Chapter 4
Across the Narrow Sea, Prince Rhaegar's mansion, Braavos
Prince Rhaegar was in his solar with his brother Prince Viserys, studying Lord Varys' reports about the events in the Seven Kingdoms and Lord Jaerys' information of their sister's wellbeing. Both men had proved useful to him over the passed fourteen years. He is aware that he plays a dangerous game dealing with the Spider, who never hesitates to sell what secrets he holds to the highest bidder but with Jaerys of House Darklyn by his side, he kept Lord Varys in his place and Lord Darklyn proved his loyalty to his cousin by offering his service as the sworn shield and sword to the Silver Prince and his family. Being a master of disguise, he served as Prince Rhaegar's eyes in Princess Daenerys' life in Winterfell. Over the years, Prince Rhaegar amassed a great amount of fortune and wealth living in the Free Cities under a different name Daevon of House Caspian (an exiled house he established as an alias for his family to hide from the spies of House Lannister) and gained the loyalty of the feared Dothraki Horse lords. Through this new found power, soon he will be able take back his throne. With the arrival of Lord Darklyn with news from Winterfell, woke him from his reverie.
"What news from Winterfell, dear cousin? Did my lady and my sister receive the letters?" Prince Rhaegar asked as he stood to greet his cousin
"Yes. Lady Lyanna intercepted the letters and I was fortunate enough to converse with your sister. She has become quite a beauty. Apparently, it seems that Lady Lyanna's son has fallen in love with your sister." Lord Jaerys replied as he hugged his cousins
"All part of my plan. Did you sell him with the crystal?"
"Yes, cousin, I am assuming that he plans to give the necklace as a gift to your sister for her five and tenth nameday. It seems that they share the same nameday."
"Excellent, pay up, Viserys"
"Not yet, brother. Lord Jaerys is there more?"
"The Usurper and his family rides for Winterfell, that is all, dear cousin"
"See Viserys, now pay up."
"Seven Fucking Hells" Viserys cussed as he hands Rhaegar two gold dragons
"Watch your tongue Viserys!"His brother scolded him as he pocketed his winnings.
"Ah, I'm glad to see some things never change between siblings, dear cousins."
"Shut up Jaerys." Viserys uttered as he walked out to find his niece-wife Princess Rhaenys, whom he married a moon ago and is now happily with child.
"Now that it is just you and I, Jaerys, I plan to go to Winterfell as Daevon Caspian and meet my sister on her nameday. I shall leave you here to look after my brother and his wife, and my heir Prince Aegon. I will use my dragon Daemon to fly to the North."
"The Targaryens are the only family I've ever known and I am in your debt. I will look after them and protect with my life, my dear cousin."
"I trust you will. So, the Usurper rides for Winterfell, this game is becoming highly intriguing."
In Winterfell
With the death of Jon Arryn, King Robert was left in the lion's den without an ally he could trust. So he rode to Winterfell with an important offer to his most trusted old friend. As King Robert settled in his seat in the study, Lord Eddard poured his friend a glass of Dornish Red.
"Tell me about Jon Arryn"
"One minute he was fine and then the next thing I knew that Gods damned fever took him."
"He was the closest person I ever had to a father."
"So did I Ned."
"We both loved that old man."
"And we'll both miss him. He didn't have to teach you anything but put up me. Remember me at six and ten, all I wanted to do was crush skulls and fuck girls. Which is why I need you, Ned. Lord Eddard Stark, I would name you the Hand of the King."
"I am not worthy of the honor, your grace"
"I'm not trying to honor you. I'm trying to get you to run my kingdom while I eat, drink, and whore my way to an early grave. Damn it, Ned! Stand up. You helped me win the Iron Throne; now help me keep the damn thing. You and I were meant to rule if your sister had married me, we would have been bound by blood. Well, it's not too late. I've a son and you've a daughter. We'll join our houses."
"Your grace, my eldest daughter is betrothed to my ward, Theon of House Greyjoy."
"I am aware of that Ned. I was the one who helped you make that damned treaty with those blasted Greyjoys. However, I'm not talking about your eldest daughter. It seems my eldest son; Prince Gendry has taken a liking to your youngest daughter."
"My Arya, but Robert she is only one and ten."
