The Darkness of Day

by WalkingPotterGirl14

He put a dagger in her heart. She died. End of story. Or was it? The Gods decide that there's more to tell, more to save, and more heartbreak to follow in the story of Daenerys and Jon's lives, starting with new revelations right outside their doors. (Rated T until chapter 26, Fix-it Fic, obvious spoilers for the show)

42. Jon: Surprises and Compromises

Thank you guys so much for the great response on the last chapter! Thank you to:

DarylDixon'sLover

TheAttemptedWriter

Lillian81

tonywarrior

Jana

Herraidous

Perseus Apollyon

PAT2024

Andrea

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Your reviews helped me write this and get it out for you as quickly as I could! This chapter is so lovey-dovey and politically that I almost had an aneurism writing it honestly, but I really hope you enjoy. A lot of research went into looking into these Free Cities haha

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Jon

His mind was still in a rush when he went down to the docks where the Free Cities would have their representatives come in.

Did he feel slightly bad for leaving his children so suddenly? A part of him did, yes, but they were a little older now and understood how to take care of themselves. He was only a little bit more concerned for Nesara considering she would run off to the kitchen unless otherwise watched.

Jon could feel himself chuckle thinking of the little girl. He didn't pick favorites because he honestly loved all of them the same. The Galeron's had made themselves at home with his blood children as well as the parents. He would always love them. But he did have to admit that Nesara reminded him slightly of a smaller Arya, always running away and sneaking around, only to be caught with her mouth filled with sweets.

He needed to have a talk with Arya and see if she had been feeding the little girl ways of moving around.

Honestly, he wouldn't care if the Galeron's did start going by their Targaryen name. Some people in the past were terrified that if they used the name, their caretakers would harm them. At this point, it would only make the Galeron's safer.

Jon sighs as he steps down to the docks, seeing Taevar waiting for him. The man looks up and raises an eyebrow.

"Little late coming down, I see," he points out, his eyes looking towards the ships that had just docked.

Jon sighs. "Daenerys has been sick for a week. I was taking care of her a bit this morning," he says softly.

Taevar raises an eyebrow. "Sick how?"

"She's been vomiting every other day…chills, weak. She could barely stand without my help. I had to carry her from the pot to the bed."

Taevar hmms, turning his eyes back to the boat. "Jon, you did say that she was having…fertility issues, correct?"

Jon nods. "We've been trying ever since the volcano." Taevar stares at him, his eyes blinking, and Jon wonders what the hell his hand is thinking until it dawns on him. That was what Eleana had been talking about!

Gods, he really did know nothing.

"Fuck," he mutters, running a hand through his curls before looking back at Taevar. "Do…do you think she might be…"

"I'm not saying she is," Taevar points out, raising a hand in defense. "I'm only commenting on what I have witnessed as a husband, and seen happen to my wife when she was pregnant with our son. She had morning sickness as well. And a bad fever that stayed with her for a week or so. It sounds like the queen might be experiencing something similar. But don't get your hopes up."

Jon bites his lip, turning back towards the ships. "I can't believe I didn't think of that…I really am stupid."

"Yes, you are." Jon punches the man on the back of his shoulder, causing Taevar to laugh as he rubbed the skin. "I'm joking!" he exclaims, shaking his head. "But I don't blame you, honestly. The first time she was pregnant you weren't there. And you haven't ever witnessed someone else get sick in the morning, right?"

Jon bites his lip and thinks back to his time in Winterfell. "Well…I was there for four pregnancies, but I don't remember Sansa's…too young. But each time she was pregnant after that I didn't really see anything. Only heard bits and pieces from my fa-uncle." Jon shakes his head. "Still strange to think about it that way."

"Understandably." Taevar agrees before looking back at him. "Again, I'm not saying Daenerys is…but it's a possibility. You're going to have a red priest look over her after this?"

"Kinvara."

"Good. I think that'll work well. And what about these Free City representatives?"

"We move the meeting," Jon commands. "Until the queen feels better prepared to join me with them and the council."

"As you wish." And then Taevar turns his head back to the boats. But Jon's head – well, it was currently on fire at what Taevar had just suggested.

If Daenerys was pregnant, by some shred of a miracle after how long they had been trying, then this kingdom they were trying to build suddenly just became a lot more dangerous. He knew since they had been in Meereen rumors and stories have spread, probably even to Westeros, but at the end of the day, there wasn't much he could do except try to protect her.

Jon instead tries to focus his mind on the people coming off of the boats. He analyzes each of them, thinking of the lessons he had been given on each of the Free Cities. The first one he looks to is Braavos, the city Arya had stayed in for quite some time.

Braavos was known to be the wealthiest out of all the cities, and in Jon's eyes was the most powerful and resourceful ally someone could have in Essos. It was the youngest of all the cities and was founded by former slaves, so slavery is outlawed in the city – something Daenerys already liked. But besides the diversity the city had to offer, there was one key placement that they needed in their grasp to assure that Braavos would be on their side, and that would be the Iron Bank.

The man who supposedly ruled Braavos was titled a Sealord, someone who was elected by the magisters of the city and the keyholders of the Iron Bank. So whoever it was, Jon knew that it came from a place of power. He was the person who came here today, along with his men.

The next ship he looked at was from Lorath. He knew that was the smallest out of all of the cities, and the poorest, as well as isolated. There weren't a lot of people on Lorath either. Unlike Braavos, instead of one ruler, there was a council of magisters who took over the rule, comprised of nobles, priests, and merchants. He could see both a man and a woman who had come, so at least they had some different power roles over there.

His eyes then went to the ship from Lys, an island he had heard about plenty of times when Theon had lived with them in Winterfell. They were known for having some of the most beautiful people in the world due to the blood of Old Valyria still running strong in its residents. But what Lys was really known for were their pleasure houses, and using slaves to train them for that. Eleana had been one of them before sold away.

Their system had always been a conclave of magisters that were chosen by the wealthiest in the cities, as well as an elected military leader. Two of those leaders, a woman with silver hair almost as white as Daenerys' and a man that was bald, came here. Jon could see the woman eyeing him as she came off, but he paid no mind and looked to the next ship.

Myr was the next ship he looked to. He knew that some of the most precious glass that the Starks had ever owned had come from Myr, and the lace from some gowns he had overheard was from there as well. The city was located on the sea, so trading was made easy. Like Lys, they were ruled by a conclave of magisters, three of which were here today. He also knew that slavery ran deep in Myr.

Another ship docks then and he looks over to see the sails of Norvos, known to have two parts, one that sat on top of a hill and the other in a low-river, so they had relations to water. There were three large bells that controlled every aspect of life in the city, including coupling. Jon honestly didn't know how people could survive there with the stuff he had seen in his life, but he knew the people of Norvos were probably used to it. He knew the city was run by a council of magisters as well, but a funny part about it was that they were chosen by bearded priests. Why? He really didn't know.

And looking at the man that came from Norvos, he could tell that the man's mustache was dyed a certain color and was swept upwards. These Essos traditions were going to drive him mad but he knew it was something he needed to learn if they wanted to do what they intended to do.

Pentos came into view next, a city he had grown quite familiar with. It was where Daenerys had first stayed when she was forced to marry Khal Drogo, so she was quite familiar with the city. It was a major trading port and lied perfectly across the way from King's Landing. He knew there was a prince that was the ruler in the city, but he was, again, chosen by magisters, the powerful and wealthy residents of these cities. The prince had come, as well as a magister. Daenerys had said she had invited the magister that had kept her and her brother safe in his home and hidden before Khal Drogo came to get her, Illyrio Mopatis. Apparently, he was the person who first gave Daenerys her first three dragons eggs.

Wonder what he thought of this now. He also had a feeling that he was only interested in this rule for his own gain, as many wealthy people are, so he would keep his eye on the man.

The next city he saw was Qohor, a city he knew was located right smack in the middle of Essos, which meant that getting here to the ports on time must have taken some strength. What he did know about Qohor was that their blacksmiths were highly talented and could reforge Valyrian steel, but now that they knew the secret to actually making Valyrian steel, maybe he could have some of the blacksmiths from here teach them. The city was nicknamed the 'City of Sorcerers,' which didn't sit right with Jon.

But then, who was he to judge when he had a fire mage for a daughter and two blood benders as well?

But he also knew the city believed in interesting gods, gods of which require sacrifices from animals daily, or criminals which was honestly fucked up. He had also heard a rumor that the people in Qohor would sometimes sacrifice their children if need be, of the hope that the city will be guarded after that. Again, these cities were going to drive him mad.

He didn't particularly know who ruled over Qohor, but the representatives who were there seemed to be wealthy with how much lace they had on, so he didn't question it. He was more concerned about the two soldiers that were behind him, Unsullied soldiers. Qohor had taken Unsullied soldiers from Astapor to guard their city after a battle years ago and still used them to this day. Whether they knew the Unsullied he knew, he would never know. They wouldn't speak to him.

The second to last city he looked for was Tyrosh, ruled by an archon, chosen by the wealthiest and noblest in the city. The Tyroshi were considered to be greedy and traded extensively in slaves. They dye their hairs and wear flamboyant clothing, and make armor that's intricate in strange shapes. Daario had apparently been from Tyrosh, so that explains how he was such an ass – he grew up with this around him. And from the archon, he could tell he was exactly what Jon thought he would be – a dyed beard that was a bright purple, and clothes that screamed colors into the blue sky.

He shakes his head away from the colors and turns his eyes to the last ship, Volantis, the city he had been trapped in for a little bit of time with his family so long ago. A city that Daenerys and he had their eyes on regarding slaves, considering they had five slaves to every man. It is the oldest of the Free Cities, and many people who have Old Blood of Valyria lived behind the Black Wall, where the wealthiest and noblest lived while the rest stayed in the city. The city was ruled by an elected triarchy, three men, or women. Unlike many of the other cities, however, anyone who lives on land can choose who rules the city, not just the wealthiest. The current three men who were elected were there, looking like they did not want to arrive. And Jon could tell why.

These were the cities that were born from the grasp of Valyria not too long ago. Cities who had been free of rule and could survive on their own. But now, Valyria was back with a whole lot of dragons and their lives were at stake.

But that wasn't what they wanted. All Jon and Daenerys needed were agreements. And that's what this was for.

"These people are so strange," Taevar mutters, looking from boat to boat. Jon's brow furrows.

"Strange how?"

"They're just all so…different. All of the cities besides Braavos were founded because of the former Valyrian Freehold but it seems ever since it fell apart all those years ago they've changed so much...and some of them seem to be…glaring at each other?"

Jon's brow then raises. "Do you not know how important this is?" Taevar shakes his head quietly. "You don't know about what's been happening outside the walls, do you?"

"I know some of the basic things that spread like wildfire, like what the Queen did in King's Landing, but other than that we didn't see any new news."

"Well, here's the simple story," Jon states, glancing back towards the leaders walking to where they stood. "The Free Cities have never really liked each other. They do trade but many of them have gone to war over disputed lands, or for other things. Braavos themselves usually stay out of it entirely. This is the first time in centuries that all of the leaders and representatives of each of the Free Cities have come together."

Taevar's brow raises. "Truly? Why didn't they ever come together before?"

