that thing when you told me….the way I spoke was intimidating?" her violet eyes looked at his, "I did the same to Robb." Dany pulled away from him now, as if in disbelief, "He was doing it to me, but somehow, I managed to beat him into it."

He looked at her to see any response, nervous about what she might say to him. Will she get upset that he didn't make peace with his brother?

But Dany only stroked his cheek, "Perhaps Ser Barristan is right, you are a natural leader," he wanted to protest before Dany placed her finger on his lips, "Jon, the fact that you can defy orders proves that you are not nothing, Jon. You are never nothing," She reassured him as she strokes his cheek gently, wiping away a strand of tear on his eye, "Maybe, for now, you…or I… don't have to lead the world. But…. We can lead ourselves to a better future first. As Ser Barristan said, we don't have to think about thrones, we can just focus on who we want to be without the pack telling us what to do."

Jon smiled at the use of words, this is why she'll always be his light, "Aye," he gave a peck on her lips, "for our future."

She nodded and tucked her head under his chin, where she belongs, as a female wolf would for her mate, "And Jon?"

"Yes, love?"

"Please do take it easy on Ser Barristan," she hummed, "He's just trying to protect us."

"And wanting us to be…."

"I know, I know," she interrupted. Her Jon never wanted to fight lest he has to, a strong and peaceful warrior, "Mayhaps he thinks that we can be leaders since we are the last of our kinds."

"Mayhaps," staring at the horizon, the waves laps onto the sand, and the sun is about to set, "I can never lead."

"You never know," she said, "but if his words are true, I think you'll be a fine leader. A fine Alpha."

"Such optimism you have of me," he chuckled.

"You are a dragon after all, just as I am," she looked up at him, "Besides, I think I want to test to be one again."

He looked down to meet her eyes, "Are you certain?"

She nodded, "So long as you are with me."

"Of course," he kissed her forehead, making it as a silent promise for her, "I want to see your beautiful form again."

Her cheeks turned red, then she rested her head on his chest and sighed. Enjoying his strong arms around her. Jon had always been her strength, when she felt like breaking down, it's him who would keep things straight for her. How can people not see his values? He is a kind and generous shifter. He would never want to conquer anyone.

And if he is to be a leader, she believes that he will be a magnificent leader. And she'll be his support just he is to her.

After a while, Jon shakes her arm a little, "Shall we go back in?"

"Only if you promise me that you'll make peace with Ser Barristan," she looks up at him.

He chuckled, "Fine, I will. But I won't be King."

"Fine," she said, "But do stick with the training that he wants to give you," her hands held on his biceps, "Because I really like your muscles here, I don't want it lost when you have your strong arms around me. Especially in bed," she giggled mischievously.

At that, he laughed. "Alright, alright, my lady," he pecked her lips, "I'll do what the old man wants."

"Good, now we can go inside," she pulled away from him and was about to stand before her head began spinning, nearly tumbling off on the sand. Her head feels like spinning.

Jon caught her, "Woah, are you alright? You look a little pale." Jon thought he caught a new scent in her, but it's gone within a few seconds.

"Yes," she quickly answered, "Must be the heat…." Before she can answer, her mate carried her in his arms, carrying her as a groom would for their bride. She yelped and put her arms around his neck, "Jon!"

"I suppose I can appease you by carrying you back?" Jon said as he started walking back with Dany in his arms, carrying her as if she's light as a feather.

"That would be very nice, husband," she grinned.

He chuckled and walked back into the house together.

Their journey will be similar to the GOT plot, but I'll tweak it along the way. That's why I won't elaborate much in this fic, just the changes.

So, it's Jon and Dany's first quarrel here. I thought it's fitting. If all your dreams and efforts turn to ashes, you'd react the way Jon did. And Jon not wanting to be King is parallel to the books and shows, but for a better reason than just saying "She's mah kween."

I really like how Jon is slowly becoming a more powerful Alpha, I make this pace a little slow for him to figure out. Next, Dany is back to her Dragon form for training Let me know what you think!

I might go back to my other fic Destiny's Union, gonna tweak the years again. Thanks for reading!

Claire.