Hi everyone, sorry for the long wait.
Here's a new one!
Meeting Jon Snow and speaking to her son immediately was something refreshing from politics.
But what came after was…..something else.
Daenerys sat regally on her throne, her eyes scanning the room as she listened intently to the council's reports from Missandei, Greyworm and Ser Connington were giving their reports.
"Rebels had been reducing a little every since we have defeated the Sons of Harpies in the eastern borders," Greyworm said.
"Then who were the ones attacking my children?"
"Same people," Ser Connington said, "except they are more too…mild followers."
She sighed, "How will I be able to win the hearts of my people if rebels arise?" Feeling the pressure that things are about to pile up.
"King Jaeherys dealt with rebels but still managed to maintain his Kingdom through his reign," the former Kingsguard to her brother reminded her, "You are already progressing on improving trades amongst the cities and slaves can find work, do not belittle small progress, Your Grace. We are here to help."
"I agree," Missandei said, "Rebellions are bound to happen since everyone wants power, but a true leader shows that they won't back down from a fight too. Especially when she has a strong army and good councils."
Dany smiled, in times like this, she is grateful that she has trustworthy friends to count on. But then again, this is still exhausting to repair what has been damaged. Her reputation, the Kingdom, and even rebuilding her relationship with the people. It's been hard.
Suddenly, the doors burst open, and an angry Daario stormed into the room.
"Your Grace!" he shouted, his face contorted with rage.
Daenerys rose from her throne, her eyes narrowing as she took in the furious form of her former lover. She's getting a little tired of Daario's little tantrums.
"What is the meaning of this, Daario?" she asked sharply.
"I demand justice!" Daario exclaimed, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the throne room. "Your precious Jon Snow has beaten me in a duel!"
Daenerys raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What duel?" she asked. What was Jon Snow doing? Wasn't he with Lyanna?
"When I was training your son, Prince Rhaegar," Daario spat, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "He challenged me to a sparring match, and that bastard Snow stepped in and fought in his place. And he won, Your Grace. He beat me."
Daenerys was silent for a moment, her mind racing as she processed the news. She had seen Jon Snow fighting and no doubt that he would make a fine warrior. But what sparked this fight? Why were they fighting?
"Where is my daughter?" she finally asked, her tone frosty.
"She is with Jon Snow," he said, "Jon Snow must have manipulated her to side with him, this cannot go on. What if he's here to make you weak through your children?"
"Now that is a vile accusation towards the young Princess and our guest, who is King," Ser Connington reasoned, "have you gotten any proof for this?"
"His actions are enough to show that he's a threat."
"Do not be foolish, King Jon desires peace, not war. Besides, a little duel shouldn't be a reason to start some dreadful argument, let it rest, my friend."
"Your Grace," he stepped forward, ignoring the old man, "If words spread that your men cannot ward off outsiders, the rebels will rise again even quicker. You cannot let this happen."
"Jon Snow is a formidable ally, I do not intend to break it when he's opening a good offer for the Kingdom," she replied. Why do men always had to fight?
"This can endanger the whole kingdom!" Daario replied, his voice rising. "He's your former lover, Your Grace. He has no right to come into our kingdom and humiliate me like that!"
Daenerys's blood boiled for even mentioning her past to everyone. The Queen regrets that he has been too close to her and her family and that he would cross the line to say such things. She had no love for Jon Snow, but she could not let Daario's pride get in the way of her kingdom's safety. And he looked as if he had stepped in the Dragon's Den.
She studied Daario's face for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she considered her next move. The sellsword's eyes began to look left and right, and then down, looking as if he had just realised what he just said.
"You will do nothing, Daario," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her authority. "Jon Snow is the King of the Seven Kingdoms, a formidable ally for us too. We cannot risk open conflict with him. You will learn to control your temper, or you will find yourself in a far more difficult situation than a simple sparring match."
Daario looked as if he might argue, but he seemed to think better of it. With a final glare in Jon Snow's direction, he stormed out of the room, the doors slamming shut behind him.