"Because they never had a reason to." At that moment, Jonarys screeches out above him, flying off towards the castle, causing many of the leaders from the Free Cities to look up in fear. "Now, their lives are threatened after what we did to the slave cities. But we aren't trying to steal their way of life – only improve it. And yet, the dragons are what causes the fear."

Taevar nods, turning back to the people. "So that fear is good?"

"Right now? It's exactly what we need," he states, waiting patiently for the leaders to walk up to where they were. Once the crew of them were standing below where Jon stood with Taevar and his guards, he lets out a low breath. Daenerys always seemed to know exactly what to say to these kinds of people, but right now, he was the main ruler and he needed to control the situation. So, he manages a quiet smile and moves his gaze back to them. "Magisters, leaders, princes and triarch's…welcome to Valyria."

"We've traveled a long way to arrive here," the Sealord says as people come up behind him from Braavos. Jon only realizes then that they had the sigil of the Iron Bank on them. "And yet why is it that we only see one ruler here?"

Jon sighs and looks to him. "The queen is currently sick. We do not know what the cause is or what could be happening, but it's been going on for about a week. I decided to push off the meeting until she is ready to see this through."

Instantly there were shouts and proclaims of protest from the crowd of leaders. Jon doesn't say anything, rather lets their words speak for themselves. Suddenly, the magister from Lys, the girl that had been eyeing him before, steps forward.

"Why can't you do this yourself if you are a king?" she suggests to him. "You are a leader. You can decide what to do. Who says you need your sick wife?"

"Because she is my wife," he says strongly. "My partner. She is the queen, and we make decisions together. I know that's not how some of your cities run, but that's how we run ours, and it seems to be working well for us so far."

"It's only working well because you have those bloody dragons above you," a Pentos magister points out. "If you didn't have those-"

"Then I would gather my armies and do the same thing I did before with my wife," Jon interrupts. He hated saying that word knowing they were going to marry soon, but he still needed to keep up the act for now. "It would take longer and much more planning considering they snuck an attack on us, but I would gladly consider it because I know we would be able to do it. Dragons don't determine our victory. We do."

Illyrio steps forward at that point, making himself known with his fluffy beard, looking up at Jon. "While I'm sure most of this is coming from a place of exhaustion, if we are to be pushed back regarding this meeting, we'd like to know what we are to do – stay on the ships?"

Jon lets out a sigh, happy that the man was at least good for something right now – digressing the conversation. "No. There are plenty of rooms in the castle that I have instructed guards to clean up and prepare for your arrival. You will be treated with guest rights and have the castle to yourself until you are asked to leave. We want to make this as comfortable for you as possible while the queen heals. That's all it comes down to."

He steps down and looks to Taevar.

"Now, can we show you to your chambers?"

---

It took them a few hours, but eventually, most of the representatives were sated and relaxed in their own chambers – after so many fucking questions.

Jon had known that moving the delegates from the Free Cities would not have been easy, but every person he moved to a chamber would ask questions regarding Valyria, their rules, everything else involved. And it was slowly driving the king out of a window. He loved Daenerys, truly, but gods he wished she was here too. She could talk these people's heads off.

Eventually, however, they were all settled in their chambers and were told they were free to roam the city as much as they pleased. But when he went to leave the leaders from Lys, the woman from before had called to him before he could go.

"You know," she said to him quietly. "Royalty has been known to swing from one person to the next, and Lys is known for having the best of the best."

He knew what she was talking about, but Jon simply stares at her and steps back. "I'm sorry if you believe something that isn't true, but I would never do that to my wife. And besides, no one could ever match who she is. I think you should just stick to your small island and try not to mettle in the lives of others."

He saw her face fall at his words, and then she closed the door, leaving him outside with a smug smile on his face. He had been getting advances like that for he didn't know how long now, but there was no possible way in this world he would ever do something like that to Daenerys. She truly was his other half. Why throw that away?

A part of him never understood why husbands cheated on wives like that sometimes, sleeping with others. Maybe he was just happy. Or maybe the rest of the world was just full of assholes. Which sounded a lot more plausible.

"Jon."

The voice interrupts his thoughts and he turns around to see Kinvara had come into the castle without announcement. "Kinvara," he breathes, trying to get his mind back to normal. "I'm sorry, I – when did you get in here?"

"Taevar came to get me whilst you were harboring the people from the Free Cities," she explains, walking over to his side. "Are they alright? Is everything going to plan?"

Jon nods, walking along with her. "They're fine. A bit confused, some annoyed, but they don't really have a choice, do they?"

Kinvara nods. "That is true. However, Taevar said that the queen was sick?"

"Yes," Jon responds, sighing. "She's been sick for a week now. We thought it might have just been something she caught but it's getting worse and we don't know what to do. We thought we would ask you. I was going to come to get you after this but I guess I got held up. I'll have to thank Taevar."

Kinvara nods, walking with him towards the stairs. "If the queen has been sick for as long as you say she has been there must be something else wrong." They walk up towards the top of the castle, going as fast as they could, heading past handmaidens and guards alike who seemed to question why they were moving so quickly.

Once they were outside of the door of their chambers, Jon opens it and looks inside, expecting to see Eleana taking care of Daenerys. Instead, he is faced with a completely different image.

All five of his children were resting on the bed. Some were at the edge, and the others were closer to Daenerys. There was an empty platter of food on the ground, and a closed storybook lying on the furs. And each child was sleeping. Daenerys herself had her eyes closed, with Dan nestled into her side, and Nesara on the other. Daemon was near the end with Mae and Zaevar, all three of which were deep in sleep.

He could feel his heart pull at the sight, and a smile he hadn't felt all day aligned on his lips. Kinvara comes in a moment later and she stops at the children in front of her while sighing a moment later. "While this is very sweet," she whispers to him. "In order to examine the queen we're going to need the whole bed."

Jon stares at her. "I can't wake them up – they're so peaceful." At her pointed look, Jon sighs and shrugs. "Fine. Give me a second." Kinvara takes a step back and watches as Jon walks over to where Daenerys laid, before gently shaking her shoulder. The queen's eyes opened slowly, almost drowsily, before she looks up at Jon with a soft smile. He smiles back. "Hey, love…"

"Jon," she murmurs while leaning up slightly. "Is everything alright? Do you need me?"

"No, no, everything is fine," he reassures her gently. "All of the people from the Free Cities are in chambers and are safe. No need to worry about it…but I have Kinvara here to check on you, and the children are, well…"

Daenerys chuckles a bit and nods. "I understand. They came in here a little bit ago…made me some soup and some bread to eat."

Jon smiles at that. "Seriously? They did all of that? Who helped them?"

"You won't believe me, but Gendry Baratheon," she states, causing him to snort.

"You're fucking joking," he responds, but she only shakes her head. "Man is full of secrets…but if we do want to get you checked out they need to be woken up. If it was up to me I wouldn't but Kinvara-"

"I know, Jon," she chuckles softly before she moves her hands to Dan, shaking her awake gently. The girl's eyes open and she looks over at her mother, questioningly. "Kinvara is here to check on me, which means all of you have to go now."

Dan mutters something incoherent under her breath before looking back at her. "Do we have to go?"

"Yes," Daenerys chuckles softly. "I'll read more to you all later, but for now we need to see what's going on with me. Can you wake up your siblings?"

Dan rolls her eyes but nods, moving over to gently wake up Daemon. Once the eyes of her brother open, she tells him what his mother said, and they move to wake up Zaevar and Mae. Once those two were awake as well, Mae turns her gaze to the sleeping Nesara and walks over, lifting her up into her arms.

"Probably better to keep her asleep after all that sugar," Mae says, bringing her over to where Jon stood. His brow furrows.

"How much did she eat?"

"Um…a fair bit."

Jon rolls his eyes as he takes the little girl into his arms. "I need to keep a better eye on you children." He looks over to Kinvara, who now steps up to the bed once all the children were stepping out of the room. She turns her gaze to look over at Jon as well.

"If you could step out of the room while I look at her, that would be preferable."

Jon's brow raises. "I have seen her-"

"Jon," Daenerys warns, causing him to stop in his tracks. "It's okay. It's what is regularly done. You don't need to fight it."

"But I want to be there for you," he mutters.

Daenerys reaches over and grabs his free hand that wasn't carrying Nesara. "And you will be afterward. I'll be fine, don't worry." She leans over and kisses his palm, trying to reassure him that she would be okay. Jon lets out a quiet sigh and nods, taking a step back. It scared him, seeing Daenerys this sick. This was his second-half, the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. And seeing her like this…it put a bad taste in his mouth.

But for the sake of her and for Kinvara, he moves and takes a step out of the room with Nesara, closing the door behind him. Once he does, he looks at the sleeping girl and shakes his head. "I think it's time we bring you to your room."

---

As soon as Jon had tucked the little girl back into her bed once more, he felt himself sigh. It had been nearly a month since he had proposed to Daenerys for their true wedding and yet he hadn't told the children yet.

It wasn't that he didn't want to, or that she didn't want to. They just didn't want them to blab about it to the kingdom when most people already thought they were married. He wasn't worried about the older children. Really just Nesara. But he knew that he needed to learn to trust the little girl more. She had proved herself more than capable before.

Especially ever since the dungeons with her father.

Gods, these children. When he thought about it, it had been a good amount of time since they had done anything that required their powers. He did see Dan and Zaevar practice occasionally outside, but other than that, it was very quiet. Daemon had confided in him that his healing had returned to join along with the blood sorcery he had learned, so now he was twice as powerful. He could only assume Nesara was the same.

It was times like this where he thought of Mae, and how she felt about all of this magic around her. In a way, he and Daenerys were a part of that as well – being unburnt by fire wasn't something that was necessarily normal for anyone. But Mae was the normal one out of everyone. And he wondered if sometimes she just sat back and watched the show that this family had become.

He chuckles a bit. This family. This perfectly imperfect family. He loved it so much. He hoped it never changed. But he knew that was a bit naïve to think.

Looking down at Nesy, words start to come back to him from the night that they had returned from Meereen. Zaevar had told them that he had learned the sun makes their fires much more powerful and deadly. He wondered if there was a difference in the way that Daemon and Nesara's power worked. Did the night make their sorcery more powerful? Just as his other two children experienced? He honestly hoped he would never have to find out.

He leans down and presses a soft kiss to the girl's forehead, and when he pulls away he watches as she cuddles a stuffed dragon that he had gotten for her a while ago. He smiles as he steps away from the bed, and goes to her door, closing the room to her chamber. As soon as it closes, he turns around and nearly jumps out of his skin when he comes face to face with Arya and Eleana.

"Good gods," he breathes, looking down at them. "Both of you are like ghosts, I swear."

"I ran into some of your Free City people today," Arya states, crossing her arms against her chest.

"One of which said, 'Gods, I'd love to fuck the shit out of him,'" Eleana chuckles a bit.

Jon shakes his head as he walks forward with the two girls. "That was the delegate from Lys."

"I could tell from the hair," Eleana states, looking over at him. "Did everything go well with them? They didn't fight what you said?"

"Everything is fine. It took a bit of time to get them all settled but it seems that they are going to be okay with waiting for a little bit." He looks over at Eleana. "Did you see the children at all? I ushered them out so Kinvara could check on Daenerys but I was so focused on Nesara I didn't get to see where they went."