"My son is three and ten and he does not mind waiting"
"As you wish your grace" Ned replied with a sigh.
"There's another matter about that exiled Targaryen prince, this concerns your ward, Daenerys. A letter of warning came from Essos from a Daevon of House Caspian. It says that brat Viserys Targaryen aims to reclaim his throne, avenge the Mad King and that monster Rhaegar, and save his sister; I want to ensure that will never happen, Ned."
"Daenerys is happy here in Winterfell but I won't deny her, her own brother. Supposing we give him a reason not to reclaim the throne, since she is bound to you by blood."
"Not this again, I'd have rather her head on a spike than this, Ned"
"It is the only way, your grace. You must tolerate this option and see the reason in this. Robert, if you wish to keep your throne, I implore you, not to be blind to your son's desire."
"Of all the women in Seven Kingdoms! Why did it have to be the daughter of that Mad King?"
"My nephew is in love with Daenerys. Ever noticed why Jon prefers Winterfell to King's Landing, it is because of her. You might want to use that to your advantage."
"I do not like this but very well, where would I be without you and your strategies?"
A week later, at the Library Tower, Dany and Jon are assisting Bran and Rickon who were having heraldry lessons with Maester Luwin. They were joined by Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen accompanied by their uncle Tyrion Lannister, who while reading a thick book about the history of the North and observed as the younger Baratheon children became fast friends with the younger Starks as well as the loving looks Jon bestows to a blushing Dany. Beside him was Theon Greyjoy sporting a bruised eye, a splitting headache and swollen cheeks attending to the needs of his betrothed, Lady Sansa, to whom he was the sworn shield and sword.
"Today we shall play a game, I shall name a noble house and you shall give me its sigil and their words. The purpose of this is to know who your friends and enemies are. What is the sigil of House Baratheon?"
"A crowned black stag on a field of gold" Bran said as he and the princess shared a look.
"Their words are "Ours is the Fury"." Princess Myrcella answered she turned to hide a blush.
"And what is the sigil of House Lannister?"
"A golden lion in a field of crimson." Prince Tommen answered
"Their words are Hear me Roar"." Princess Myrcella replied as she and her brother shared a hearty roar as their uncle chuckled.
"Good, now House Stark?"
"A grey direwolf racing across a field of white" Dany replied
"Their words are; "Winter is coming"." Bran added
"Very good, what is the sigil of House Greyjoy?'
"A golden kraken in a sea of black" Sansa replied as she looked at Theon but turned when he looked at her.
"Their words are "We do not sow" Theon added, gazing at his betrothed.
"Now, the Houses of Valyrian origins, what is the sigil of House Targaryen and of House Blackfyre?"
"A three-headed red dragon in a black field for House Targaryen and a three-headed black dragon in a field of blood for House Blackfyre" Jon replied as he threw a smile at Dany.
"Their words are "Fire and Blood"." Jon added as he winked at Dany, earning a blushing smile from her.
"Well done, now, House Velaryon?"Asked the maester
"A silver sea horse in an ocean of sea green" Rickon answered
"Their words are "The Old, the True, the Brave"."Prince Tommen added as his uncle ruffled his gold spun hair.
"And that is all for today" said Maester Luwin as he collected his books and left.
"As much as I enjoy watching romance bloom between young lovers, I think I've witnessed my fill for an hour." Tyrion Lannister said good-naturedly as he surrendered the book he was reading.
Jon and Dany arranged the books back to the shelves as the younger Starks and the Baratheon children left with their uncle trailing behind. Sansa and Theon followed after Sansa had finished reading. When they finished, Jon and Dany went to their own chambers to change and prepare for the feast. A bath was drawn for her, a handmaiden warned her that the water is too hot but she climbed in anyway, she relaxed as she absorbed the calming heat. She thought back to the time when Jon carried her in his arms as he helped her during the arrival of her first moon blood and his loving embrace in the stables, his grey eyes, his smile, the feel of his arms around her, "He is strong" she thought then suddenly she wanted to see Jon, it made her excited as she felt a tingling sensation in her stomach. When she got out Lady Catelyn had laid out Sansa's and her nameday gift to her ward, a beautiful cream colored dress adorned by embroidered blue roses and lined with silver silk that compliments Daenerys' skin and silver-blonde hair with a matching cloak lined with grey fur. After getting dressed Dany styled her hair with two braids that circled around her head like a simple crown and she pinched her cheeks to make a natural blush. She was securing the pins in her hair. From her mirror, she spied Jon tenderly looking at her. She smiled as he entered her chambers. She stood up from her seat and surprised Jon as she threw her arms around his neck. He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and was greeted by the scent of roses in her hair, Then he pulled back to look at her. Again he was tempted to kiss her alluring lips but contented himself with holding her, and savoring the feel of her body in his strong embrace.
