Title: UNCLOAKED
Chapter Summary: The wedding preparations proceed as difficult conversations are had.
CHAPTER 2: Tell Me
It's decided that Arya will accompany Daenerys as she wakes her advisors so that they can attending the wedding. Arya will feel better if she can keep the queen in her sights until Jon is back with the others. Arya wonders if Bran will attend, also hoping he doesn't have another bomb to drop on the pair.
Arya can barely contain her amusement as Tyrion has to leave them waiting in the hallway for a significant amount of time while his Winter Town whore has to get dressed before leaving his chambers. The ladies joke that they are both thankful they didn't accidentally walk in to catch them in the act.
As the middle aged woman happily slips out of Tyrion's room she offers to come back later, having been tipped very generously she would like to see him again. The woman politely averts her eyes when seeing the dragon queen and a lady of Winterfell waiting in the hall. Also while waiting, Dany had knocked on Jorah, Varys and then Missandei's Door and asked them to meet her in the study by their rooms.
Walking with Tyrion and Arya, Dany goes over her announcement in her head. She expects that Jon and the others will be arriving soon. She would like to tell those close to her before the others arrive.
"Since Arya Stark is calmly walking with us, I believe it is safe to assume you haven't fed Jon Snow to your dragons after he caught up to you earlier this evening. Correct?" Tyrion asks in a joking manner.
"Dearest Tyrion, how much wine did your lady friend pour down your throat? I need you sober for the next couple of hours," Dany mocks back at her hand. "All will be disclosed once the others join us. Patience please."
Tyrion holds the door open for the queen and Arya, they are the first to arrive. The others filter in quickly, nervous glances are exchanged among those that do not know what is happening. The last time they saw Daenerys she looked distraught as she raced down the hall, away from Jon Snow and that beautiful Northerner that was practically naked while leaving his study.
"Please sit down, I have something I would like to share with you," Dany says steadily as seats are quickly taken. "Jon Snow and I have reconciled, and we have decided to get married. In fact, we will be getting married right now. Samwell Tarly will be performing the ceremony shortly."
Tyrion and Varys are shocked, with Tyrion being the first to speak. Although he is not at all surprised to hear that the king and queen had reconciled, he was not expecting a secret marriage in the middle of the night. Upon seeing the resolve on Daenerys's face, Tyrion nods his head with acceptance. He is nowhere near sober enough to challenge the queen's decision.
Missandei is very happy for Dany, she smiles shyly before approaching and giving her a warm hug in congratulations. She had been silently rooting for King Snow and Daenerys from almost the moment she saw them meet at Dragonstone.
It was Jorah's sudden eruption that suddenly hushed the entire room into silence.
"Forgive me for asking the obvious, your grace. Why are you rushing to marry Jon Snow?" Jorah practically yells, he is visibly upset. "Why would you hurry to marry him after what we all just saw between him and Lady Karstark this very evening?"
Daenerys's eyes narrow, Tyrion and Varys look nervous at the gall of Jorah's outburst. Arya is not pleased but watches cautiously as the queen addresses her advisor, who is obviously in love with her. Arya is sure Jon must see it too.
"Jorah, I hope that you are still in a position to trust my judgement," Dany pauses as Jorah nods to say yes. "I trust Jon Snow, and I believe him when he tells me that nothing happened between him and that…woman. And finally, all I can say to you now…if you cannot be happy for me, then I understand if you do not attend the wedding. There will be no hard feelings on my part."
Jorah inhales sharply, realizing how brazenly he spoke against the man Daenerys will marry, the man she loves. Jorah loves the young queen, he has for many years. He also knows that Jon is a good man, he had already suspected that all was not as it appeared when the lady Karstark stepped out of his private study practically nude. It was just for a moment he had selfishly hoped that Jon had quickly moved on, so that Daenerys would be free of him.
"I apologize your grace, I hope you can forgive my harsh words. I regret saying them," Jorah says sincerely. "I would be honored to attend your wedding, if I am still welcome."
Dany smiles, relieved that this can be put behind them. She cares for Jorah, and she wants him to be there to support this. "Thank you, I would be honored to have you present."
Arya had been scowling while watching the exchange between Daenerys and Jorah, but she was pleased with how well the queen handled it.
In that moment Jon, Sam, Davos and Sansa enter the study. Closing the door behind them, Jon walks over to Daenerys to stand by her side. She smiles back shyly. Both are not comfortable showing the other affection in front of others, while also longing to embrace.
"Is the ceremony happening here or shall we try to sneak to the Weirwood tree?" Sam questions nervously. "Would we be able to get away with the walk outside and still keep this marriage a secret?"
Clearing his throat, Jon contemplates his answer before speaking. Turning to look at Dany and sliding his hand into hers. "I would like very much to get married in front of the Weirwood tree, it would mean a lot to me. Since we are already at an unoccupied part of the castle, we should be able to get there and back without being seen. Sisters, thoughts?"
Sansa and Arya agree with Jon's reasoning, which decides the course of action, the wedding will take place at the Weirwood Tree.