Daenerys sank back down onto her throne, her mind racing as she contemplated the implications of this new development. She could not let her personal feelings get in the way of the safety of her kingdom. But she could not deny the twinge of bitterness that lingered in her heart at the thought of Jon Snow, the man who had once held her heart.
How long has it been since she had felt his strong arms around her? Whispering to her, that everything will be all right? It felt like yesterday when it happened.
"Well," Ser Connington cleared his throat, "That was something," he slowly walked to the stairs to her throne.
"This is quite unusual for him," Missandei said, "It has been a while since anyone fought Daario Naharis."
"It certainly is," Dany sighed before she rubbed her face, "But I can't believe that he would try to blame this on Jon Snow."
"A man's ego is hurt if they know they can't beat the other for the woman they love," Ser Connington chuckled and Dany shot him a glare, the former Kingsguard raised his palms, "My apologies, my Queen. I am only stating what I observe." She also heard Missandei giggle, making Dany turn to her. Her translator immediately looked away innocently.
"Jon Snow does not love me," she said plainly and surely. It has been so long since that day.
"Does he?" he hummed, "I've never seen any guest of ours spend so much time with the princess."
"Lyanna is his daughter," she said, "I don't see why not."
"Prince Rhaegar was an honourable man," he started, "He was always concerned about his family, no matter what."
"Which explains why the princess is willing to fight for the guest," Greyworm said, "What does he want with us now?"
She sighed, "he wants to amend our relationship for the Kingdom."
"Then I don't see what's the threat," Ser Connington said, "if he's willing to help, why not?"
"The last time he said that my armies were left nearly frozen or starved to death," she said, remembering clearly when after they defeated the Night King, her people were not prioritized and suffering.
"Perhaps so," he said, "But if he's willing to fix the wrong, why not give it a chance? He didn't wage war or deem any threat."
Dany face-palmed, "I can't risk another fooled relationship," she murmured as she rubbed her face exhaustingly, "All my allies, are either fooling me or trying to overthrow me."
"Or," Ser Connington continued for her, "He's trying to win you back."
The Dragon Queen lifted her face from her hands, surprised that he would be this open to the possibilities of….. "No," she shook her head, "that's not possible. Not after what happened, especially since he's disgusted with my family traditions."
"A guest who would spend a lot of time with your children and somehow win the heart of the princess is quite a guest," he hummed innocently.
"He's their father, of course, he would."
"Your father did not," he said, "He spent less time with Prince Rhaegar and tried to get Viserys to follow his ways. But if he defied him, he would toss him away."
She sighed, knowing where the elderly man is going, "What do you want me to do?"
"Try to speak with him, cast away your past memories of him and make a new one. You'd be surprised how much he may have changed and how much benefit it will be when you become his ally," he said, "After all, you both are Targaryens."
She scoffed, of course, he would say this. "But…"
"Stop clinging to the ghost of the past, don't you know who you are anymore?" the former kingsguard of her brother scolded her lightly, making her have her full attention on him, "you are the Dragon Queen, who listens to her people and conquered Essos. One man from Westeros shouldn't shake you. Especially since you have the biggest dragons in the whole world."
Daenerys pursed her lips, there is truth in his words. She should be giving Jon Snow a chance on this, open up a little. But a part of her is still frightened of what could happen just like before. And this time, she's in a more vulnerable position. Jorah used to be there for her, and Viserion was always with his brothers. And so did her other armies before she came to Westeros.
Now, she's still recovering from the blows from Westeros. It's better than before, but not yet enough to restore what she had before. With the rebels and now, her twins to raise.
Could she finally make this happen?
Before she could contemplate more of this, she heard the door open again, "Muna!"
The Dragon Queen lifted her face to see her daughter running towards her, and not behind her is none other than Jon Snow. The wolf that Lya interacted with bounded alongside her too, panting with joy.
"What in the… what's this beast doing here?" Ser Connington furrowed his brows as he watched the wolf enter.
