There was a stunned silence in the room, everyone looking between Daenerys and Stannis. He stood up, calmly tucked his chair back under the table, and walked towards her. He had an unreadable expression on his face, which worried her protectors. Jorah slowly put his hand on the hilt of his sword as Bruda took an imperceptible step closer to his queen. Stannis stood in front of her and she waited for him to speak. He looked around the room, observing everyone else's facial expressions. This was his opportunity to save himself but, in doing so, he would sacrifice everything he had worked for over the last few years. Would he be willing to live in a kingdom under the rule of a Targaryen, the very girl he should have killed when she was just a child? He didn't know. But he knew that didn't matter. He didn't really have a choice in this matter. It was either allow her to be queen or go to war with her, which would damage both their chances of claiming the throne.

"You want me to submit myself to you after we formed an alliance? I was under the impression that we were going to stand together and remove Tommen as a united force," he said, disdain for her clear in his voice.

"You must understand, we will still do that. But surely you must have realised by now that we could never rule together. And seeing as I have the larger army, and one might say the greater claim to the throne, I think we can all see who should rule if we win."

"I could order my men right now to leave. Or, even better, turn against your men. The element of surprise would work in our favour, meaning your numbers would be greatly reduced."

"If you were actually willing to do that, you would not have just told me." She stepped closer to him, a serious look on her face. "And, even if you did foolishly choose to do that, I have enough men to crush your army with ease."

"Stannis," Davos said, reminding them that there were other people in the room. "It does not make sense for you to risk thousands of your men for revenge. The best option you have is to support Daenerys and reap the awards when we are triumphant."

"Oh and you would say that, Seaworth," Stannis spat out. "Just another of her devoted lackeys. How quickly did you turn to her side? What did she promise you? Or maybe the warlock did something to you behind your back. He's obviously done the same to Melisandre."

"I'll be doing something to you in a minute, Baratheon, if you're not careful," Bruda warned, a hand placed on the Red Woman's shoulder once again. Stannis had no doubt that the warlock meant what he said.

"Stannis...I know you have wanted Storm's End since your brother sat on the throne. You can have all the glory that goes with the battle and then claim what is owed to you," Daenerys offered.

"The throne is owed to me."

"A dangerous lie to be saying in front of me." Again, he looked around the room. There was no one on his side. That had been his downfall. Wasn't it the best thing to do to preserve the small amount of dignity he had left.

"You promise me Storm's End?" he asked.

"If I remove Tommen, you shall be able to move into it immediately. And...you will have a seat on my council. The position I don't know yet but it will preserve the respect you should rightly have." She had not discussed the last part to anyone, Stannis could see that. Especially from the looks coming from Tyrion and Varys. He was buoyed by the fact that this was obviously her own decision as it meant she was not always dictated by the choices of her councillors. He hesitated, his shoulders slumping as he swallowed his pride, the one thing that had cost him his chance at the throne. Taking everyone by surprise, even Daenerys, who had not expected him to relinquish his claim, he got down onto one knee, refusing to look at anyone. Initially keeping his eyes firmly focused on the floor, he finally looked up at Daenerys, who managed to turn her shocked expression into a neutral one.

"I, Stannis Baratheon, being of sound mind, do hereby relinquish any previous rights to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms and acknowledge fully the claim of Daenerys Targaryen. I pledge to support her in her attempts to rightfully win back the Crown and shall stand by her side until she is victorious and after that time as well."

"I, Daenerys Targaryen, the first of my name, Queen of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons...do hereby accept Stannis Baratheon's pledge of allegiance and vow to keep any promises I have already made to him on the condition that he should know any betrayal will be punishable by death." Her tone was foreboding, warning him away from thinking about doing so. He nodded his head after a brief pause, signalling his acceptance of her conditions. Unbeknownst to them, as they finished their pledges, Bruda lightly tapped his staff on the floor, sending a few blue sparks to go off under the table. Because she was the closest to him, Melisandre was the only one to see him do it, causing her to look at him with a questioning glance.

"Insurance," he whispered simply, answering her silent query with a vague answer. She couldn't pursue the topic with everyone around them. A silence had settled as everyone took in the massive event that had just happened before them. Wanting to remove himself from this awkward and belittling situation, Stannis stood up from his place on the floor and quickly bowed his head to Daenerys.

"Well...my Queen." That would take some getting used to, for all of them. "I think it's best that I inform my men of these recent developments. They will still fight by your side, mark my words."