"I must be the most fortunate man in the Seven Kingdoms to receive an embrace from an angel of the gods." He said as he tucked a strand of Dany's hair back in place.
"Well, it is your nameday, Jon." She said as she pulled back from his embrace to retrieve her nameday to Jon from her dressing chamber, she came back carrying a long case which she place on the table.
"Well, Lady Targaryen, since it is our nameday, would you do me the honor of staying by my side tonight?" he said offering Dany his arm.
"Of course, Lord Stark a thousand times I would give you that honor."
"I have something for you" he said as he revealed a velvet box.
Jon opened the box and presented Dany the necklace he bought her.
"Oh, Jon, You did not have to do that."
"I wanted to. You deserve this." he said as he went behind her, moved her hair out of the way, place the necklace around her neck and fastened the clasp. Then he turned her to face him.
"You look absolutely stunning, my lady."
"It's beautiful, Jon. Thank you." She said as she pressed her lips to his cheeks. Jon relished the feel of her lips on his cheeks.
"I have a gift for you too." She whispered as she opened the case and revealed a sword with a wolf's head on the hilt.
"Valyrian Steel" he uttered as he admired the detail of her gift.
"You noticed" she smiled
"Thank you, Dany." He said as put the sword aside, lifted her in his arms and spun her around. Laughing merrily, he eased her down but kept her in his arms.
"So beautiful, Happy nameday, my princess." he whispered
"Happy nameday, my lord" she replied with a blush
Unknown to them Ned, Catelyn, and Lyanna were watching them intently. Lord and Lady Stark came in with a locked chest; Lady Lyanna followed behind them. Jon released Dany with a smile.
"Happy Nameday, to the both of you. Dany, come here, my sweet girl. You look absolutely stunning." Lord Stark said as he drew Dany in for an embrace.
"Thank you, Lord Stark" Dany breathed when he released her and went to hug his nephew.
"Thank you, uncle" Jon said
"My love, you really outdid yourself this time. She is a child no longer." Lord Stark said to his wife as he appraised Dany.
"Well, of course. It is not everyday such a sweet girl would become a beautiful woman at five and ten." Lady Catelyn said looking pleased as Lady Lyanna went to stand beside her son.
"You're in for a treat, my son. Listen to your uncle." Lady Lyanna whispered to Jon.
Presenting the chest to her, Lord Stark opened it for her and revealed three dragon eggs. Leaning down she marveled at their beauty but as she touched each one. She was mystified when she felt a cold heat within them.
"Dragon eggs, Daenerys. The ages have turned them to stone but still they remain beautiful. I would have gotten you a direwolf but I realized that they are not your sigil."
"Where did you procure them, Uncle? Jon asked as he admired the beauty of the Targaryen treasure.
"It was from her mother, Queen Rhaella" Lady Catelyn replied
"My mother?"
"Before she died she asked me to give the chest to you, her last gift to a beloved daughter. She loved you very much, child" Lord Stark explained
"I don't know how I can ever thank you for all you've done."
"Daenerys, you may not be a Stark but I've always considered you as one of my daughters. I only want you to life a happy life but do not thank me yet, child. The night is young and the blessings of this day are not over yet." he said as he turned to Jon who was watching Dany.
"Well, I hear you have been doing well when I appointed you to be Daenerys' sworn shield and sword for the last two years. That is good to know that she is in good hands"
"Of course, Uncle, I only want her safe and in one piece."
"Then, I shall present your gift from your parents and your aunt and myself, later at the feast. For now, shall we all proceed to the Great Hall? I am famished." Lord Stark said leaving the room with Lady Catelyn.