But Dany paid no mind, "Lya," she welcomed her daughter with open arms, receiving her as she collided with her chest and carried her until she could sit on her lap, "What are you doing here?"
She looked up at her with a grin, her arms still around her, "King Jon has something to say to you," she smiled happily at her before looking back at Jon. The wolf sat next to her, staying as close as possible to the little girl on her lap.
Dany blinked at her remarks before turning to Jon Snow, wondering what this is all about. Even her companions looked curious to know what she is on about, all turning to Jon Snow for answers.
"Ahh, Princess," he said in a small nervous tone, "I told you that I will tell her myself."
"Well, go on then," she grinned before adjusting her seat to get a better position on her lap, waiting eagerly.
"Don't rush our guest, sweetheart," Dany scolds her lightly, holding her torso a little tighter.
"It's fine, your Grace," Jon calmly said, he was willing to defend Lya. He cleared his throat, "I'm here to let you know that I'll be leaving Essos by tomorrow or the day after, but most likely the day after as my men are preparing their supplies for the journey back."
"So soon?" Daenerys said with a tone of surprise, "You have just arrived."
He nodded, "I have overstayed my welcome," he said, "My objective here was to restore our relations between Essos and Westeros, easing trade between our kingdoms. However, Princess Lyanna has been letting me know about the towns of your cities and I can't help but extend my stay here. Even my men were intrigued to bring back unique gifts from these cities."
She can feel Lya smiling as she slumped back onto her chest, swinging her legs playfully. Her daughter can be quite playful in a way that she didn't like. No matter, she still hadn't done anything wrong. "I see," she replied, "I hope you had a pleasant stay here."
He nodded, "It has been, thank you for your hospitality, You Grace. You have been gracious to us all."
"Hey," her daughter suddenly chimed, "That's not all."
"Lya," Dany lightly moved her leg to notify her, "Behave yourself."
"All right, all right, I'll get to it in just a moment," he only laughed at her remarks, making her even more confused. He cleared his throat, "In a moon turn, Westeros will hold a Harvest Feast Festival to appreciate the work of the Kingdom's farmers, and all of Westeros's Houses will attend to celebrate this moment as well."
"Why of course, the Harvest Feast," Ser Connington cried out joyfully, everyone turned to the elderly man who looked like there was a memory he had not touched yet for a long time until Jon mentioned this, "It felt like ages ago I've heard about that festival."
"Aye, and we are going to hold it again this year," he said pleasantly, "And it will be a great honour to us all if you and your family could attend it too."
This has caught her off-guard. The last time someone invited her to such things as a celebration, it ended up in chaos. And one of her trusted advisors had to pay the price in the end.
But…this is Jon Snow. Out of all the Lords of Westeros, he is probably the only person she trusts in the Seven Kingdoms. And technically speaking, he is the only family she had left aside from her children.
Lya turned back and looked at her with her grey eyes. His eyes. "Muna," she called, "Can we?" In just two days, she was able to bond with him. And Jon is never a person who would manipulate anyone.
She pursed her lips, not sure whether to say 'yes' or 'no'. She finally opened her mouth, "Can you give me and King Jon a moment first?" She then looked to the rest, "All of you."
Lya pouted and finally squirmed in her arms to climb off her mother, Missandei came to her, "Come, I shall bring you back to your chambers."
She nodded and left with her, the grey wolf following her. When she realized that the wolf won't stop following her, she halted and gave it a light push, "Go, Greywind," she murmured, "Be with Jon." But the dog only whined and pushed itself closer to her.
"It's alright," he said gently, "Clearly he wants to be with you, you wouldn't mind keeping him company while I speak with your mother?"
Lya beamed at him, her smile, "Yes," she then looked down at the wolf, and waved to it, "Come on, boy," and she ran towards the door, the wolf followed closely behind, yipping excitedly beside her.
"Princess Lya, hold on!" Missandei ran after the little girl, and they both disappeared behind the doors.