"Dan and Daemon went to go play with the direwolves in the training area," Eleana explains. "And Mae and Zaevar are actually training. She's trying very hard to be as good as her siblings."

"She's getting better every day," Arya chuckles. "A real fighter, she is."

Jon smiles, glad to hear that. "After what the girl has been through? Nothing can break her. What about the dragons? Are they okay?"

"Last I saw of them they were flying around the castle, just enjoying the air," Arya says to him softly. "I think they're more or less waiting to hear what's wrong with Daenerys. It's almost like they can sense something is up. Even Drogon was acting oddly today."

Jon's brow furrows. "Odd? What do you mean?"

"Well, when I was out patrolling with Gendry before we baked with the children, he just seemed very…defensive. I don't know. It was almost like he knew his mother was sick and wanted to make sure she was safe. The way he was growling while flying as if looking for prey…something I don't normally notice with the dragon."

Jon nods quietly. "Do you know where Jorharion and Visenya are off to? I haven't seen them in a while."

"They've taken up nesting with a lot of the other dragons near the forest from what I saw on some trips," Eleana responds as they walk up the stairs back towards the main chambers. "They do still come back to fly with Dan and Daemon, however. Usually when they need them."

Jon sighs and glances at the ground. "Even if they've started training, still scares the shit out of me."

"They're naturals at it," Eleana states.

"More natural than I'll ever be," Arya mutters. "I don't know how you people do it."

"We hold on to whatever we can," Jon points out.

"That doesn't help, Jon!" Arya laughs, shaking her head.

Jon chuckles at his little sister and looks ahead. In all honesty, he still couldn't get over how Arya was with him now and whole-heartedly supported him and Dany. After everything they had been through, and she had been through, it was sweet to see her still standing by them, even being a part of their council. He truly didn't know how he would ever get to thank her properly.

"We also received a letter from Yara today," Eleana says to him as they approach the door. "She says that she's going to be making another round in about a week or two, bringing some more ships for the other areas."

Jon raises an eyebrow at her. "You must be excited about that." At Eleana's glare, he chuckles a bit. "It's all jokes, calm yourself. Have you gotten any word from the other cities if they are going to be coming here soon? Or if they've been given our provisions?"

"Yes, we have. The dragonlords that have been keeping watch over the former slaver cities say they have distributed the food and supplies evenly to the people. Many are following the new rules. The slave masters are kept under guard. Any slaves that chose to be free went away, while some stayed – just as you and Daenerys had intended. Many are going to be coming here. But Taevar and I have enlisted some of the best handymen here to begin building more homes."

"Excellent," Jon praises. "That's exactly what we need. Have there been any qualms or questioning of rule?"

"There's been a few, but it's quite hard to really have issues when your leaders have dragons. Any qualms have come from the wealthy whose lives have changed, but nothing more."

Jon nods his head. "Good." He looks up as soon as he hears the door open, and out steps Kinvara, closing it gently. "Can you two stay out here while I go and check on Daenerys? I'll be out in a little bit."

"I mean, let us know what is wrong too," Arya responds quietly. "We want to know if she'll be okay."

"I will. Be patient." He steps forward as Kinvara comes over to him, but he sees no worry on her face. No sign of distress. In fact, she had a smile on her cheeks. "Is everything alright? Is she going to be okay?"

Kinvara bites her lip and glances towards the door. "I think it is best if you talk to her yourself. It's not my place to tell. But I can assure you she is going to be alright." She brushes dust off of her dress and steps back. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go teach your children." Arya raises an eyebrow at the red priest as she walks by, and once she was gone, she shakes her head.

"Bloody mental, these red priests are."

Jon rolls his eyes and turns back to the door. Quietly, he steps inside and shuts the door gently behind him, looking over towards the bed. He could see Daenerys not sitting up straight in her bed, staring outside with a smile on her lips. He walks over to her and as soon as she sees his shadow, she turns her head to look over at him.

And if anything, her smile only grows wider.

"Jon," she whispers, grabbing his hand.

"Is everything alright? She said you would be okay, but you had to tell me something?" he asks her, sitting down on the bed.

Daenerys nods. "Everything is…perfect." At his furrowed brow, she swallows and looks down at the bed. "Jon, do you remember the last time I had my moon blood?"

His brow furrows. Usually, when she did have it, he always made sure the sheets were changed every day for her sake. But now that he thought about it, he hadn't had that happen in a long time. "I can't recall…is something wrong with that?"

"Nothing's wrong with that…it's just stopped because of something else." With that, she takes his hand and places it gently on her stomach. He looks down at where it laid and things start to connect quicker than he thought, and when he finally realizes what she was saying, he feels it. A slight curve, something he hadn't noticed before.

He snaps his head back up to look at her, and she had tears in her eyes. "Are you sure?" he asks her, his voice breathless.

She nods frantically, the excitement clearly getting to her, and he suddenly pulls her into his arms so tightly that he felt he would never let go, her body fitting perfectly with his own. He buries his head in her neck as she laughs, her arms holding him close. When he pulls away, he doesn't realize that tears of joy had both started to come down their cheeks, and when he looks back into her eyes, he feels the same amount of love that he had felt for so long now multiply into something beautiful.

"We're going to have a third," he murmurs to her. "It's actually happening." His hands come up to cup her face, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," she whispers, as he leans in and kisses her with so much passion he was sure it would have knocked her to the bed if she didn't hold onto him. When he pulls back, his forehead rests gently against hers, breathing heavily. "Our family is growing bigger."

"And it'll only get bigger after that," he promises her.

"We're going to have to get married quicker," she points out softly.

"I don't care when, whether it's today, tomorrow, the next month – all I care about right now is this, and how you feel in my arms right now, and that what we have wanted for so long…is finally coming true." He brushes away her hair from her face, kissing her gently again. "How long do you think it's been?" he asks when he pulls away.

She bites her lip. "Um…I'm not entirely sure. Kinvara says it might be eight weeks…that's the last time I can remember having any moon's blood."

Jon feels his shoulders fall. "That means…that means you might have been pregnant during the siege at Meereen."

"It doesn't matter," she reassures him gently. "We didn't know. We know now. That's all that matters."

He sighs and nods, trying to let her words calm him, but a part of him was still wary about it. Now that he knew she was pregnant, that meant that doing what they wanted to do would be a little bit harder. Well, really not just a little, more like a lot harder. They needed to be extra careful with her, even if he knew she wouldn't like it.

But he wasn't about to let them lose what they had tried so hard to do for so long.

Before he could say anything else, there was a gentle knock on the door. "Can we come in now? The anticipation is killing us!" Arya exclaims through the wood. Daenerys chuckles and nods at Jon to let them in. He gets up from the bed and walks over to the door, opening it wide for his sister and Eleana to step inside. They look at them and then at Daenerys. Arya comes over to her side. "Are you okay? The children said you were vomiting."

Daenerys smiles and grabs the girl's hand. "I'm pregnant," she says softly to her.

The two girls were silent for a good second before Eleana snorted. "Well, I could have fucking told you that!"

"Eleana," Daenerys laughs.

"I literally implied it to Jon this morning," Eleana states, rolling her eyes before looking over at Jon. "Gods, you are so daft sometimes," Eleana chuckles before shaking her head, coming over to Daenerys' side. "That's wonderful news, my queen. I know you and Jon have been trying for a very long time."

Daenerys looks over at Arya. "How do you feel about this?"

The Stark sister had been quiet, seemingly digesting the information. And then, a moment later, she looks over at Daenerys. "You're going to actually have another child? One that you're going to have to…push out and everything?"

Daenerys snickers a bit. "Yes, that is how birthing a child works."

Arya shivers before shrugging her shoulders. "Well, as long as I get to teach the little boy or girl how to hold a sword, I'll support it."

"You'll have to fight Jon for that right," Daenerys chuckles.

Arya smiles and nods. "I know. Good thing I'm a better fighter."

Jon snorts from where he stood. "Those are fighting words," he states, causing her to chuckle.

"Then bring it on."

Jon shakes his head and walks over to the bed. "Both of you, go get some of the others and gather them. We're going to tell the children first and once they all know, we'll tell the rest of the council."

Eleana nods while Arya leaves with her, but before she disappears behind the door she turns to look at the two of them. "Congrats, really…you two deserve it after everything you've gone through."

Daenerys smiles at her softly. "Thank you, Arya. That's means a lot."

Arya nods and leaves a moment later, closing the door. Once it was closed, Jon looks over at Daenerys and grabs her hands in his, sitting at the edge of the bed. He looks at her and feels lost for words, wondering how to properly convey all the feelings that were surging inside of his mind. But all he could really think of was how much he loved this woman in front of him. How much they had gone through.

Just to reach this one moment.

"I love you," he whispers again, resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you more," she murmurs, kissing him softly. When she pulls back she looks towards the door and smiles. "I think we should go tell the children, don't you?"

Jon smiles back and nods. "Yes, let's do that."

---

By the time they had collected all of the children, Nesara had just woken up from her long nap, looking confused as to what could possibly be happening that had disturbed her. Mae and Zaevar seemed confused at their happy expressions while Dan and Daemon would consistently ask them what was going on.

Both had refused to tell them until they were outside in the garden. Jon could see some of their dragons flying overhead, some perching on the roof to look down at them. It felt almost like they were watching them, waiting for Jon to tell them the news.

"Alright, I'm done guessing," Dan groans. "Can we just know? Please? Is mother okay?"

"Am I going to have to heal her?" Daemon mutters, his brow raised.

Jon chuckles and shakes his head as Daenerys sits down next to him on the bench across from the children. "No, it's nothing like that."

"So you're not going to die?" Nesara asks through her still sleep-filled voice.

"I told you I wouldn't," Daenerys reassures her gently before turning to look at the other children. "However, there are two pieces of news your father and I have to tell you. One we…neglected to because of everything that was going on recently, but the other we only just found out. So, would you like to know?"

"Yes!" all five of them exclaim at the same time, the impatience running thin through all of the children. Daenerys laughs before nodding.

"Alright," she chuckles, looking back at them. "The first piece of news we want to tell you is that your father and I will be getting married. For real, this time."

Their faces contort into one of excitement, but Dan then changes to one of confusion. "Wait, you said you've kept this from us…for how long?"

Jon and Daenerys exchange a grim look before Jon turns back to them. "A…month ago."

"You proposed a month ago? And you didn't tell us?!" Dan squeals at them, her hands on her hips.

Daenerys sighs. "We wanted to tell you, but if it makes you feel any better, we didn't tell anyone else about this either. We've had so much going on with everything here, from moving the Meereen people to here and establishing the dragonlords over in the slaver cities, we've barely had any real time to ourselves lately. But we wanted to tell you so you could be prepared."

Mae smiles brightly. "Could I make your wedding dress?"

Daenerys' brow furrows. "We wouldn't want you to be working the whole time. We'd want you to enjoy the time leading up to it."

"Really, you don't have to do that, Mae," Jon reassures the girl gently. "We could have Vyanna do it, the woman who did her coronation dress."

Mae shakes her head. "But I want to…if you don't want me to do the dress can I at least help her do the veil? I never got to see weddings before, and I know how to make stuff like that really well…please?"