It is then that Sansa points out there is one huge issue that can't be ignored. Jon's shoulders stiffen, he desperately wants to marry Dany and quickly. Jon doesn't want anything to get in there way, not when they are so close.
"Dany can't get married in that dress, it is her wedding! She must wear something more elegant, this dress is so dark and gloomy!" Sansa states matter-of-factly.
Jon feels Dany relax next to him, he realizes that she may have been equally worried that there was something that could stop their plans.
Missandei quietly agrees with Sansa and reminds Daenerys that one of the queen's trunks that is in her room has dresses that most likely would work. As Sansa and Missandei stand to walk to the door, they turn to wait expectantly for the queen to join them.
Dany releases a slow sigh and turns to Jon. Suddenly everyone in the room has averted their eyes, giving them some semblance of privacy.
"You know, I don't care if you wear a plain soiled cloth wrapped around your body. All that matters to me, is us," Jon whispers in her ear before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
Dany's cheeks flush with pleasure. For a brute Northerner, her future husband always knows exactly what to say to her. "Let's give Sansa this, she can pick my dress and I'll try to be back quickly. The dawn will be here shortly," Dany whispers while squeezing Jon's hand one last time.
The couple lock eyes, the intensity of their stares make it hard to part ways. Jon almost wants to invite himself along to help Dany change. But he knows the men would never let him hear the end of it. Instead he kisses her one last time before letting her go.
"Arya, are you coming?" Sansa asks of her sister.
"As much fun as picking out a new dress sounds, I'll stay here with Jon!" Arya jokes as the women smile and slip out. Arya walks over to her brother, she is happy to have a few moments alone with him before he gets married.
"I want to thank you, Arya. For everything you have done in the last two days. I had no idea you were also hounding Daenerys in the same manner!" Jon teases with great affection for his little sister. Dany had told him everything Arya had said to her before seeing Lady Tila strut out of his study. "When we said goodbye as I left for The Wall, I never imagined the day would come when I would be getting love advice from my baby sister."
Arya's smile falters for a moment, the image of Gendry's face crossing her mind.
'Baby sister'. Oh seven hells, he sees me as a little girl. I will need to tell him soon about Gendry. Ugh.
"It will serve you well to remember that I'm not a little child anymore, Jon," Arya says while anticipating what will happen when she and Gendry tell Jon the news tomorrow. "Besides, I'm very happy for you. You deserve to be loved and it's obvious she does."
Jon smiles at his little sister, at times he is still trying to reconcile the young woman she is today and the little girl he knew so well. His mind wanders to the last time he held her as a small child, before saying goodbye.
"Did you check to see if Bran would attend?" Arya asks curiously, almost afraid to hear the answer.
Clearing his throat, Jon calmly tells Arya that Bran congratulated him but then told Jon that he needed his rest and would not attend. Arya nods her head in acceptance. The siblings fall into silence, each thinking about Bran and how much he has changed.
Jorah waits for a lull in the conversation between Jon and his younger sister before interrupting. Deciding that it is the right thing for him to speak with the young king now that he is marrying Daenerys. Jorah pushes the ache in his heart aside, he needs to do what is right. He does genuinely wish Jon and Daenerys well.
"Jon, a word please," Jorah asks politely, his voice steady and face neutral. Jorah had watched Jon and Arya's conversation carefully, not once did Jon look in his direction. Which leads Jorah to believe that Arya has not told her brother about the unfavorable conversation Jorah and Daenerys had when he first found out about the wedding.
"Of course. Arya, I'll catch up with you in a little bit," Jon says before directing his attention to Daenerys's trusted and loyal advisor. Jon's sister excuses herself to sit on the couch of the study while she waits for the ladies to return.
Walking to the side of the room behind Jorah Jon notices that Sam is nervously pouring over texts as he makes his final preparations to perform the wedding. Having the fullest confidence in Sam, Jon is touched at how dedicated his friend is to making sure that his wedding goes smoothly.
"What did you want to discuss, Jorah?" Jon says calmly, striving to keep the weariness out of his voice. He knows that this marriage must be hard for the old bear. It became evident to all in the war room at Dragonstone that Jorah had thought it best for Dany to travel alone to Winterfell. What was also evident was that Jorah wanted to keep her away from him.
Jorah was right to want us to be apart, our time on the boat solidified our love. And I know there is no going back now. I will never love anyone the way that I love her. It is her or nothing for me.
"This will not take long, I just have something that I need to say before you marry her," Jorah begins, both men's eyes locking. "I have known her since she was a very young woman, I only want what is best for her. I hope that you will always care for her, treat her well and keep her safe."
Nodding, Jon listens quietly, waiting for Jorah to say what he really wants to say. He knows it hasn't come yet.
"To those that don't know her, she has seemed cool and collected these last two days. But I knew better, you crushed her, you hurt her terribly," Jorah states matter-of-factly as Jon cringes. Hearing it thrown in his face makes Jon feel terrible again. Although Dany has forgiven him, hells, she is even going to marry him! Jon still feels bad for hurting her so badly.