"Well," Ser Connington cleared his throat, feeling the need to leave the place too to avoid the tension between the King and Queen, "Let us know if you need anything, my Queen," he bowed, then he placed his hand on Greyworm's shoulder, "We shall wait outside as the Queen discuss her matters with King Jon," he said in Valyria to the Unsully leader.
Greyworm nodded and followed him, "Are you certain it is alright to leave the Queen here on her own," he muttered to him.
"Oh, don't you worry too much? The Queen will be fine, we'll just be outside if anything happens," Ser Connington laughed as if purposely he wanted Dany and Jon to know what he meant. They both looked at the men leaving them.
When both men closed the door, the silence was palpable between the Queen of Essos and the King of Essos.
Jon finally turned to Dany and she him.
When they locked their eyes with each other, it was like Dragonstone all over again.
Except in this case, Dany knew who he truly is. But his intentions are something she still needs to discover once again.
"Well," Jon finally cleared his throat, "This is a familiar setting."
So, he's also thinking the same thing as her, she raised an eyebrow. "Well, taking into account that one of my men complained to me that you beat him in a sword fight to train Rhaegar," she descended her throne slowly, "I think it's a little different don't you think?"
He raised his hands and looked down as if looking guilty, "My apologies, but the princess voiced her distress about how your man was training the prince. And I don't agree with how he trained your son," she turned to him when she said your son instead of his, does he feel guilty? "I voiced my concerns to him, and he challenged me to a duel. So I obliged, I never meant to insult him."
So that's what happened, she sighed. She turned to the windows that shows the view of the city and walked towards it. It's also where sometimes she'd see Rhaegar training, "Daario took it upon himself to replace the role that Ser Jorah died," she said as she remember her Bear Knight fondly, Oh, Ser Jorah. The things I'd do to see you again, "Daario saw potential in Rhaegar, and he looked up to Daario to train him. After all, Daario has been in many more dangerous battles. So I suppose, Rhaegar never complained about how harsh the training was."
"Then why did you let him?" Jon asked gently, but it was clear there was concern in his tone, "You could ask Greyworm to teach him, or even Ser Connington."
"I did," she turned back to him, "But Rhaegar will always turn back to Daario. And I've told him numerous times to Daario to reduce his training sessions as he is still a child," she then sighed, "I suppose when I say reduce, it was quite subjective."
Jon didn't say anything for a while, "Maybe so."
"Well then," she turned back, "I suppose you've put him in his place?"
"In a matter of speaking," he scratched the back of his neck, "But let's just say the Princess is a lot more relief to see her brother not training now."
"He should be resting, not training," she pinched the bridge of her nose, "That fool, always getting himself in unwanted situations."
"I suppose he wants to prove to you that he can fight alongside you," Jon said.
Now that he mentioned it, she wonders if it's because she has been protecting him too much that she denied her potential to understand what she does. "He's still a child, I won't let him join all the headaches of politics to him."
"Robb was around his age when Ned Stark taught him about battle strategies," Jon mentioned, he looked out the window and looked up to the sky, "My father….well...Uncle….. was always teaching us something new. Whether it's about politics, the art of the world, we were always learning something new."
Dany pursed her lips, wondering if what she had done is wrong. "I see," she hummed.
"He's a good boy," Jon said, "He has a warrior's spirit and a King."
She nodded, "Stubborn is a trait he inherited very much," she said before turning to him, "You shared his trait."
"Oh, and I thought he shared that with you," he japed.
Dany smiled, "I was certain it was from you when you went up to the walls to get proof about the dead."
He chuckled, looking down before turning back to her. "Well, I suppose it's something that we both inherited from the children."
At the mention of that, she suddenly felt guilty. Guilty that the children are raised without a father to encourage them or impart any wisdom. Feeling the need to change the subject, she opened her mouth, "You said something about the Harvest Feast?"
"Yes," he cleared his throat, "As I said before, it would be an honour if you could come to celebrate with us."