Daenerys looks up at Jon, who was thinking of what to say. He didn't want to let the girl down and knew that it was rare she ever got to see things like this when she was younger. He only wanted her to be a child, not some servant or worker, not after everything she had been through. But if she wanted to help, then who was he to stop her?

"Fine, you can make the veil," Jon says to her gently, causing Mae to smile wide. "But you know that you're going to have to do it quickly."

Daemon raises an eyebrow. "When's the wedding?"

Daenerys bites her lip and glances at the ground. "We aren't entirely sure yet. There's been some…news that we have received that has made us want to push forward the date a little quicker."

"Right, you did say that," Zaevar points out from where he sat. "What was the other piece of news you were talking about?"

Jon and Daenerys exchange a smile. "You tell them," he murmurs to her. Daenerys smiles and turns back to the children, all of which had confused and perplexed expressions on their faces. She lets out a deep breath before letting her hands rest against her stomach.

"You're going to have another sibling soon," she says softly.

Almost instantly Dan and Daemon jump up and surprise, cheering and running over to Daenerys, hugging her tightly. Daenerys laughs and hugs the children back, embracing them tightly. Jon watches with a smile. Daemon was the first to pull away, his eyes wide. "So it's true? You're going to have a third?"

"Yes, I will."

"How long has it been?" Dan asks.

"Kinvara believes it's been about two moons, but no more than that. That's why we want to push the wedding forward – so I'm not big for something like that in advance." Dan shakes her head in disbelief, stepping back with her brother.

"Another bloody Targaryen. This world is going to implode if we keep giving them more and more," Dan chuckles.

Daenerys smiles and turns her eyes to Mae and Zaevar, both of which seemed a little uneasy at the news, and Jon knew why. Originally they had taken the Galeron children in because of their failures in trying to conceive a third child, but that didn't change the way that they felt now just because they had succeeded.

"Hey," Daenerys says gently to them. "You three, come over here."

Mae lifts up Nesara and approaches with Zaevar, before sitting down next to Dany. She reaches over and takes the two eldest children's hands, holding them tightly, while Nesara looked on from Mae's lap. She keeps them close, making sure her eyes didn't leave their own.

"No matter what, you three will always be children of mine," she says softly to them. "Just because there is a child coming, it doesn't mean that I love any of you any less. You are all still just as Targaryen today as you will be in the future. Don't doubt that. Do you understand me?"

Mae smiles at her words. "I know that…do you, Zaevar?"

Zaevar rubs his arm and sighs. "I'm happy that you're happy but…you and I both know why I'd be a little less than…excited. Why both of us would be."

"We know," Jon reassures him softly, letting his hand rest on the body's shoulder. "But you need to understand, there is absolutely no way we are ever letting you go. You're stuck with us."

Zaevar snickers at his words but doesn't pull away from his grip. "I'm glad to hear that, then."

Daenerys squeezes the boy's hand before her eyes go to Nesara. "How are you feeling, sweet one? You're going to be a big sister soon."

Nesara tilts her head and a small smile comes onto her cheeks. "Does that mean I'll get to feed them cake, too?"

"Seven hells," Dan mutters as Daenerys laughs.

"You'll be able to feed them cake," the woman chuckles. "As well as read them stories, or teach them how to fight…everything you have learned and will learn, you can pass down to them. Does that sound good?"

Nesara smiles wider. "That does sound really good…I think I'd like that."

"Good," Daenerys says as she takes the young girl into her arms, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I think I would like that very much as well." Dan shakes her head, glancing up at Jon and then at her brother.

"A marriage and a baby. What's next?" she asks. "Swear to the gods below if you're hiding more dragons from us next-"

"Trust me, there are no more secrets," Jon reassures her gently. "These were really the last ones – the most important ones. Nothing else is unknown to you."

Mae smiles from where she stood. "Well, I for one can't wait until he or she arrives…another dragon."

Daenerys chuckles a bit and squeezes the girl's hand. "Another dragon, indeed."

---

Hours pass, and sooner or later, the word had spread quickly that the queen was pregnant all the way into the dark of night.

Once the children had all been told, Jon and Daenerys had taken to tell everyone one by one. Taevar had been the next – who once again told Jon that he was an idiot for not realizing sooner – and then Gendry, who congratulated them as he would. But then they told Rhaemon, who then told Magar, and then it seemed that by the end of the night, everyone knew.

When Daenerys had finally made her way to the audience chambers to address any of the issues the city had, most didn't have any. Many came in only to congratulate her and the king, who was grateful for so many people being accepting of what was happening.

Eventually, however, night had come and the sleepiness of the exciting day had found its way onto Daenerys' head, so Jon had taken it upon himself to excuse her from seeing anyone else and have dinner with the family. The affair was full of chatter, mainly questions about the wedding and when it would be, but there were other things among it too, such as sword training, or their next training session with their army. Or Jon's next lesson with Daenerys on Dothraki.

He had been trying to learn as best as he could while he and Daenerys had been dealing with them on the outskirts of the city. He had to admit – shit was hard. It wasn't like he was gifted it like he was with Valyrian – he really had to work if he wanted to do well with the language. But even if he didn't know it completely right now, he at least had the safe feeling that the Dothraki were under his guard and wouldn't disobey him.

Once dinner was over, they had let the children go off to sleep while Jon and Daenerys had retired to their chambers. And once the door was closed, Daenerys let out a soft sigh of happiness.

"I don't think we've had that much excitement in one day in a long time."

Jon smiles a bit as he takes off his vest, looking over at her. "It's an exciting day indeed." Once he was in just his tunic, he walks over to where she stood in front of her mirror, undoing the braids she had Eleana put in her hair when she felt strong enough to address the public. He quietly steps up behind her and places his hands on her hips before pressing soft kisses along her neck.

He feels her body vibrate with a chuckle at his movements, and she turns her head to look over at him. "Are you having fun there, my king?"

"More fun than I've had all day," he murmurs before his hands move to where her stomach was. "And soon he or she will see all the fun in the world."

Daenerys smiles at him through his reflection in the mirror, letting out a deep sigh. "I pray that he or she survives," she mutters, causing Jon to look at her in surprise. "What? It's a common thought I've had…my first son was born with deformities and didn't survive. My twins were…well, you know, but still survived somehow. And yet we've been trying for so long and now…I'm just nervous we'll lose them."

"We won't."

"Jon, you can't promise that," she whispers, turning around to face him fully now. "No one can promise that."

Jon shakes his head. "I'm not like anyone. I promise you; nothing is going to happen to our child. Not a damn thing. I'm going to make sure that he or she comes out, and is the most beautiful baby we have ever seen in our lives, and I will be there for you every step of the way to make sure of it. Anyone that gets in the way of that will pay with their lives."

Daenerys raises an eyebrow at his words. "That's a heavy threat, Jon."

"If they're messing with my family, then they are a threat and need to be taken care of." He grabs her hand and brings her over to the bed, letting her sit gently on top of his lap while he runs his hands up and down her back. "I'm glad that Arya and the children took the news well…they all seem so excited."

"Nesara," Daenerys murmurs, causing Jon to laugh.

"I'll make sure she doesn't just feed the child cake," Jon promises, shaking his head. "I swear, sometimes I listen to her and she's so smart and other times I remember she's still so young."

"All of them are," she sighs, her forehead resting against his own. "They're so perfect. All of them. I never want to lose them. I never want to lose you."

Jon's hand come up and cup her face in his, pushing away her now loose tendrils of silver hair. "And you never will." He kisses her gently, slowly, one that lovers only shared in the comfort of their rooms, his thumb rubbing slow circles on her cheek, goosebumps rising up her skin. He looks at her when he pulls away, letting out a deep sigh.

"While I would be content to stay in this position all night," Daenerys states a moment later, "We do have to discuss the marriage and the Free Cities."

Jon nods quietly, letting her take a spot on the bed next to him. "I think it should be in a month," he says to her, nodding outside. "That way we have some time to prepare. Tell the cooks what to make. Give Mae her time to make her veil. All of the works."

Daenerys shakes her head, letting it rest against his shoulder. "I can't believe she wants to do that. She wanted to make the whole dress at first."

"She's thankful for everything we've done for her," Jon explains softly. "She wants to pay it back even though she knows she doesn't have to. It's sweet." He holds her hand gently in his own. "I'll tell Vyana to make you a dress."

"But Jon," she mutters. "There is the one thing we haven't discussed – how are we going to pass this off as a non-wedding when it's very…you know, standard. Everyone thinks we are already married."

Jon bites his lip, searching his brain for any ideas before one suddenly pops into his head. "I got it," he starts, turning his body to hers. "What if we called it a 'renewal of vows' ceremony?"

She raises an eyebrow. "You're going to have to elaborate for me."

"Everyone already thinks that we've married thanks to me, but in the North, every ten years or so, people who have married occasionally have a renewal of vows to reclaim their love for each other, as a reminder of what they signed up for and how much they care for the other. We could pretend it was something like that, and still have the ceremony, and the festival afterward, and no one would know it was a real wedding because it would have the same vows and everything involved. And, many of the people here don't know about Westeros customs, so they would gladly see us do something from there."

Daenerys digests the information, nodding along with it. "That's a very smart idea. I like the way you think. And that way we can still enjoy everything involved with a festival."

"Exactly," he says, holding her hand close.

Daenerys nods and looks over at him again. "What about the Free Cities? Do we want to invite them to this 'vow ceremony?'"

Jon sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I want them to think of us as allies, but I have a feeling that's not the case right now. I feel an answer will be better known to us after this meeting and we can figure out how the real cocks are of the bunch." He raises an eyebrow and looks down at her. "Which reminds me, how are you feeling? Do you think you can do this?"

Daenerys bites her lip before nodding. "I don't want to keep them waiting for longer than I have to."

"They came here to talk to us. We can keep them waiting as long as we want."

"Jon," she starts, her tone chastising. "Even if we are the rulers here, we shouldn't keep people waiting. That's how they grow rumors, and being to plan behind our backs. They think we think of them as unimportant when in reality, they are some of the most important allies that we need. We have to take care of this sooner rather than later."

Jon sighs. "I just don't want you feeling sick is all," he admits. "The last thing I want is for you to, I don't know…vomit while proposing a new trade deal or something like that."

Daenerys chuckles a bit and squeezes his hand. "My love, sickness is a part of the process when birthing a child. It's something every woman has to deal with long term for as long as they have to until the babe is born. I can handle it. And besides, this meeting would be taking place in the afternoon, not the morning. I think I'll be okay for the time being."

Jon sighs once more but nods his head. "Alright…if that is what you feel."

"I know it's what I feel. Trust me." She leans in and presses a soft kiss against his lips, but before she could pull away, he wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her back into his lap. She smiles against his lips as they pull back from her, moving them down her neck once more. "Jon," she murmurs. "We have to keep talking about this."

"I don't want to keep talking," he whispers, pressing his lips against hers once more. When he pulls away, his hands move towards the top of her dress, starting to untie the laces from behind. "We can talk about everything tomorrow. Talk with those people tomorrow. Plan tomorrow. But for tonight, I want to love every single ounce of your body, from top to bottom."