"I want to make sure you understand, I do not want to see her by hurt again. Not by you, especially since you will become her husband," Jorah finishes, an air of coldness in his voice. He is basically warning Jon not to dare hurt her again.
"May I speak now, are you done?" Jon asks, ready to clear the air with Jorah Mormont.
"Yes, please. I want things to be settled between us," Jorah answers.
"I do feel terrible for hurting Daenerys. She and I have fully and openly discussed it all, and she forgave my momentary lapse in judgement over finding out my true heritage. Most importantly, Daenerys has not only forgiven me but she wants me by her side, as her partner in life. As much as I can control, I never want to hurt her again...but thank you for the warning," Jon says with confidence. But Jon isn't going to stop there, the air needs to be cleared. "Am I correct in believing that you are in love with Daenerys? You are in love with the woman that is going to be my wife?"
Jorah's back stiffens, he was not expecting Jon Snow to be so brazen or direct.
"I will not lie to you, as I am sure it is evident. Yes, I have loved Daenerys Targaryen for many many years. There will always be a part of me that does love her, but more than anything I want her to be happy."
Jon nods with understanding, he also can't imagine not loving her. Jon knows that even if he had not convinced her to forgive him, he would have gone to his death with a broken heart.
"I recognized your feelings for her the day you and first met on that cliff in Dragonstone. I saw it on your face. I also believe she loves you very much, as a friend," Jon says compassionately, he knows that Dany has very genuine and strong feelings for Jorah. And Jon respects that. "I hope you can be happy for us, or for her at least."
Jon smiles kindly, he is hopeful that he and Jorah can become friends as well. Especially since he is so important to Dany.
"I am happy for you both. I meant what I said beyond the wall...I believe that Longclaw will serve you and your children well," Jorah finishes with a smile. He genuinely wishes the couple well.
The men shake hands before Jon walks over to assure Sam that everything will be fine. Before reaching his friend the door opens and the three women enter the study.
Sansa was right, the new dress that Daenerys is wearing is gorgeous and much more appropriate for a wedding. Jon's mouth falls open at seeing his beautiful bride. The dress is form fitting, gorgeous white in color and covered in lace. Her beautiful pale skin and silver hair make her look like an angel.
"Daenerys, I have no words. You look amazing," Jon says softly as he steps closer to Dany. He heart is racing a mile a minute, he loves her so much.
"Um, thank you," Dany mumbles, not meeting Jon's eyes. She quietly moves away from him, walking to the window to look outside. The color of the sky has begun to change, the sun will begin to rise shortly.
Jon frowns, her reaction was not what he expected after giving her a compliment. For a moment he worries he mispoke, or somehow offended her. Watching her at the window, her arms wrapped around herself, she suddenly looks very sad and tense.
As Sansa and Arya go over the best path in and out of the Godswood Jon approaches Daenerys once again. Sansa and Davos want to rearrange some of the guards to clear their path. Sansa and Davos will do a quick walkthrough first in order to make sure the coast is clear.
"Hey, is everything okay? You seem a little…off?" Jon asks quietly, feeling the tension radiate off of her.
"Yes, I am fine," Dany forces a small smile. Jon notes the smile does not reach her eyes.
"Excuse me, but as much fun as this it…the whole not sleeping thing…can we get this going?" Tyrion asks the group, interrupting Jon and Dany's moment. Tyrion is grumpy because he is already missing his time with the lovely woman of the North that had been warming his bed.
Before Jon can ask her again, Daenerys moves to sit next to Missandei on couch, waiting as the final preperations are made. Her face is emotionless and cold. It is as if the mask from the previous day was back on her face.
"Jon," Arya whispers into Jon's ear. "Something seems to be wrong with Daenerys. I asked Sansa if anything happened while picking out her new dress, and she said no."
"I see it too, I asked her…she told me she was fine," Jon shares, his heart starting to feel heavy. He is concerned she is starting to have second thoughts.
"We have some time, you need to talk to her. Really talk to her," Arya encourages her brother to find out what is wrong.
Nodding, Jon walks over to Dany and extends his hand. He sees the way her eyes flash a look of apprehension at his request. Slipping her hand in his, Jon announces that he and the queen are going to take a moment alone while Sansa and Davos do the walkthrough.
As Jon ushers Dany into her personal chambers, so they can speak privately. He can feel the hurricane of emotions radiating over her. She seems so tense and suddenly detached, and he has no idea why.
Closing the door behind them he notices that Dany is standing tall, but nervously wringing her hands. She is completely on edge, leaving Jon at a loss. Jon doesn't know what or even if something has happened.
"Please don't tell me you are fine. I can see that you are not. Talk to me, I love you. Tell me! What is going through your mind?" Jon pleads. A feeling of dread settling in his stomach.
Dany turns to face him, tears wetting her eyes. Dany's voice cracking as she finally answers him. "Jon…I am not sure we should do this. I don't think we should get married tonight. Or at all."
++o+ Chapter End +o++