"Thank you, Lord Baratheon." And, with that, he stalked out of the room, leaving the others to process his submission.

xxxxxxxxxx

Sandor Clegane stared into the roaring fire whilst taking another considerable sip from his tankard of beer. That was the one thing that helped the pain he felt, after seeing what had happened during the battle. It had been so harrowing, his qualms with fire now seemed to pale in significance. He didn't feel right about it still but he was better. Hence why he was able to be so close now. It was just so...trivial now. He would laugh if he could muster up any positive emotions. He had no idea how he had survived the war against the White Walkers, especially since he had been on the front line. He had never been so terrified in his life when the initial wave of dead monsters swarmed towards them, although he wouldn't admit such a thing openly. They had been pushed back, taking massive hits, and then they had done the pushing, seemingly getting an upper hand for a brief moment. That had been a temporary moral victory as more just kept on coming. The Hound had been caught unawares by one of them, the savage creature slicing his left arm. He subconsciously stroked his arm where that fresh scar now was as he continued to think back to that dreadful night. The distraction had proved his undoing, with a group of them targeting him. They had been all over him, crawling over his body as he was pushed to the ground. He had managed to kick one away and kill one with a dragonglass dagger but their number had been too much. Sandor had practically given up, thankful that he had at least stayed to fight this time. But then a gigantic blue flash had shimmered over the battleground, the unknown force being his saviour as the Wights, after a few seconds of confusion, simply stopped moving. Even more dead than they had been before. And he had somehow survived, getting up in disgust as he shoved their motionless corpses off him. He had spoken to no one since.

Beric Dondarrion silently appeared behind him, placing a cold hand on his shoulder, surprising the larger man who had been completely lost in his own thoughts. He stared angrily at the older man who didn't seem to take any notice of his hostile nature.

"Why the fuck did you do that?" he asked testily as he placed his glass on the nearby table.

"You appeared to be thinking too much. You can't lock yourself in here forever," Dondarrion replied neutrally.

"Why can't I? I can do whatever the fuck I want. I thought I'd be able to have some time to think over what happened. It was quite the event, as I'm sure you know. I presumed you'd be happy that I was taking this opportunity to run through things. You wanted me in tune with my emotions. Whatever shitting nonsense you normally go on about."

"It's good that you're doing it. War can change a man. But it is not healthy to spend such a long time alone, especially after this sort of trauma."

"I've been through worse. And I bet I'll face worse in the future, knowing my luck."

"What are your plans now?"

"What do you think I was thinking about before you interrupted?" Why was he so angry at Beric? He was forgetting something important. "Are you going to sprout your usual bollocks about the Lord of Light still requiring my services."

"It was never about service. It was down to faith. In the end, I believe you showed more belief than you realised you had within you."

"Sentimental nonsense. Even if he exists, which I still very much doubt, he had no part to play in me surviving."

"Be that as it may, I get the sense that his essence has faded ever since the war. His purpose is complete. And so is ours. We held back the darkness. We won."

"So where does that leave us? You drag me into all of this and now you're saying it's...finished?" He didn't know whether he was happy or sad about that.

"You already know where that leaves me. Even if you're trying to deny it right now. But, when it comes to you...your fate is in your own hands."

"How lucky I am."

"You should realise how lucky you are, actually. Not many people get a second chance."

"I think I'm way past having a second chance."

"Then make the most of this one. It seems that Fate is not done with you yet. You get to live your life. Many people don't after the war."

"Any ideas where I should go?"

"You think you have two choices. You've overheard the wildlings talk about how they are headed back past the Wall to their previous home. You've also found out many of the soldiers, under a Targaryen banner, are preparing to travel south, where they will fight yet another battle. Although you believe this one will be decidedly less bloody."

"Not the best of choices." Again, he'd smile if he could.

"Live with people who aren't your own or fight for a woman you barely know. Yet you know both parties will accept and embrace you. Maybe that's what frightens you the most. You were alone for so long after you left King's Landing. You tried to resist becoming a part of our group and, now that possibility is gone, you fear that you have missed your last chance of finally being a part of something bigger than just yourself. You're debating whether you can truly opt to walk away from all this on your own after what you have been through."

"It's just...difficult. I'm not a part of those groups."

"You fought alongside members of each group. That connects you in a truly unique way. A brotherhood that will always remain unspoken but as strong as any other." Clegane looked back at the fire, contemplating Beric's astute words.

