Aurelia sighed as she stretched in the bed, Jon's arm draped over her stomach. His fingers traced along her waist and under her breast.
"I love you," he sighed.
She had lost track of how many times he said it during the night, and each time it sounded perfect. Never forced or placating, he always uttered the words in pure truth.
"I have to go," she choked, feeling her tears well up. She made to shift out of bed and his arm snaked around her, firm and resolved.
"No."
"Jon-"
"I do not doubt your strength, love. Do not fear to show me when you are weak." His voice trembled and Aurelia turned to face him. Tears brimmed in his eyes as well. She shifted forward, sliding her hands behind his head. Their lips pressed together and Aurelia felt the sting of hot tears on her cheeks. Not knowing whose they were, and not caring, she let herself be enveloped in his embrace, taking note of each touch. Every brush of their fingers, every caress of lips and tongue, every whisper and moan she recorded in her mind.
Finally, Ghost began scratching at the door and they parted. Jon pulled her into his arms, once again murmuring, "I love you."
"And I you," she said. "Always."
He let her slip from his arms and out of the bed. She pulled her dress on again, then moved to the chair by the fireplace and picked up her cloak. She gathered her stays and laces off the floor, tucking them against her side. Jon watched her from the bed, his eyes glistening. When she reached the door she glanced down to Ghost, then back at Jon. He nodded.
"Be careful," he called as she opened the door.
"And you," she replied, casting him a final look over her shoulder as she slipped out of his rooms.
She moved quickly to her room, rebuilding the fire and heating water as she stripped and secured the last of her belongings. She wiped herself down with a cloth soaked in the water, her hand trembling throughout. Once dressed, she braided her hair tightly, rolled up the dress from last night, secured her cloak around herself again, and left her room for Stannis' place in the tower.
She was quiet during breakfast as Stannis gave her some instruction, requests, and a small satchel of letters for the Umbers and other northern lords should she meet them. She listened, and ate, and drank, but her thoughts never drifted from Jon. Toward the end of her meal she glanced at Melisandre who gave a soft, knowing smile and Aurelia felt a tremor course through her. She feared leaving Jon, but mostly she feared leaving him with her, knowing Stannis would not linger much longer. Once the meal was over, Melisandre rose from her chair and moved around behind Stannis and Aurelia to sit beside her. She placed a hand over Aurelia's and smiled.
"My young friend, I will greatly miss your company."
"And I your counsel, my lady," Aurelia replied.
"Indeed, I hope you will remember our conversations once we are parted, and help in leading the northern lords to the lord of light."
"I can make no assurances there, but I will do what I can to speak for His Grace." She looked to Stannis. "With winter coming, men will look to leadership from other men prepared to face the cold, and solutions to problems rooted in their survival and prosperity through the winter."
"And that is what I will provide as their king," Stannis replied firmly. "With their support and fealty in defeating our enemies."
"The darkness," Melisandre said softly. They both glanced to her. Aurelia looked back to Stannis for his reaction.
"And hunger, and raiding, and the cold." He looked pointedly to Aurelia. "And the Lannisters."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Stannis huffed, not quite a sigh but close. "I would not send you if I had another option, but you are my best resource for bringing the north into the fold. This is the path that has been chosen for me: to take my kingdom from the top downward." His eyes searched hers briefly before continuing. "There are few whose loyalty is as essential as it is… appreciated."
"I will do what I can."
Stannis nodded. "I know."
"It is time I was on my way, Your Grace, if you will excuse me."
He gazed at her again, then gave a wave of his hand. "Indeed. Send word when you are able."
"And you, Your Grace, if necessary."
"I shall."
Aurelia rose and curtseyed to him, then to Melisandre. "Farewell, lady Melisandre."
"And you, lady Moors."
Aurelia nodded and left the hall, trying to hold in her emotions. Once outside, she made for the stables where her horse had been prepared by Jon's new steward. She packed away the tokens and letters from Stannis and was checking the tightness of the straps on the saddle when she heard footsteps behind her.
"You must let me see you to the gate, my lady."
Aurelia flinched before turning around. "As you will, Lord commander."
He took a step forward and Aurelia could see the struggle in his eyes. "You leave with the most precious… you must take care to-"
"I will," she cut in, seeing the tears brimming in his eyes. "And you as well."
Jon nodded as Ghost came up and sniffed the horse, then nuzzled Aurelia. She turned to the direwolf and rubbed his head, then behind his ears. She bent down and kissed the top of his head, then laid hers on top of his and whispered, "You look after him."
Ghost huffed, and moved a paw on top of her foot until she moved her head. She stood and looked back to Jon who had taken the reins of her horse. "My lady," he said as he gestured her in front of him.
The three of them walked in silence toward the gates of the Watch's small village, the Wall looming above them, starting to weep in the morning sun. Aurelia would not risk taking Jon's hand as they walked so she placed her hand on Ghost as he padded along beside her.
Once they reached the gates, two guards opened the massive doors, still being repaired from the wildling battles, the new wood a stark contrast to the dark, weathered beams which had stood for decades without assault. Aurelia and Ghost emerged beyond the gates first, and Jon followed, giving a nod to one of the guards. "I'll be just a moment making sure she's on the road safely, then let me back in."
"Yes, Lord commander," the guard replied.
Jon came outside the gate as the guards closed the doors behind him. Aurelia was looking to the road and beyond as he came up beside her.
"This will not be our last meeting," he said softly.
"It damn well better not be," she replied, a bit of sharpness in her tone. She looked to Jon and he smiled, causing one to break across her features as well.
"Travel safe, my lady," he said, taking her hand.
"Be safe, Lord commander," she said as she moved closer to him. She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, lingering. "Do not trust her, but keep her close. Whatever her wishes, she bears you better will than most around you," she whispered.
"Don't marry an Umber," he whispered back, then kissed her cheek.
"I'd sooner marry Stannis," she smiled as she stepped back from him.
They locked their gazes on one another for a brief moment before mouthing their final proclamations to each other.
Jon squeezed her hand, then placed the reins in it.
"Until we meet again, Lady Aurelia."
She mounted her horse, then pushed back her cloak, and the sleeve of her coat. The cuff Jon gave her glinted as a ray of sun hit it and she smiled down at him. She gave the horse a quick dig and it began trotting away. Ghost trailed after her as she moved along the road until Jon called him back. He reluctantly returned and Jon cast one final glance at Aurelia. "Please come back to me," he murmured, then turned back to the gate and gave it a good thump.