His fingers had moved so quickly that by the time he finished his sentence, her dress had already fallen past her shoulders, revealing her small clothes that hid underneath it. She raises an eyebrow at his words and then wraps her arms around him. "Well, then you better get to work, Jon Snow."

He smirks against her lips when she says those words, a hungry part of him rising up when she does. Gods, he loved her. He didn't know how he had gone so long without this woman in his arms. But hearing her say those words, the exact same ones she had said to him so long ago, ignited a fire deep down within.

He wraps his arms around her tightly, holding her close to him as his lips invaded hers with fearless passion, his tongue colliding within seconds, practically invading her mouth. His grip tightens and he suddenly pulls off her dress, ripping the seams, throwing it to the side like it was nothing, torn into two. She gasps at the sudden movement and stares at him.

"Jon," she whispers.

"Yes?" he murmurs to her, his lips trailing a soft pattern down her skin. His hands reach up to her breasts and start to pull gently, teasing at her skins, leaving small touches with each little movement. His lips move up to her ear, gently biting at the edge. "What is it you have to say, my dragon?" he whispers.

She swallows as his hands start to move under her small clothes, before suddenly pulling it off, exposing her full body to him, her nipples as hard as pebbles. She was silent, holding onto him.

"Nothing good to say, hmm?" he continues.

"Just keep touching me," she moans softly.

Her body rose up with the cold air that rushed between them when he removed her clothes. He knew that it was a bit harsh of him to do so and treat her like some pleasure house whore, especially knowing that she carried their babe now, but a part of him didn't care.

He wanted her like the dragon he was.

His hands rest against her sides as he lays her down on the bed, staring down at her from his long curls covering his face. Gods, this sight. This beautiful, wonderful sight, staring down at the one he loved for years. How had he turned her away for so long? How had he denied that he loved her? Because for fuck's sake, there was no one in this world he would rather be with.

His body overtakes her as he lays, her hands coming up behind his tunic and pulling it over his head, exposing his chiseled chest. Her fingers trail along his body, tracing every muscle she could before wrapping themselves in his curls. He could feel how hungry she was for his touch, every single time he laid his lips against her own. His hands moved up her body, holding her close to him, before separating a moment later, looking down at her.

"Gods, you are so beautiful." His voice was hoarse with desire, not knowing what he had done in all of his life to deserve someone as beautiful as the woman below him. Seeing her stomach curve with his child within her, setting off some primal carnal instinct that he didn't know was existent within him.

She closes the distance between them, kissing him ferociously, her fingers working on his breeches, untying anything that was left to be untied, pushing them down from his body. His arousal was evident and his cock sprung forward at her sudden attention, wanting to be touched. She grabbed at it with her hands, tightly, feeling it throb underneath her fingers. His mouth growled against her own, his boots being kicked off along with his breeches, letting himself be as naked as she was.

He pins her down to the bed once more, grinding against her until she was nothing but a moaning mess, begging for his cock. She bucked her hips underneath him, her breathing becoming faster by the second, encouraging his touch against her own. His kisses trailed down her skin as he places soft bites along her neck, while he slipped two fingers within her cunt, stroking the inside of her walls. She arches her back as her eyes close, moans escaping her body. The sound of her pleasure not only encouraged him to keep moving with his fingers but to also bring his mouth down onto her mound, flicking his tongue onto her throbbing nub.

He licked and teased her clit, pleasure wave upon wave coming over her like the sea, cascading. "Jon," she gasps once more, straining herself to look upon him. Her voice was filled with unbridled need, the want to feel him on her. Her hands came onto his hair, fingering within his curls again, pulling him closer to her cunt if possible.

Jon could feel what she wanted, and within moments he stops his slow torture with his tongue and moves his kisses up her body, further towards her mouth. He kisses the swell of her stomach before moving up towards her breasts, tweaking one of her nipples to hardness with one hand while he took the other within his mouth. She was writhing underneath him, her grip on his curls growing tighter. After a moment, he releases her nipple from his mouth with a 'pop,' before biting down on her neck, sending bolts of pleasure throughout her entire body.

He locks eyes with her, so dark with desire that they seemed almost black before he presses his mouth against hers once again. Was this some dream that he would wake up from sooner or later? One that wasn't real? Because if it was, he never wanted to be awoken. He wanted to stay here forever.

Jon grabs his hardened cock, positioning it at her entrance and thrusts in quickly, suddenly. Her head scrambles against his own, muffling a groan within his neck. It causes him to freeze completely.

"Am I hurting you?" he asks quickly, concern dripping through his voice. He remembered quickly that there was a child beneath them, and a feeling of guilt seeped through him at the thought of hurting them.

But she only shakes her head and pulls at his curls further. "We're fine," she breaths. "It's been so long. I didn't know how much I needed this." Her voice was soft, panting, almost breathless. Jon smiles at the words she says, while her legs spread wider for him, encouraging his movements.

Jon moves quickly, following her intentions, moving slowly with her movements at first. Within seconds, though, they found a rhythm, finding the pace to thrust harder and deeper into his love from below. Her legs wrap around his waist, pulling him impossibly closer, deeper, trying to chase her own pleasure within himself. His hand reaches down between them, stroking her swollen nub, feeling her hips buck wildly against his own.

He could feel her walls begin to contract around his cock, but he fights against his own release and need, wanting to see his love come undone first, just for him. Her nails dug deeply into his back, her whole entire body shaking as his cock dug deeper and deeper into her, shuddering underneath him. Her heart beat wildly and her moans of pleasure exploded within minutes, as her climax overtook her.

The moment she comes, he could feel what little restraint he had leave him. He moves her legs from around him and places them on his shoulders, thrusting wildly into her, grabbing at her hips as he groaned out, his hands almost positively leaving marks. But he didn't care. This was his woman. His love. His mate.

"Say you're mine," he growls as he thrusts against her, his hands never leaving her sides.

"I'm yours," she moans, her own nails grabbing onto his skin. "Fuck, Jon…I'm going to…"

"Then do it. Come again. Come now for me," he groans, his own body coming close to release as he thrusts against her.

It doesn't take long for her body to come again, her walls squeezing around his cock once more while he thrusts, her moans of bouncing off the stone of the castle. He thrusts into her one last time a moment later, releasing his seed, breathing heavily, shaking from the intensity.

For a minute, they stay intertwined, their bodies tangled together while their labored breathing was in sync, until he collapses onto the bed, growing limp and pulling her into his side, his hands automatically wrapping around her. Her head rests against his chest, and her fingers ran up his torso, tracing the scars along his body. He closes his eyes, basking in the moment.

"Fuck," he breathes, shaking his head before looking down at her. "I love you."

Daenerys chuckles, her eyes unmoving from his. "You're only saying that because we just had sex."

"No, I mean it with my whole being," he says to her softly, his hand running through her now messy hair. "And I love this little one, too," he adds on, leaning down and kissing the small curve on her stomach. She smiles at him lovingly when he looks back up at her.

"There's barely anyone in there right now though," she states. Jon shrugs as his hands rest on either side of her.

"Doesn't make me love who they are any less." He leans over and kisses her gently, feeling her hands wrap around him again. When she pulls him back to the bed, he raises an eyebrow at her as she suddenly climbs on top of him, her body positioned at his entrance again. "You can not tell me you aren't tired."

She leans down and presses her lips to his, her fingers trailing up his chest before resting on the edge of his face. "When you speak like that, it knocks the tiredness out of me."

Jon smirks against her lips. "I'll be sure to do it more often then."

Daenerys leans back up, looking down at him now with that delicious half-smile that he loved seeing on her. "Now, let me show you how you really ride a dragon."

---

The next morning came quicker than Jon had imagined. After he and Daenerys had coupled a second time – and then a third – both had slept like the dead, purely exhausted. Jon was the first to wake up, and he could see she was still resting her eyes, cuddled into the pillow, her hair spilling onto the furs.

He leans over and kisses her forehead gently before getting out of bed, grabbing some small clothes and then his tunic and breeches, putting them on quickly. He steps outside and ushers in one of the handmaidens, whispering something to her. He watches as she runs down to fetch something for him, and he waits, glancing over at Daenerys to make sure she was still sleeping, and once the handmaiden returned, he takes it into his hands and thanks her, shutting the door gently.

He turns back over to the bed and walks quietly over to the end table that sat on her side, before gently placing what he had received down. At that moment, Daenerys' eyes open and she looks up at him, a sleepy smile on her lips.

"Good morning," she mumbles, leaning up and looking over, before her eyes land on the object. "Oh, what is this?" She holds it in her hands, examining. It was tea.

"It's something Catelyn used to use," Jon explains, taking a seat on the bed. "I could hardly remember it but when we were talking last night about ways to help ease the sickness that comes with bearing a child, this popped up into my head. Catelyn used to have this tea made from flowers, ones that are very common. Jasmines. It always helped her with morning sickness when she was pregnant with Arya. I thought we could try it with you."

Daenerys smiles gratefully at him, taking it into her hands. "Thank you, Jon. That's really sweet." She takes a sip and raises an eyebrow. "This is actually quite good."

"Let's hope it works," Jon chuckles a bit, leaning against the bed. Daenerys lowers the teacup down and looks over at him.

"If it does at least we'll know Catelyn was good for something." Jon's brow furrows at her words, but she continues a second later. "Any time you've said her name I can't help but think of how she treated you. I understand why she would be upset with her husband, but a child deserves nothing of that. They didn't ask for that. Even if it turned out to be a lie, in the end."

Jon sighs and shakes his head. "It's in the past now. That doesn't matter."

"It matters to me," she whispers, looking up at him. "You should have never been treated that way." A moment later she chuckles a bit. "I think she would be spinning in her grave right now after what you've become. The boy she thought was a bastard turns out to be a king, and married to the dragon queen."

"Going to marry," he corrects her gently, which only causes her to roll her eyes. "And very true…funny how life works out."

Daenerys smiles and continues to sip her tea, standing up now. She was still as naked as her name day from the night before, but there was something about the sun outside hitting her skin just right that basked her in an ethereal glow. And with the curve of her stomach – gods be damned below if he didn't want to have his way with her again.

"We have to have the meeting with the Free Cities today," Daenerys states, causing him to snap out of his dirty thoughts before turning to look at her. She looks to him and chuckles when she realizes he was staring. "Focus, Jon." At that, she grabs her robe and wraps it around her, causing him to pout.

"Aw, you took away the best part of talking." She slaps the side of his head playfully, causing him to flinch and then laugh. "Alright, alright, I'm joking," he chuckles, before sitting next to her again on the bed. "We do. It's better to get that over with quickly rather than push it off. Don't need them feeding wrong information to the citizens here."

"Do you think we can get them all in a room together or have separate meetings?" Daenerys asks. "A couple of those cities have gone to war with each other. We don't want to cause another one in our home."

Jon bites his lip and shakes his head. "I personally think they'll act appropriately because when I saw them yesterday, Dany…they were shaking." Her brow raises and he only nods. "They were terrified of what was going to happen. I think they believe we're just going to take all of the cities back. And then they saw the dragons – at this point, I believe most of them just want to get out of here as soon as possible. It's frightening them."

"Then that's good," Daenerys says, glancing outside. "Better to get them to leave as soon as possible. I'll have Taevar let them know that we are going to be requesting their audience this afternoon so we can discuss this with them as soon as possible."