"Maybe you're right…" he said as he turned around but, as he looked back, Beric was no longer there. It was then that it hit Sandor. The dark realisation he had been trying to forget. Beric Dondarrion had died in the war, sacrificing himself so that a younger man could get away from a horde of wights. That young man had been the one to tell him. The last person he had spoken to. He was alone.

xxxxxxxxxx

A flurry of hair came bounding over towards Davos, gripping him tightly as it caught up to him and taking him by surprise. A smile instantly came to his face when he realised it was Shireen, using his free hand to ruffle up her hair in an affectionate manner. It was the first time he had seen the young girl since she had returned with her mother. He wondered whether she knew about the latest developments about her father and his official joining to Daenerys' side. She was one child who enjoyed eavesdropping on the soldiers mingling around the grounds of Winterfell so it was likely that she already knew. But, if she didn't, was it his place to tell her? It would hopefully mean that they would no longer have to see each other in private, away from the watching eye of Stannis after he had forbidden him the right to talk to her. It hadn't stopped them at all since he cared for her too deeply but it would be better for them if the secrecy was to go. Even if he suspected she liked the element of danger somewhat.

"I have been looking for you everywhere, Ser Davos!" she exclaimed in an exasperated manner that made him want to chuckle.

"I was in a very important meeting," he explained, pretending to be disgruntled with her. A blush rose to her cheeks as she realised how needy she sounded. She was about to apologise when he started laughing again, causing her to scrunch up her eyebrows in annoyance. "No rest for the wicked, child. We win one war and now have to prepare for another one." She was basically bouncing up and down in excitement.

"Ooo, can you tell me what was said? What's going to happen now? Father wasn't too happy about whatever it was as far as I could tell from his expressions before." That meant he hadn't divulged the news to her. He pretended to think about it, rubbing his beard whilst her impatience grew.

"I don't know whether I should tell you all about it. It was, after all, extremely secret. I don't know whether you're even old enough to know such things." She stuck out her bottom lip, his fake resistance quickly fading.

"Oh please, Ser Davos!" she pleaded, tugging on his cloak. "I am old enough! I've ridden a dragon! Surely that shows I'm ready."

"Some men are worse than dragons," he muttered quietly. "Especially in this game. But maybe you're right." She began to smile brightly as he crouched down in front of her. "Queen Daenerys is planning on travelling south so that she can win back her crown that she rightly deserves."

"Just like in my stories. The gallant prince fighting for his honour. It's strange...they never focus on a woman trying to rule."

"Well, that's what Daenerys wants to change. And she's a lot stronger than the men in your stories, mark my words."

"She does have dragons," she giggled. "Even the bravest person can't stop them."

"I've seen a man face a dragon before. Maybe not win because he was holding back to protect the beast but he certainly held his own."

"Who?" she asked in awe. Instead of answering, he produced the wooden dragon she had given him before she left from one of his pockets. She looked at him with wide eyes, knowing who he meant from his actions. "Really? The old man fought a dragon?"

"Indeed he did. Just before you got here. Don't worry, the dragon was being hurt by an evil person. He's alright now."

"And how is the warlock?" she asked worriedly. He took her to the edge of the walkway, looking down at the courtyard. Bruda was currently walking through with the Red Woman, gesticulating wildly as he recounted some crazy story. Shireen laughed as he somehow noticed them watching, sending her a wink before leading Melisandre away. "He certainly seems okay and happy," she remarked, watching his retreating figure.

"Aye. Nothing can stop that man. Thankfully for all of us. No wonder Queen Daenerys loves him so much." He placed the wooden figurine in her hand, closing her fingers around it. "He said he wanted you to have this back. It was very useful to him in the end." She tenderly stroked one of the wings.

"He said he needed to be brave," she said absentmindedly.

"Pardon?"

"Before I left, he told me that he was going to have to do something that frightened him. He said that he had to be brave and made sure I was going to be too."

"He was right. And he was very brave. Which is why he can be so happy now. He saved us all."

"I should give him a hug the next time I see him," she said with a mischievous smile. Davos smirked, picturing his surprised face if she were to do so.

"I think he would greatly appreciate that. Although I'm sure Melisandre has been giving him plenty recently." He was glad she was too young to realise what he was actually talking about.

"Why was he with her? I thought she was father's advisor. Mother never really liked her." Oh, if only Selyse knew half of what they had done, Melisandre and Stannis, he thought bitterly.

"It's something that relates to what I was going to tell you. After the meeting earlier, your father decided that it would be best if he works even closer with Queen Daenerys. He wants her to win the throne. So you'll see more of us working together."

"Did you know this before? You've been close to Daenerys and her partners for a while."

"...exactly. I knew how special she was and how the people of the kingdom will surely love her. Your father took notice of her qualities. He's a smart man."

"Oh does that mean we can spend more time together?" she asked excitedly.

"I certainly hope so," he answered softly.

"Ooo, and I'll get to see the dragons again!"

