Chapter 24:

Author's Notes: I'm back again! Finals are done (whoop!). Onwards and upwards people!

Nights had passed since the day that Ashley had made her a woman. Did she regret the act? Never. She had wanted it for so long and once she realized that Ashley was the one she needed in her life it was only the timing that was left to fate. Watching as her queen commanded the ranks in front of her, Spencer could not help but flush at the thought of those piercing eyes and the strength of the muscles on display before her. Ashley was wearing a bear-skin coat, a gift from Clay, but it did nothing to hamper Spencer's thoughts. Lust was a powerful emotion and she now understood why many before her and after would behave as if possessed because of such an emotion. Each movement from the girl, no woman, in front of her seemed to entice her body in ways she could have never dreamed of. When their passion had finally been sated, they both had fallen into a deep slumber which they only awoke from once their bodies had deemed themselves rested enough. Ashley had shied away from her, fear and disgust at her own behavior preventing her from viewing herself any different than other royals before her, greedy and selfish. She had stuttered and babbled some semblance of an apology before Spencer had silenced her with a kiss and a few soft-spoken words.

Spencer herself had had a moment of disbelief at her she had lost her womanhood. It had not lasted long though when she found herself facing the cause of this outcome trying, and failing, to beg forgiveness for something she need not have asked forgiveness for. She was almost in tears, Spencer thought, how easy it is for us to forget she is just like me, a young girl forced to become a woman in front of our eyes. Their naivety had shown itself in those first few moments. Even though Ashley had more experience in bedding someone, she had never been the one to take the lead until then and her forcefulness in the matter still bothered her. Spencer had remained calm in spite of this, reminding her that she had not objected nor had she refused. In fact, her queen had stopped and asked her permission to continue, which she had readily agreed to. Was she still doubtful over what had happened? Yes, Spencer realized she still was. All the consequences of their actions that night would come upon her like a thunderstorm in the summer, leaving her trembling. Her heart though, knew that if there had been anyone she would have wished to bed her for the first time in her life, Ashley would have been a perfect partner.

Ashley rode back to where Spencer was in the marching army. "We have not had the chance yet to speak today so with that, good morning."

"It is a good morning is it not?" Spencer replied. She could almost sense her home now, the closer they got to Winterfell, the more her heart rejoiced.

"I trust you slept well?" Ashley asked, a slight tremor in her voice. This had began almost immediately after they had left her khas that night and it was something Spencer was not pleased about.

"I did. I only hope that you will let me share your bed again, Khaleesi. Perhaps you will then forget this remorse you seem to have over what has happened."

Ashley's eyes darted to those around them, hoping that no one was paying any close attention to their conversation. No one was, and if they were, they were ignoring the conversation with as much strength as they could muster. "Spencer I…" she shook her head. "You know that is not how I feel but I should not have behaved so. I took something from you that you can never regain. Does that not mean anything to you?"

"Of course it does. However, I am happy that it was you Ashley, when will you believe that? I trust you and I know that if it had not been what I wanted, craved, then you would have walked away without any hesitation. Now, stop this guilt you have. I am glad it was you and I hope you understand that."

Ashley sighed before a small smile graced her lips. "If you truly feel this way then we shall move past it…and hopefully move forward."

"Oh we shall. Many times." Spencer answered assuredly. If it happened again, she would not resist it at all. She smiled as she watched a flush make itself known on Ashley's face at her words. "I still need an explanation as to what exactly happens when your dragons hunt and how often this situation arises. Also, I would request that I be the only witness to such an event."

"If you wish. I…it would please me if you were the only witness as well," was the hesitant answer. "If you are absolutely certain?"

"I am."

"Right then."

Spencer released a giggle at Ashley's sudden shyness. The great Ashley Stormborn, Khaleesi and Queen of Westeros, was becoming nothing more than a child in front of her very eyes. This is where I make a choice. To be with Ashley for now and ever or to take step back, Spencer thought, her misplaced guilt will not let her take the first steps so I shall.

"Khaleesi, we are nearing the hold known as Winterfell, according to Spencer," Jhogo announced as he rode up to the pair.

"How far are we exactly?"

"We should reach the main hold by nightfall. Our scouts have seen some people there, barricading and preparing for our coming. Should we send some soldiers ahead and take the hold?"

"No. This is Spencer's home. They will listen to her. And if they do not, then they will listen to me. Come and tell me when we have reached the outer walls of Winterfell."

"As you command, Khaleesi."

"Spencer watched as the bloodrider rode ahead to the chief scout. "Do not worry about the men at Winterfell. They will see me and heed my voice. Whether I am with you or not."

"As long as they do you no harm then all will be well. It seems that I…can seem rash in my actions if someone endangers you."

"Then we are the same."

Ashley shifted in her saddle. "Ah yes. Astapor. I am alive because of those actions so I think they might be of the good after all." She looked up, taking care to notice where her children were flying. She did not need fear to override the senses of those ahead of them at Winterfell. As long as they behave there should be one less problem. "Are any of your family still at Winterfell?"

"My elder brother, Glen, Anthony, and if the gods allowed it, Kyla as well as my mother."

"Would there be any resistance from any of them?"

"Kyla is too fanciful. She does not care about war so she should not be a problem, and Anthony is too young to understand all. Glen, or my mother to be more precise, could harbor ill will towards you as my mother was still alive during the reign of the last Targaryen and the revolt thereafter."

"Will they be willing to listen to what I have to say or will they shoot first?"

"They will listen. I will make sure they do."

Ashley nodded, lost in thought once again. She cleared her throat before speaking up again hesitantly. "I have been meaning to ask you…was I…did you…" she shook her head at her cowardice and took a breath before starting again. "I hope that I was able to satisfy you. I may have experience but Irri says it is different for each person and I wanted to ensure that I, at least, gave you something to remember of your first experience."

"Are you asking me if you pleased me?"

"If that is not too much to ask."

Spencer stopped her answer, wanting to think it through. "I think that I have said how I felt about it all."

"Yes I know," Ashley answered impatiently, "but still…did I do well?"

"Yes you did well." Spencer reddened at her answer, "at least, that is what I think."

Ashley smiled to herself and Spencer watched as she almost preened because of her answer. Spencer fought off another giggle. We really are two girls trying to become adults in this life the gods have deemed us fit for.

Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. I wasn't sure if I got the last scene just right but after reading everyone's comments I think I did just fine. Oh and sorry for being such a tease:) we ain't done yet! (Hope my dialogue isn't too bad).