Dany and Jon were greeted by Robb, Arya, Bran, Sansa and Theon when they came in the Great Hall. Robb was shocked when he saw Dany's good looks magnified by her dress and Theon kept making naughty comments about Jon never leaving Dany's side, earning a disapproving look from Sansa, who was full of pride seeing the dress she helped make being appreciated by everyone present. When the King and Queen, and their children graced the event, King went straight to his firstborn son and gave him a hug then suddenly disappeared, while the Queen decently showered Daenerys with praises of her beauty.
"Ah, the lady of night, Daenerys my dove, it is a shame a beauty such as yours is kept hidden here in the North and at such a young age too." Queen Cersei said with a smile
"Not as beautiful as you, your grace. Poets write songs of your beauty." Dany said
"Only because yours is hidden in the cold walls of Winterfell." the queen countered
Then, she glimpsed her husband's arms around a dark haired whore when he came back into the dining hall. Dany noticed the queen's expression turned sour. So, she graciously excused herself to take her seat beside Jon with the other Stark children. Queen Cersei took her seat at the dais beside Lady Catelyn who was slightly taken aback by the king's behaviour. Dinner was being served, there were eight courses. Jon knew Dany did not have a big appetite so they shared their food like always. Dany noticed Theon's mood turn bitter while watching Prince Joffery making eyes at Sansa and that Prince Gendry had not taken his eyes off Arya ever since their arrival this made her smile to herself. Jon knowing what she was thinking.
"Like a moth to a flame when a Baratheon falls in love with a Stark a kingdom will fall." He whispers to her and she giggles at his joke.
"Good thing I am not a Stark, my lord." She said
"No, you are not Stark, you are a Targaryen but you will always be my dragon princess." He whispered sending a shiver down her spine and blood rush to her cheeks.
Lady Catelyn and the Queen smiled as they observe the scene in front of them.
"To be young and in love" Queen Cersei sighs as she takes sip of her wine.
"Indeed, your grace"Lady Catelyn agreed with a dreamy sigh
Then King Robert stood up and everyone present turned to the dais and listened expectantly.
"As you all know Jon of House Stark, my firstborn son with my former betrothed Lady Lyanna of House Stark, who's six and tenth nameday we celebrate. However, this day does not belong to one man for what is a man without a woman by his side. This day, Lady Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, an exceedingly beautiful young lady turns five and ten. She is the young ward of my old friend Lord Eddard of House Stark and of his wife Lady Catelyn Stark of House Tully. Let us raise our glasses in celebration for the gift of life and of love. Lord Stark and I have come to an excellent agreement involving both our nameday celebrants. First to Jon of House Stark; I, Robert of House Baratheon, the first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, declare that from this day, you shall be known as Jon Baratheon of House Stark and heir to Storm's End." The king said as he chugged down an entire goblet of Dornish red. The king's declaration was greeted with applause and Jon took Dany in a warm embrace which she returned as Robb and Theon encased them in a group hug.
"Second to Lady Daenerys; Now that you are of a marriageable age; Years ago, your guardian, Lord Stark found a suitable match for you. However, that changed when I agreed to an offer made by Lord Stark, which could unite not two but three houses, your own house as well as the houses your betrothed belongs to. With the permission of your guardians, Lord and Lady Stark, I chose you, Lady Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen as the betrothed of my firstborn son, Jon Baratheon of House Stark."
He finished his speech with a huge gulp on his newly refilled goblet and a dramatic pose but falls over and as he tried to stand up, he needed Lord Stark's help to stand back up and walk back to his seat beside his queen, who's face cannot be read but there is fire in her eyes that is fueled by an unadulterated hate for the man who sat beside her and publicly slighted her. Stunned at King Robert's announcement, Dany excused herself from the table and went out for some air. Jon was equally stunned as Dany but noticing that she left her cloak, he took it and his as well, ignoring the bantering of his cousins, and went after her. He found her at the stables, sitting on a makeshift couch with Ghost, whose head was resting on her lap.
"Dany, you will surely catch a cold, leaving your cloak on a night like this."
He approached his new betrothed, put her cloak around her and sat beside her, rubbing the back Ghost's ears.
"Thank you, Jon. I apologize for leaving your side. I just needed some time to think."