"Maybe if you're well behaved, lass." She vigorously nodded her head as he laughed, leading her away to the warmth of the castle.

xxxxxxxxxx

Daenerys much preferred being solely with her council than having Stannis lingering around. She was looking out the window, observing the goings-on of the people down below with mild curiosity. It was comforting to see some people living life without worrying about dethroning a king and fundamentally changing the political landscape. Jorah was watching her nervously, wondering what was going through her head. Her decision had shaken all of them, which is why they were meeting now. Seemingly more relaxed about the situation, Varys was sat down with a glass of wine in his hand as usual. Today had been a masterful success, even if events had blind-sighted him, which very rarely happened. With each passing day, he was beginning to have faith that he had made the right choice in following Daenerys. She was showing all the qualities she needed to be an effective and beloved queen. Certainly less calm than the eunuch, Tyrion took a large gulp from his cup of wine as his politically savvy mind pondered over recent developments. Daenerys had taken an almighty risk today and, thankfully for everyone, it seemed that it had worked out safe and sound. He was not a fool though and still did not completely trust Stannis, no matter what assurances or pledges he made to them. He was a man obsessed with his own duty and had wanted that throne like a hungry animal wants a meal. So he couldn't comprehend why there had been such a profound change in his attitude in such a short space of time. He would be sure to advise his queen to continue to keep a careful eye on him. Bruda was watching them all, his eyes darting from one person to the next, as he stood in the corner of the room whilst leaning on his staff. It was a rare moment where he wasn't with Melisandre, the two of them recently growing closer. He had no clue where she was right now - probably resting up since she was still feeling the effects of his was enjoyable to see how one choice could send people into a panic. No wonder he had a smirk on his face.

"Khaleesi." Daenerys would have known who had started the impromptu meeting just from the title used if she hadn't instantly recognised that deep, gravelly voice. She turned around to face him. "You have always been a brave woman, willing to take risks if you thought it would help you." She sensed a but coming. "But...do you really think it wise to trust Stannis? For him to change his attitude in such a way only tells us that he is planning something."

"He knows full well what the consequences will be if he betrays the promise he said to me. And as to why he would change his tune...he is a survivor. He knows that his political life hangs in the balance and I am the person who ultimately decides his fate. Only a smart man, who values his life more than his foolish aspirations for a throne he does not deserve, would make this decision."

"But do you think this means you have his loyalty?" Tyrion asked, trying to make her see that there was still a danger in this. "Surely you're not so naive as to believe that." She ignored the insult.

"It is a good thing that all I seek is obedience, not loyalty. There is a fine line between the two but a valuable difference to be learnt. I do not want him to be devoted to me. I want him to cower at my feet. Do you understand, Lord Tyrion?" They were all a little scared of her in that moment. The imp quickly nodded his head.

"I for one think it is a brilliant idea," Bruda said, moving towards Daenerys and gleefully putting an arm around her shoulders. "The easiest way of controlling someone is to keep them as close to you as possible. And your main goal has to be to control him until you have the Throne under that arse of yours." He stopped himself from hitting it when he saw the angry glare directed at him by both Daenerys and Jorah. "Wouldn't you agree, Lord Varys?" He knew he was happy with the events of the previous meeting just from watching his actions before.

"Indeed. You finally, unequivocally, showed Stannis the amount of power you currently have. You gave him no other choice but to join you by your side without expressly asking him to. Going through the large numbers of men you have at your beck and call...you made it seem to him as if it was his own decision, which is crucial with a man like Stannis. He wouldn't have done it nearly as easily if he had known you wanted it too." She bowed her head in thanks to him for his kind words and appreciation.

"And gentlemen," she said, looking at Jorah and Tyrion. "I will continue to watch him carefully, as I have been doing since we arrived at Winterfell. Davos is now as close to us as he is to Stannis, maybe even more so, meaning he can keep a watchful eye on him and tell us if any new developments arise. And Bruda here seems to have gotten a way in with the Red Woman…" She smirked at his blushing cheeks.

"Well...anything for the cause, milady."

"Oh, and that's the only reason you're growing close to her…" He simply rolled his eyes as she tried to get more information out of him.

"I'm surprised the old dog still has it in him," Tyrion quipped with a laugh, earning a dark glare from the warlock.

"The ladies struggle to resist refined older men such as myself and Jorah," he replied, twirling his cloak slightly extravagantly.

"When do you plan to start moving south?" Jorah asked Daenerys, trying to get the conversation back on track.

"As soon as possible. It makes no sense for us to wait when each day makes King Tommen stronger. We must arrange a meeting on the way with Lady Tyrell as well. Would you be able to write to her, Lord Tyrion?"

"Certainly. I'm hoping she has valuable information on the king's plans. The difficult part will be how to get into the city. I'm sure the security is on high alert at the moment and that won't change any time soon."

"They could have all the soldiers in the kingdom. And they still wouldn't stop me from claiming what is rightfully mine."