Jon nods as she stands, walking over to the edge of the room and looking out at the balcony. The city was beginning to wake up, and the dragons were flying over them, sending off roars to the people below. It was serene to someone who was used to them, like she and him. To outsiders, it might have been scarier.

He stands up and hugs her from behind, pressing a soft kiss to her neck. When he pulls away, he nuzzles the back of her head, feeling her chuckle. "What is it that has you so touchy this morning?" she asks him.

"At this point, you shouldn't be surprised when I want to touch you," he states, causing her to smile. "I just love touching you. Is that so bad? I mean, if you want me to stop-"

"No," she instantly responds, taking his hands and moving them back to her waist. "Don't ever stop touching me."

Jon smiles at her words, leaning down and pressing another soft kiss to her lips.

---

The afternoon comes quickly after their morning. Jon and Daenerys had gotten ready as quickly as they could before meeting the children for their first meal of the day. Afterward, Jon had promised that he would train with the children and help them on their form, so Daenerys had left with Arya to tell Taevar of the plans with the people from the Free Cities, as well as discuss an agreement between Rhaemon and his men to begin training the girls.

It had been something that Rhaemon had mentioned to Daenerys and Arya after the Battle of Meereen, but because of everything that had been happening recently, they hadn't had the proper time to plan how to train them. Now, with Daenerys being pregnant, it made things a little harder for them to really properly train the girls.

But Jon knew that if it was left up to Arya, she would be fine. She loved training Dan and Mae – what's to say she wouldn't enjoy a couple of other girls as well?

Later on, however, when the training with the children was done, and Daenerys had returned with Arya, it was time for the meeting with the Free Cities. They had gathered them all in one of the largest chambers of the castle, one that could host many more people than who they had, but for comfort's sake, they would use it. When Jon walked in, he could see each of the representatives sitting in their respective seats, waiting.

He looks over at Daenerys as they approach their seats at the head of the table, while the others begin to sit in their own across from them. Arya was at Jon's side, as well as Rhaemon, and Taevar and Kinvara were on Daenerys' sider, looking at the foreigners. Once everyone was seated, Daenerys clears her throat and speaks.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting for this meeting," Daenerys explains gently. "I was going through a personal sickness last week. It's been tearing me apart inside in the mornings."

"We have heard," a magister from Lorath says. "Of your pregnancy. Congrats."

Daenerys smiles, but her demeanor doesn't change. "Thank you. We've been trying for quite some time. It'll be amazing to bring another little Targaryen into the world." At those words, Jon could see a few of the representatives shift at that, but words do not escape. "But that isn't what we are here for. We are here to discuss terms of an alliance – more of a political agreement if you will."

One of the rulers from Volantis clears his throat before looking over at Daenerys. "If you expect us to give up our ways of life for your cause and suddenly bend to this…I don't know, empire, that you have been building, that isn't going to happen."

"We never said that it was going to be like that," Jon states from where he sat. "If anything, we want to give you the freedom you desire. We want to help the people that are living in squalor in your cities, with the amount of wealth we have here. It's been hidden for hundreds of years and now, everyone just wants to help as much as we can."

"But there are certain things we do not agree with," Daenerys agrees, looking over at the representatives again. "We don't require that you bend the knee to us or anything like that. The masters that ran the slave cities of Slaver's Bay were truly horrible people. They needed to be tamed and brought in because if not, they would only continue to spread their reign of terror. But I have lived in Essos and in some of the Free Cities, and life there isn't as bad for the ones who live further out east. So, both Jon and I will be addressing each of your cities, as well as the things we don't disagree on, so we can help you regarding trades, as well as aid in future fights or wars if need be."

The group of people look to each other, trying to see back and forth what they thought before nodding. Collectively, all of them say yes in their own ways, whether that be the actual word or just a nod of the head.

"Wait," Illyrio states from where he sat. "What if we can't come to a certain kind of conclusion on what you want?"

From outside, Jonarys screeches as he flies past them, landing on the edge of the castle. Jon raises an eyebrow and turns back to the representatives, all of which were staring at the dragon in shock and fear.

"Then I'm sure we can work something out," he states quietly, leaning back in his seat. "But know that if there are…any wrong turns, or solutions, we have a quick ending to any disagreements you might have." He intertwines his fingers within themselves before looking at the volunteers once more. "Any other questions?"

And one by one, they shook their heads, some eyes still trained on the dragon.

Jon smiles and leans into his parchment he and Daenerys had written down. "Good. Let us talk."

---

It takes them the whole day to finalize everything that they wanted to do with the Free Cities, and a lot of soft arguing back and forth. But in the end, Jon was at least a little bit satisfied with everything that they had agreed upon.

Daenerys and he, as they had said, didn't go into the meeting wanting to take over all of the cities. He knew for hundreds of years many of them, including Braavos, had worked hard to build their own reputation and rely on their own money. But for Valyria's sake, it was about creating alliances so the people who were now freed from Slaver's Bay, could become a part of the Free Cities, as well as the Valyria capital.

Many trade deals were worked out in favor of the Free Cities. For Lorath, who was particularly poor, Daenerys had offered to trade them military men trained in arts and a few warships for when the time comes in trade for their specialty leather that they get from across the world, to which the Lorath council members had agreed to. With Lys, it had been a trade for their wine with Valyria's cattle so they could have better substance on the small island.

With the port cities, Jon had suggested a trade-in sea life, as there were fish in the Smoking Sea that would run for far higher prices there, and that way Jon could introduce other life to the people to Valyria that had been locked up for hundreds of years. With Qohor, he had offered to give them the best blacksmiths to show them the secret as to make Valyrian steel if they swore their allegiance to them. And because steel was a very big trade-in Qohor, they had.

A couple of other trades were worked out as well, regarding tapestries and silk, along with dyes and pendants, many things that would be completely new to the city. But the two deals that Jon was the proudest of came at the end.

The first was with Braavos. The city had been a goal of Daenerys and his to have a strong alliance with. Braavos was known to be the most powerful out of all the Free Cities, and Daenerys had a special fondness for it considering it was founded on former slaves from Valyria hundreds of years ago. Conversing with the Sealord and the keeper of keys at the Iron Bank took the longest.

But in the end, the dragon rulers had secured a strong alliance with the brave city. For every battle that they needed, the Valyrians would send over their men as long as Braavos continued to keep slavery banned within the city walls (which was an easy request), and trade with them their finest sea produce. With the Iron Bank, Daenerys and he had wondered what could convince them to take their side over anyone else's in the world.

Originally, the Iron Bank had supported Daenerys long ago before Cersei used her words to turn them against each other. Now, Cersei was gone, and Daenerys was far different. But this time, she and Jon knew exactly what it would take to persuade the Iron Bank to come to their side in times of need.

And that was a dragon.

Jon had promised the keeper of keys that in time, he would send over a man to raise a dragon that would be used to protect the most valuable assets in the Iron Bank. And if there were thieves or someone who particularly didn't want to pay back their debt, they could use it to their whim. While Jon had never been one for burning of people freely – especially not after King's Landing, he recognized when criminals needed to be dealt with. Or they could use the dragon just for fear. No one would ever mess with the Iron Bank again.

And they had agreed after much deliberation about which kind of dragon they wanted. Daenerys had consistently tried to convince them that you couldn't tell from the dragon egg how big the dragon would be, but they didn't care. All they wanted was one of the bigger eggs. And for the sake of Valyria, they had agreed.

The second agreement had been the ban of all slavery across the Free Cities.

That had been the goal going into this, for them to set the slaves and servants that they used free. As soon as they had mentioned it – at the very end of the conversation – every single city that participated in slave used spoke out angrily, saying 'this was exactly what they were afraid of,' and all that bullshit. Jon and Daenerys had stayed quiet, along with the rest of their council until they quieted down. And then, ever so softy, Jon had stood to look at all of them with his brow raised.

"We have offered so much help these past couple of hours," he stated, looking from person to person. "From money to army supplies, to ways of keeping your people happy and healthy. And yet you can't change one thing that has been so far left behind in history?"

"The slave trade is a prime source of economic prosperity in the cities!" a magister from Myr had said.

"No," Daenerys interrupted. "It's not. The items you make are a prime source of economic prosperity in the city. The slaves are the poor unfortunate souls that you use to make them and to serve you just because you come up with some idea. They do not cost money. People are not objects. And therefore, should not be sold like one."

"Daenerys and I have talked about this for days on end," Jon continues, looking at them. "We know that some people treat their servants as well as their workers very well, but that is not the majority. We have seen the bloodshed. We have seen the suffering. Why do you think we liberated those cities? Now, thousands of former slaves have been traveling all over and finding homes, happiness. Choosing their own story."

"What if they don't want to leave?" a ruler from Volantis speaks up from. "What if they want to stay with us?"

"Then they can," Daenerys continued. "What we want is a ban on future slave trades and to free the slaves of any contract that they might have right now where they have zero choices at all. But, if for some reason the slaves do not want to leave, and want to continue serving you, then they can stay. However, they must be treated as human beings and not some animal. And not something to be traded with across the world."

The group of representatives glance at each other. Illyrio was the first to speak. "There has to be something else we can trade you for – slavery is banned in Pentos but-"

"Save your lies," Daenerys interrupted.

"E-excuse me?"

"First of all, no, there is nothing else we want to trade that can make up for freeing thousands of lives, most of which were born into slavery because of your horrible practices from years ago, traded from city to city until someone saw them fit. Secondly, you can skip your pleasantries and get to what you really want."

Daenerys had stood, and looked at him in the eyes.

"You remember well, Illyrio, I know who you are. You might have housed my brother and me all those years ago, but I know the real reason was only that you wanted the financial backing of my brother's war. Funny. The dragons you gave me were worth far more than any coin my brother could have gifted to you. At the end of the day, you and every single one of you, don't want what is best for your country. You want what is best for you, and what money it will bring you. That's why until now, we didn't say anything, because Jon and I know this. We know you only want your cities to look amazing and that nothing is wrong when in fact, there is still so much to be done. We didn't want to turn you into states of Valyria again because we know how hard these Free Cities were to make, but we will not support you, or give you anything if you still support your whole entire systems on the backs of slaves. And that is our final offer. Either you lift the ban and let people live, or Valyria will never aid your cities again."

She glances over at them, going from each one of them.

"Besides, you all have secrets that you haven't told me. Of the famine in Myr," she states, looking over at the magister, who was staring at her in shock. "Or the civil unrest in Tyrosh." The brightly-haired man glared at her. "Or the political uprisings of the slaves in Volantis."

One of the rulers shakes his head, chuckling. "How did you know any of this?"

"You will learn that Jon and I have eyes everywhere. You can't hide what is happening from us. You need us far more than we need you. If anything, if we truly wanted to, we could burn your cities to the ground with our army in seconds. But we won't because that's not who we are. We want to help. But you need to help us in return. Slavery is banned in the former cites of Slaver's Bay, Valyria, Braavos, and Pentos – despite your servitude rule. We need others to go as well. And if you cooperate, then we will aid you as we have planned for the last hours. If not, we will walk."

The silence in the room was deafening. No one spoke for a good minute, trying to whisper their way into a full conversation. But soon, near the end, one of the members from Lys spoke, his voice echoing across the walls.