She pulled her lips back, unsure what to make of this. She had not stepped on the land of Westeros since that day, the last time she was there, they looked at her as if she was a pest. The daughter of the Mad King. "The last time I remembered, they were not welcoming the daughter of the Mad King."
"Well, they seem to treat me well. Seeing that I'm also the blood of the Mad King," Jon replied.
"Don't be ridiculous, a part of you still has Lady Lyanna's blood. Of course, they had no problem accepting you," she restrains herself from rolling her eyes, "For them, they see a Stark on the throne, not a Targaryen."
"I think they are beginning to see me more as a Targaryen with my dragons around," he murmured.
Right, he told her about the dragons, she thought. "How old are they? Your dragons."
"About five?" he looked up, his mind calculating, "They are bigger than a horse now, that's for certain. Two females, one male."
She hummed, "That's wonderful. You never claimed one to ride?"
He shook his head, "For some reason, they seem to reject me," he said, "Sure, they followed my orders, but they don't particularly seem to like it when I tried to mount them the way I did with Rhaegal all those years ago." He then turned to her again, "I suppose it's all the more reason for you to come to Westeros."
"What? So that I can teach you to fly?" She giggled, remembering the time when they flew in the North before Winter came. She had to admit it was a peaceful moment, just being away from politics and having a companion who understood her position. She caught herself reminiscing about their time together, how could she bring up such things in this formal discussion? Especially to the King of Westeros.
"Part of it," he chuckled, he too didn't seem to mind about that mention, "So, what do you say?"
She pursed her lips, "Would it be safe for me and the twins if we come? Or will it only dampen the moods of your subjects if I showed my presence there?"
"Quite the opposite actually," he calmly said, "I think with you around, it will be a lot merrier with more people."
"Jon, don't be ridiculous," she didn't realize that she called his name directly instead of the usual courtesy.
Jon blinked too, but immediately acted casual, wanting her not to worry about it, "I am serious," he said, "You still have some allies left like Tyrion Lannister, he is an expert in talking things out."
"Yes, I recall that," she remembered when he too talked his way out of her trying to murder him when he first came to Essos. Every fibre in her told her to kill the dwarf, but after hearing his side of the story and intention, she made him her advisor instead. And eventually, she let him go to stay in Westeros.
"Look, Dan– Your Grace," her eyes widened at the way he called her, "I swear to you, you will be welcomed in Westeros. They are accustomed to having the Targaryen ruler in Westeros. Davos always mentioned our House name every time I went to certain places."
"And what benefit will we get by going there?"
"You will earn a lot more allies," he said, "Let's say, House Lannister. You spared Jamie Lannister when he arrived at Winterfell, Tyrion also knows you well. I don't believe for one second that they won't back you. This relation can only strengthen if you show up at Westeros, on the day where all Houses come together and celebrate."
Dany looked at him for a while, considering his words. He has a point about allies, but at the same time, her experience there was the thing that holds her back.
But this is Jon, even though he has the blood of the dragon, a part of him is also a wolf. And Starks is always known to be keeping their word. She can trust him.
"I'll consider," she finally said, and she can see that Jon's eyes lit up, "But let me speak with the twins."
"Your daughter seems to be accepting it," he informed, "I can't say for the Prince though."
"Well, after what you did for him, perhaps he might consider," she said, "Thank you for helping him."
He nodded, "It's no problem."
"I'll speak with Rhaegar again," she said, "He had told me that he wanted to apologize to you, but I suppose things took another turn."
"Oh, I see," he murmured, "You can tell him that I'm still willing to listen to whatever he wants to say. But I won't apologize for stopping his brutal training."
She nodded, "You may go, enjoy the rest of your time in Essos while you still can."
"Of course," he said, suddenly, before she could react, he took her hand and kissed it, "Until then."
Something inside Dany began to warm up, she smiled, "Until then."
Rhaegar sat on the bed in their room, staring at the wall, lost in thought and replaying what just happened.