"You needn't explain yourself to me, I understand how you feel. Do you remember when you were four; Robb teased you until you cried then later I found you here shivering because you left your cloak." He mused as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Yes, I remember. You gave me yours and took me back to the Great Keep. We both caught a cold, Lady Lyanna kept fussing, and Lady Catelyn gave Robb a long lecture about how a lord must treat a lady." She recalled, they both laughed then Jon turned, looked at Dany seriously and held her hands in his.
"Dany, I promise if you marry me, you will want for nothing and I swear to keep you safe. I will only have eyes for you alone. I will never look upon another if you marry me I promise you, I will never be like my father but if you love someone else, just tell me and I will release you for I would rather see your smile in another man's arms than watch your sorrow in my company." He said then she stood up and walked to her mare.
"I believe you, Jon, but those are not the words I would have you say." she said as tears threatened to flow in her lilac eyes.
"Then what would you have me say?" he asked as he approached her and turn her to face him, his grey eyes gazed in into her misty eyes.
"Promise me that if you marry me, you will grow to love me as I love you. She whispered her plea.
"I kept that promise even before it was made" he revealed then he lifted her chin and pressed his lips on hers and kissed her passionately. When they broke for air, Jon held Dany in a loving embrace.
"You are mad to think that you will see my smile in the arms of another man because the only man I have ever loved is the one who's holding me his arms right now."
"I love you, Dany" he whispered to her lovingly
"As I love you, Jon" she breathed
"Marry me, Dany" he asked
"I will" she said as she looked into his eyes
Once again their lips met but stopped when Ghost barked in approval with his tail wagging excitedly. Laughing, Jon kissed her again before they started towards the Great Keep; Lady Lyanna appeared and pulled Dany and Jon aside while she led them to an abandoned tower. Lady Lyanna entered the tower holding two letters in her hands and a cloaked man stood beside her.
"Jon, whatever happens I need you to stay with Dany."
"Of course, mother." He said and gave Dany a lingering glance as he shut the doors. Lady Lyanna hands the letters to Dany.
"Dany, read this and listen carefully, there is something you should know. Your brother, Prince Rhaegar never died at the Battle of the Trident."
"If He is truly alive, mother, why hasn't he come and claimed Dany?" he asked with a tone of ire in his voice.
Taking off the cloak, the man's hair was of a gleaming shade of gold, that Jon mistook him for a Lannister but when he saw that the man had lilac eyes. He recognized the man as the Silver Prince.
"Because for years, there are greater powers at work that kept me from saving my beloved sister, and to keep you and your mother safe I had to let the world think me dead and leave the one I truly loved. When your father started the rebellion, I played it safe and fled the game of thrones of Westeros but always had eyes in both your lives to watch you grow up from afar. I had to become someone else to survive. I am no longer Prince Rhaegar Targaryen the Last Dragon but simply Daevon of House Caspian." He explained to Jon then turning to Dany.
"Forgive my absence in your life, dear sister and forgive me if I came too late."
"I forgive you, brother and you are never too late."
"Are you happy here in the North? Are you treated with kindness?"
"I am, brother. I am happy with my life here in Winterfell."
"Truth be told, I came here to see you and I am pleased with how the Starks treated you with kindness despite what crimes myself and our father committed against them. They've raised you well, better than how I would have. I wanted to take you with me to Braavos but seeing that you are content here in the North. I've brought a nameday gift to both of you. For you Jon, I heard that you are to wed my sister. If so I grant you, my blessing to love and protect her, should you choose to spend your life with her, you have my approval and my permission to wed her. Through your marriage, you and your mother will have the everlasting friendship of both my Houses."
"Thank you, my lord" he said as he held Dany and shook the hand offered by Prince Rhaegar.
"And of course to my sister, Daenerys, I give you, your freedom to stay here and choose your own husband and I bequeath to you the secret of fire and blood." He said as he handed her a golden box.
"Thank you, brother" she said as she handed the box to Jon and embraced her brother with tears of pure joy.
"You must go back to the Great Keep. Armies of well-wishers will be missing the both of you. My dear Lyanna you know what to do. This will not be the last time we meet." He said lovingly gazing at Lady Lyanna."
Lady Lyanna led Jon and Dany back to the Great Keep once there she settled back to her seat beside her brother Lord Stark. With her hand in his, Jon led Dany to the dais and made their engagement official.