"And if we say yes?"

"Then you will be gifted everything that we have talked about thus far," Jon explained gently. "We want to help you. But we can't do so if you're not willing to change. However…know that if my wife and I do find out that you are still secretly trading slaves despite our agreement, then we will have to take action. We aren't the kind of rulers to give people in power more than one chance."

"What would you do?" a Norvos man asks.

Jonarys roars again from outside, and Jon smirks a bit, looking at the people. "I think you have a good idea of what my wife and I would do. We don't want to, but if you give us no choice, we are going to have to take action. So choose wisely."

Silence came and went again. Illyrio was the first one to speak once more, although the gentle tone from his voice earlier was gone now. "What if we did what the cities in Slaver's Bay did?"

Jon's brow furrows. "Become city-states of Valyria again? Why would you do so? Don't you want your freedom?"

"What are we if we can't accept things ourselves?" Illyrio asks, looking at the other representatives. "I know that the slave trade has been embedded into our cities for years. Centuries. But maybe they are right. Maybe there is room for change. Our cities are falling apart. People are starving, dying, fighting in the streets over just a loaf of bread. And why are we all here today? To gather aid from a country that has built itself up for years now…and is only continuing to grow. We would benefit more if we became an official part of the union of Valyria."

"They want to take our slaves away!" the woman from Lys snaps. "They are what bring Lys economic prosperity!"

"What, your concubines?" Daenerys asks, snickering a bit. "So what? If people want to get fucked, they can choose to get fucked now. Many people even come to pleasure houses because they need the coin. You have nothing to worry about. None of you do. All that would come from the slave trade ban is a need to pay your servants like normal human beings so they can somehow survive and not have to live in squalor. This isn't a big issue. This is humanity vs. inhumanity. And only you get to pick what side you wish to stay under."

"However," Taevar interrupts from where he sat, putting in his word. "If you were to become a city-state, trading would be made a lot easier and a lot quicker. We could build more bridges as we have in Slaver's Bay to connect the cities easier. It would also be a way to end wars a bit faster with military involvement. You and your people would benefit from it. And you would always be protected by dragonlords who want nothing more than to look out and explore and help people. Remember…we have been locked in this realm for hundreds of years. We only wish to help. We are not the same as our forefathers used to be."

Daenerys looks to the people once more and bites her lip. "If you wish to join us, we will help you. All we want is to make sure that what has happened in the past, will not happen again. That is all we desire. We want to build forward a new world. A better one. By helping your people, and helping our own. Together, we can all be as one. But that can only begin if you say yes."

They look from head to head, trying to see if anyone was going to say no to these demands. But after a moment or so of silence, Illyrio steps forward and bends his knee, looking up at the king and queen. "Pentos is yours. We need help. We all need help." And the people who had come with him do as well.

Jon watches as one by one, each of them begins to bend. Braavos does after Illyrio – which Jon could have predicted considering they didn't even allow slavery – followed by Volantis, although begrudgingly. Norvos, Qohor, and Myr were the next three, bowing their heads. Lorath was the next, letting out a deep sigh and bending his knee.

Lys doesn't respond, and Jon could feel that they would be a particular pain in their side from their glares, but they do bend the knee as well, knowing they needed the help. And finally, Tyrosh, the man and woman with bright colors and ridiculous outfits of all kinds lower their heads, bending their bodies to their wants.

"We yield to King Jaehaerys and Queen Daenerys, of the House Targaryen, Rulers of Valyria," all of the representatives say, their heads bowed, unbent, moving with grace. And in the distance, more dragons screech, the reign of Valyria spreading far with each word they whispered from their mouths.

And Taevar raised an eyebrow at their words, chuckling a bit under his breath, "And long may they reign."

Now, after Jon had dismissed the people who had come back to their chambers, and had told Taevar and Rhaemon to send out word to the other cities that the Free Cities had aligned with them, he was walking back to his chambers where Daenerys had gone to. She had said she needed to rest after the meeting out of sickness. And of course, Jon had let her go, saying he could handle it himself.

The last thing he had wanted was to put more pressure on his lover.

But when he came in, he was surprised to not see Daenerys on the bed. In fact, she was nowhere to be found, at least in the chambers.

"Dany?" he calls out, his brow furrowed. And yet, there was no response.

He glances around the room, trying to find any source of her until he saw a note that was pinned to the balcony. He picks it up into his hands, seeing the familiar writing.

'My dragon,

Meet me due North, towards the volcano. Fly a little longer and you'll see Drogon.

Don't keep me waiting.

-Dany.'

Jon raises an eyebrow, staring at the letter before placing it into his pocket. He steps out onto the balcony and watches as Jonarys flies close to him while Aryeon was settled against the banister. Jon scratches the young dragon's head, feeling him relax against the steel, while Jon turns his eyes to the larger dragon.

"I suppose we're going on a ride today, aren't we?" he asks Jonarys, who offers him his side to climb upon. Jon steps away from the banister and jumps up onto him, climbing on quickly while holding onto his scales. Within seconds, the dragon took off into the sky, leaving nothing but the castle in the distance, the people looking like ants down below.

---

It takes him no more than fifteen minutes to reach where Daenerys had flown off to, and sooner or later he did see Drogon resting by what looked like water, another area of the sea that they had left untouched for times when people didn't want to be constantly bombarded with ships. But for now, it was a little hidden area.

Jon steps off of Jonarys, watching as the large dragon rested on the sand, his hand falling back while he closes his eyes, before he looks back at the forest behind him, full of trees and leaves and flowers and bugs of all kinds. And he could see familiar footsteps leading him into the sand, further down the path towards the trees.

He walks close to it, searching through vines, wondering what the hell Daenerys had dragged him to this time. And suddenly, as he's passing through quite a particular annoying amount of vines, filled with brightly colored flowers that almost made it impossible to pass through, the clearing opens up, and he sees one of the most beautiful sights he could ever witness.

He had heard it from the beach, but now looking at it made it so much more real. It was a waterfall, one that fell all the way from the top of the mountain, cascading into three separate entrances into a pool of what looked like warm, steaming water down below. A hot springs.

And there, sat against the edge of the springs, was Daenerys.

Her hair was unbraided from its regal look before, and flowed flawlessly down her back, while her arms rested on either side. And from the pile of clothes next to the water, he could tell she was naked.

"Dany," he chuckles a bit, causing her to turn her head slightly to look at him. "What is all of this?"

"Ah, you made it," she says softly, standing up out of the water. As much of a gentleman that Jon tried to be, he couldn't deny that his eyes went straight to her wet body, watching as the water clung to her skin. There was something so vulnerable about seeing Daenerys step out of the water, something that so few people got to witness. "I'm glad you read my note."

"Well, when the queen of a nation disappears like that, you sort of have to go look for her," he points out as she walks towards him. "Why'd you leave like that? I thought you were sick?"

"I…may have told a lie." His brow raises at her honesty and she only laughs. "I only lied because I wanted to give you something special. I was flying with Drogon one day and I stumbled across this place, and it reminded me of that area in the North you took me too, except just a bit warmer. Now, I wanted to treat you to something great."

She grabs at his hands and pulls him closer to the water, while Jon chuckles at her forwardness. "I don't think it'll look good for people like us to be sneaking off like children."

"We're the king and queen. After the day we've had, we can do whatever we want right now." She leans back in the water, staring up at him. "Take off your clothes, Jon."

The command was clear in her voice, that she was not going to move or say anything until he did so. And, with a shake of his head, he removes his clothing bit by bit until he was as naked as her, approaching back to where she was. As soon as he stood in front of her, her hands rest against his cheeks, pulling him down for a kiss that nearly knocked him onto the ground.

When she pulls away, her grip was a bit tighter, her eyes connecting with his own, with nothing but sincerity, pride, and love within them.

"Do you understand what you've done today? What we've done?" she whispers to him, a smile spreading across her lips. "We brought together cities that haven't even been close to seeing eye to eye for years because we worked together and figured out how to peg them down. Now, they're all going to be free…every single slave. Everything is going to change. Because of us."

Jon rests his hands above her own, looking down at her. "It really is, isn't it?"

"And they believe it too," she continues. "I mean, I know that there will be troubles along the way and it's not going to be completely easy but…fuck, look at what we've done, Jon."

"And it's only going to get better," he murmurs.

"And our enemies," she whispers, her forehead leaning against his own. "Gods, they should be terrified…look at us. Look at how far we have come. Everything. With you and I, I truly believe there is nothing that can stop us, no Westerosi, or some Great Other, or whatever it is that is out there…it truly has been you and I against the world." She leans up and presses her lips against his, smiling softly.

He pulls away a moment later, his thumb stroking her cheek. "And it will continue to be." She kisses him again, her arms wrapping around his neck as he picks her up, holding her nude body against his own. Her hands tangle into his hair once more, pulling at his curls before she pulls back a moment later, breathing heavily, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

She reaches down with her free hand from his curls, stroking his hardened cock to edge off his lust for the time being, and he groans at her touch. "After today, you deserve a reward. It's my turn to pleasure you," she purrs against his ear. His brow raises before she lowers him to the ground, nudging him onto his back.

Daenerys crawls on top of him, her moves seductive and slow. He sighs happily as he places a hand behind his head, watching as her mouth explored every inch of his body. She placed kisses along each part of his skin, from his neck down to his chest, while his fingers started to run through her silky mane of hair. He could feel his body aching for her touch, wanting more, but he wasn't going to push her into anything so quickly, so roughly.

Even so, he couldn't stop the plead that came from his mouth. "Dany," he whispers. "Please." His erection was springing forward, its rigid length hard and ready for her. Daenerys eyes his cock hungrily, licking her lips, wrapping her tiny hands around him as she pumped a few times with her fist.

And then within seconds, her wet mouth was on top of him, sucking and licking the tip before taking him deep within to the back of her throat, so deep that it felt like she was swallowing him whole. He closed his eyes, pleasure surging in him as he arches against her touch.

"Fuuck," he groans, as her mouth sucks and licks like she was a starving woman, hard and fast, lashing it with her tongue, greedy strokes that had him keeling over. Every single time she would go down her eyes would connect with his own, glowing with desire. And it took every ounce of energy he had in him to not explode.

He shakes his head and nudges her head away from his legs. At her confused look, he pulls her into his arms, cradling her face in his hands, stroking her back tenderly while he kisses her. Her hands rested against his bare chest, just as passionate with the kiss. She pulls away a moment later, breathing heavily.

"I thought…you wanted that…" she whispers, forehead against his once more.

Jon shakes his head. "No…I want to make love to you." He sees the shift in her eyes, the soft, tiny smile that spreads on her lips. "After today, all I want is to hold you close to me. No other movements. No other activities. Just you and I…is that okay?"

Daenerys rests her hands against his own. "That's perfect, Jon."

He presses his lips against hers and lifts her up into his arms, carrying her back into the water and away from the land. Once he settles himself within the springs, he lays her gently on his lap, his hands running all over her body. He moves them to the peaks of her breasts, pinching and gently squeezing them, feeling her moan deep within himself, all the way down to her ass, grabbing it with a muster of lust, before he reaches between them and holds his cock, positioning it at her entrance.