One thing is for sure, he didn't apologize to Jon Snow just as he said he would to Muna. He made things worst instead.
He knew he had been unfair to Jon Snow, but he couldn't help feeling angry at him. He had interrupted his training, and Rhaegar couldn't let anyone get in the way of his goal to become a great warrior.
But at the same time, when Jon defeated Daario, it showed another side of him that he never knew. And it made him wonder about Daario.
Just then, the door to his room opened, "You are so stupid," he heard Lyanna say to him.
He groaned, and lay on the bed, "Go away, Lya. I want to be alone."
Suddenly, something hairy jumped on his torso. "Woaa! What-" Before he could see what landed on him, something slobbery licked his face, "Hey!"
"Greywind, no!" Lya shouted, "Down, bad dog!"
The licking stopped and his chest felt lighter without the weight of the creature. Rhaegar wiped his face, "Blurghh… I smell strange now." He looked up to see the same dog they rescued this morning, "Why is he here?"
"Jon said that I should keep him company while he's speaking to Muna," Lya answered as she jumped on the bed to sit beside him. The wolf sat beside the bed, panting.
"Muna and Jon are speaking? About what?" his heart sank, will he tell her about what happened with Daario?
"Jon said he wants to invite us to the Harvest Feast," She said, "he's asking her to join."
"What's the Harvest Feast?"
"It's some kind of a big festival in Westeros," She answered, "All the Houses will be there."
"And what did Muna say?"
She shrugged, "I do not know, but he also told her that he's leaving tomorrow or the day after."
"Oh," Rhaegar said, there was a small pang of guilt when he heard that.
"You should apologize to him," Lya said casually, "He meant us no harm, he also knew you were injured. That's why he wanted you to stop and rest." She peeked onto his shoulder, "Is your shoulder better?"
"A little," he lifted it and turned it around a bit, but not without wincing.
"Training when you knew you were injured. That's so stupid," Lya scoffed.
"Shut up, you're the one who's being so trustful to him," he said.
"I told you he's not bad," Lya countered angrily, "Why would he invite us to the Harvest Feast?"
"To kill her," he murmured.
"Muna has dragons, don't be stupid again," Lya said, "Stop trying to push him away. He saved us this morning, shouldn't you be thanking him?"
"I thought about it," he said.
"Good, let's go meet him now then," she chimed excitedly.
Rhaegar frowned, his sister is so protective of Jon Snow since the beginning. "Why are you always protecting him? We only knew him for two days."
Lya looked up for a while, thinking about his question. After a while, she looked back at him, "I don't think any guest would go out to protect us the way he did," she answered him, "that's why I think we can trust him."
The young prince blinked at her words, it made him think about it. She is right, no guest has ever gone this far to protect them. Not even Marghaz would do it. Jon Snow is the only guest who would treat them like….well…as far as Lya said, she seemed to like him very much for someone they just met for the first time.
"And he would even defend you from Daario, who has been so rough on you. He knew you were injured, and he was willing to protect you."
No one has ever done that aside Muna. Perhaps Greyworm and Uncle Jon may sometimes do that, but to go duel him is something he had never done before.
He hates to admit it, but Lya may be right.
Jon Snow can be trusted.
Rhaegar took a deep breath and sighed, "Fine, you're right."
Lya beamed, "So…you'll go and apologize to him, right?"
He groaned, "I will."
"Alright, but this time, you're coming with me," she jumped off the bed and tugged his hand to the point he was forced out of the bed.
"Hey!" Rhaegar swatted her hand angrily.
"You should be resting today but instead when I left, you were with Daario. I'll make sure that the only place you'll go is where Jon Snow is now at."
"Fine, I will I will," he grumbled, "Don't tell me what to do."
"Well, you're the one who seemed to keep going missing."
"Says the one who left without telling anyone this morning."
And at that, Lya stuck her tongue out at him.
This is shorter than usual to fit the chapter. Otherwise, I just don't think it'll fit.
Otherwise, hope you liked it!
Claire