He inches into her bit by bit, watching as her face contorts with different emotions, of pleasure and brilliance, a sparkle within her green eyes, staring into his very soul.

She brings her lips down on his, gentler than before, as he starts to thrust up into her with long strokes, delicious ones that had their bodies crashing against each other, sending waves of the spring all over the ground. She whimpered as he moved against her, his own groans sounding so loud against her while his hands clutched at her body, plunging her to the hilt.

Their kisses only grew wilder as his thrusts grew quicker, tasting her passion. Gods, every moment he spent with this woman was worth more than anything he had ever experienced before meeting her. There wasn't a moment in time he didn't feel connected to her. He didn't just say that she was his out of carnal lust, or a need to be her one and only.

It was because she truly was his. There would never be anyone else that would ever steal his heart the way that Dany took it.

"Fuck, Dany," he groans, burying his head against her throat, squeezing her tightly, gripping her hips as he thrusts up into her. The ferocity of the thrusts now would surely leave bruises, but he was so far over the edge now that he didn't care. The pleasure was engulfing him. His love for her drowning him, in the way her skin stuck to his, lost in each other. Everything that had been through. Everything that had sacrificed or gained. Everything had led them to this.

His forehead rests against her own, taking a moment just to admire this beautiful creature that was right in front of him, one that loved him with every fiber of her being, and that he loved in return.

"I love you so much, Dany," he whispers, his voice hoarse, emotion leaking out as he looked at her.

The woman had happy tears in her eyes, returning his loving gaze. "I love you too, Jon…so much."

His hand lets go from her hip and strokes at her cheek, wiping away a wisp of silver hair from her eyes. "I would give you the world if you asked me. Anything you wanted, my dragon…anything at all, and I will give it to you. You only have to tell me."

A tear escapes her eyes and slides down her skin, a smile on her face, before he kisses it away, nuzzling her cheek. "You don't need to give me anything else, Jon…all I need is right here. You and the children. That's all I want…maybe more in the future if this little girl or boy comes out alright."

"Then more we shall have," he declares, sealing his promise with a kiss to her lips, feeling her hands wrap again into his curls.

He starts to roll his hips again as their lips collided. She kept whispering his name over and over again like a plea, one that he answers with hard thrusts, deeper, pinning her body even closer to his, taking her. He felt primal and strong, wild and untamed, carnal love beating over his body.

Her head tips and her back arched as her body surrenders itself to him, and within seconds she came undone, shattering in his arms, crying out his name as her orgasm took hold of her body. He smiles against her lips, feeling her body shaking as he picks up his own pace, chasing his own release. A few thrusts after that and he was gripping onto her for dear life, his cock throbbing as he growled against her neck, shooting his seed within her, muffling the sound against her skin.

They stayed like that, together and completely spent for a moment, before he pulls back from her skin and kisses her lips. Pulling back, he looks up into her eyes, stroking her skin. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" he murmurs.

"Live," she comments, causing him to chuckle.

He pulls back after a moment of bliss, letting her slide against him into the water, cuddling into his side. It was quiet between the two for a moment, both of them just enjoying the sound of the waterfall that laid before them. After a moment, however, Jon turns his head to look down at her. "You know they're going to ask what we were doing for so long out there, right?"

Daenerys chuckles but shrugs. "It doesn't matter. I enjoyed this. Didn't you?"

"Of course," he states, shaking his head. "Shouldn't even be a question." He sighs happily and looks up at the waterfall. "It's nicer here than in the North…quite cold there."

"Still…happy memories, at least."

Jon squeezes her side as she looks up at him. "Do you think we should now invite the leaders of the Free Cities to the vow ceremony?"

Daenerys nods gently. "I think now that they want to truly be a part of Valyria again, we should give them a chance. Besides, it seems the collective agreement was that they wanted to change."

"Except for Lys," Jon mutters. "And Tyrosh…honestly, Myr, too. We're going to have to keep an eye on these places."

"And we will. That's what the dragonlords and their followers are for," Daenerys reassures him softly. "They've been doing an excellent job in the slave cities. I think they will do just as great here…especially after some of the people I've met in these cities. They want a new world." She holds his hand against hers and then rests it against her stomach softly. "And a new world indeed they shall have."

Jon smiles against her and pulls her into his lap again, nuzzling her neck. "A new world they shall have, indeed."

---

The next month passes without any serious interruptions or issues. Jon and Daenerys had heard that ever since the dragonlords and their followers had moved to the cities, there had been a strict guideline put onto the free people as well as the now freed slaves, and everything had been according to plan. There had been a couple of people who had spoken out against them, but at a very small minority to many who were happy – especially in the areas that the slaves outnumbered the citizens.

No, it seemed everything was going well for now, but the letters would consistently come back and forth to let them know what was happening. Out of everyone, Volantis was the one who had adjusted the quickest because of their support of Daenerys. The slowest to adjust had been Lys, as Jon had predicted, but he knew over time, and hopefully, a lot of dragons, would have them convinced.

His mind had been preoccupied with other things lately though. Not the training of the army they were building, or learning Dothraki (which he was getting better at now), or even making sure that the buildings were built well for the new citizens. While he did help out with everything he could, he had his eyes focused on his love and the fact that there wedding would be today.

Well, the 'vow ceremony' to the rest of the people attending, but to him and her, as well as their family, it was their wedding. When he had originally proposed the idea to the rest of the council, they had agreed it would be the best way to proceed with the wedding without letting people know it was real, so they had started to plan. They told the people of Valyria, and all of them had gotten excited. They had invited Gods knew how many people, most of which had arrived at this point.

Yara was actually coming to attend the wedding as an ally, as well as to see Eleana – as far as Jon could tell, but he was to keep his mouth shut about that.

He and Daenerys had also invited the members of the Free Cities who had been at the council due to their civil conversation. It may have been difficult but they did end up heading to their demands – at least for now. So the least Jon could do was further the relationship between them and Valyria.

Vyana had made a dress for Daenerys, and Mae had gotten her wish to make the veil. Jon had seen neither yet – as apparently it was bad luck to see it before the ceremony, so he just listened to how happy both of them were. Dan and Zaevar had been telling him about their idea to light up fire as Daenerys walked down to him, and Daemon and Nesara had been going over extensively food lists because Nesara only wanted – and he quotes – "the best desserts in the whole wide world."

So of course he would give his little girl what she wanted.

He was also so happy to see Daemon relatively back to his old self. He knew he could never stop the scars from appearing on his son's back, or the nightmares he might have after what he went through, but he was proud of him for stepping into the light rather than letting the darkness embrace him. Nesara was a good influence on him after what they both experienced, as well as the other children.

Now, as he woke up and got ready to visit his family down in the dining chambers, he said a happy hello to each guard or maiden he passed. He could see Eleana rush him down the stairs so he wouldn't see the dress before going to finish the final touches with Vyana, and had Arya come up to him with the security details for the festival afterward, but even then, he felt like he was in a daze.

He was going to marry Daenerys Targaryen. Today.

When he stepped into the dining chambers and saw Daenerys sitting there, going over the guest list one last time, he felt his heart stop. Even in her morning clothes, with her hair in small braids, and a little bit of food hanging off of her lips, she was stunning.

"…on…Jon!"

Jon snaps out of his gaze and turns to Arya, who had rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry…what did you say?"

"By the gods, let you still be in love with her this much when you're old and gray," Arya snickers, shaking her head at his smile. "I only wanted to tell you that Rhaemon has his men ready if something were to happen. He's been keeping a close eye on the comings and goings of the ships, along with Magar."

"Good. Are you going to go down with Gendry to greet Yara? She should be here soon."

"Of course. I'll leave you and your bride alone so you can drool over her." Jon feels his cheek turn red at her laughter but shakes it off once she walks away, leaving him alone.

He walks into the dining chambers and wraps his arms around her from behind before she turns her head around to look at him. "Well, you seem to be in a good mood today."

"I should be. I'm marrying the most beautiful woman alive today." He seals that with a soft kiss to her smiling lips, and then pulls away to sit down next to her. "Where are the children? Did they already eat?"

"You woke up a little later than normal today so I wanted to let you sleep in. I ate with them. They should be off to training lessons for a little bit before they start to get ready for later on," she explains softly.

Jon sighs. "I was up late. I was trying to get everything done in time…whole entire entrance hall is decorated. Looks gorgeous." He reaches over and grabs her hand in his. "Can you believe it's finally here? Truly? Because I can't."

Daenerys shakes her head. "I can't either…but it's happening. After all this time." She squeezes his hand and chuckles. "Thank the Gods we didn't get married in Westeros…I have a feeling this will be a lot more fun."

"I as well," he states, standing up and grabbing some food on his plate. "I think today is going to be an amazing day. I can just tell."

He grabs his fork and starts to eat, but just as he lifts a piece of food into his mouth, Arya suddenly comes rushing in, breathless. Daenerys and Jon turn their heads at her quick-paced steps, clearly seeing the look of worry on her face. Daenerys stands first, coming over to her.

"Arya, what is it? What's wrong?"

Arya tries to speak on what she wanted to say but no words come out. Only heavy breathing from running.

"Arya," Jon says gently. "Take a deep breath. Tell us what's wrong."

The young woman swallows and looks at the ground before looking back up at the couple. "Th…there's a boat in the docks…with the Stark sigil."

Jon feels himself still, and he turns to look at Daenerys, who had a shocked expression across her face. "Take us to it." Arya nods, rushing forward with the two as they went through the halls, guards following after them on Jon's commands, and maidens staying within the walls. As they raced outside, Jon couldn't help but think what the fuck a Stark could be doing here.

Did Bran somehow find out the way to get here? Did Sansa? Or was this some of his men trying to wipe them out? What was this? He wasn't informed of any planned attack from Yara. She had said everything seemed to be going to plan. But this didn't seem good. This wasn't good at all.

They run out to the docks at the questioning looks of many people, before landing right near the edge, staring at the boat. It was small in size. Definitely not a warship of any kind. There was no way there were more than a couple of people on it. And those two would never come without soldiers. So who was here?

Jon steps forward, watching as the dock door opens. And out step two men he thought he wouldn't lay eyes on ever again.

"Nice to see you, Snow," comes the voice of Ser Davos Seaworth, the smile on the old man's lips.

And from behind the sailor stepped out a dwarf, one that could barely look at Jon in the eyes.

Tyrion Lannister.

---

Oh good god the smut and fluff is everywhere My EyEs

I hope this wasn't too much smut and fluff for you haha I promise next chapter will have some major conflict because, ya know, our favorite dwarf is back! YAY. (it's gonna be fun I promise lmfao). Also I know ya'll wanna see the wedding but I gotta have some conflict always - and trust me from here there's nothing but conflict that's gonna be happening. But now Valyria has basically reconquered a good portion of Essos due to alliances - what could stop them? Well...you'll see ;)

As always, love it? Hate it? Want to challenge me to a trial by combat because it's so bad? Let me know in the reviews, as they always keep me writing and pushing out these chapters for you all! This has been a super stressful time for me so seeing all your positive reactions and love for this story has made me all smiley, so keep letting me know - you all are truly awesome! Don't forget to follow or favorite if you would like to join us on our adventure, and I will see you all in the next chapter. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a great day! Wash your hands and stay healthy!