Author's note: I am going to format this like the Princess Bride, mostly taking place during the conquest and its aftermath with occasional chapters back in 291 AC.
157 AC
Jon rode next to his father at the head of the cavalry down the Kingsroad. Today the Manderly's rode with them at the head of the column. The host had moved swiftly down the Kingsroad, in large part thanks to the high ratio of mounted men compared to infantry as King Daeron had requested a smaller host that featured a large portion mounted as the North's levy. His father had shown him the letter that called them to war and that the Iron Throne also asked specifically for the famous mounted archers and hussars of the Rills in order to counter Dorne's own light horse and mounted archers.
Jon watched as his father spoke to his good brother discussing the plans for the camp when they reached King's Landing.
Jon sensed his wolf return to him and looked down. Wraith looked at him with tail wagging and his mouth open with blood staining his white maw, signally a successful hunt. The sight made Jon smile and he reached down to patted the direwolf's head.
Jon heard a voice call to him and he turned to where the voice was coming from. He saw his friends Beron Manderly, Lord Artos Manderly's youngest brother and squire, Alaric Karstark, who had been a ward at Winterfell, and the quiet Theo Rsywell, another ward of Winterfell; ride up beside him.
Beron said, "Are you excited to see the city, Jon? Mayhaps, we'll even find you a woman. They say bastards are wanton, but I swear you're more prudish than an old septa".
When Jon was younger the reminder of his bastardry might have ranckled him, but he knew Beron was japing at the irony of what those who follow the New Gods believed bastards to be, and that Jon refused to go whoring and had even refused a serving girl at a feast not a year past at the harvest feast. Though, he admitted the last had been more out of nerves rather than not wanting to kiss the girl, who had been his senior by several years and had hair the color of autumn leaves and been pretty enough.
He replied with a smile and said, "I doubt that, unless you can find a Mormont or some wildling spearwife in the city. I prefer a woman who won't faint at the first sight of Wraith, not some blushing lady or fainting princess".
His friends laughed and Alaric spoke up first , "A direwolf for a matchmaker, ain't that the queerest thing. Mayhaps, Jon is hoping one day Wraith goes off on a hunt and finds a pair of she-wolves for the both of them".
Jon replied back, "At least Wraith knows not to try peaking at his friend's aunts in the Godswood's pools".
Alaric grew red in embarrassment as they all laughed, recalling how they had caught Alaric trying to glimpse one of Jon's aunts, the daughters of Lady Alys Blackwood, as they bathed not a moon before they had begun marching. It had long been a jape on how Alaric wished to wed Jon's aunt Alys or Raya as she was of age with them.
Theo finally spoke up, "Now you see why I am so quiet, I would rather not be subject to a wolf's quick and fierce wit. Stallions are their natural prey, afterall".
Theo's jape caused further laughter from the group lordings and a bastard, drunk on dreams of glory and comradery.
Alaric said, " Well said Theo".
The rest of the march to the capital was fairly uneventful, full of them speaking of the glory they will earn in Dorne. Beron spoke of earning his knighthood and gaining a white cloak. Alaric about the Dornish heroes he would cut down, the scars he would earn, and Alys or Raya's hand after he proved himself a great hero. Theo spoke of getting himself a new longbow made from Dornish Yew and how he would compare it to his weirwood bow and getting his hands on some Dornish sand steeds to add to the Rsywell herds.
When they entered the Red Keep his Father led the Northern Lords and commanders to be introduced to the King and discuss the plans for the campaign, Jon and the wolves had to wait with the men given his birth. Jon's father had told this must be the way in the south and with an apologetic look had told him he would make it up to him. His father's wolf decided to nap in a stable opened for the wolves. Though Jon and Wraith were not inclined to nap in a stable.
Jon was in the stable with the mounts of the Northern lords. He decided to explore a bit given how much time he expected his father and the Northern lords would be engaged in talks. Wraith was to his left as he turned a corner and was ran headlong into by a blur of silver and gold, knocking him over.
He heard the girl make some noises in pain as she rubbed her head. Then their eyes met. His steel gray eyes met a pair of sparkling purple eyes full of life and mischief.
Jon's tongue became tied and he was at a loss for words.
The girl with eyes like amethyst reflecting the sun and silver gold hair was not and she said, "I am sorry my lord. I did not…"
She was interrupted by Wraith moving forward and barred his teeth. For a moment Jon thought Wraith would attack in defense of him. The girl may have been silenced by the wolf's teeth but her eyes spoke of defiance and a refusal to back down or show any fear. The direwolf suddenly changed his expression and licked the girl's face and the girl began giggling.
Jon could not believe what he saw. Not only did the girl show no fear to a direwolf even if not full grown was already larger than any normal wolf.
Jon finally found his tongue and said, "I apologize for Wraith's aggression, direwolves are very protective of their masters".
The girl replied, "No apologies needed my lord, I have read dragons were just as protective of their riders as well. Besides, no beast can frighten a dragon".
Jon for a moment was puzzled by her words, but realized who she must be. A princess of House Targaryen, even if he did not know which one.
Jon asked, "Your grace, might I have the honor of your name"?
She replied while petting his wolf, "No need to call me your grace, you can save that for my brothers and sisters. My name is Daena Targaryen, though you may just call me Daena. May I ask yours in return".
By the gods Jon thought, he had never expected a southern woman to be this bold or strong. All of his old insecurities about being a bastard returned to him, and he hesitated before giving his reply Jon replied, "My name is Jon, son of lord Rickon Stark the heir to Winterfell. You may call me Jon if you wish".
She smiled and said, "Well met Jon, I have never met a Stark and I must say that you seem more fun than how Alfrod said your lord grandfather was during the Dance and the hour of the Wolf".
Jon wanted to let her continue believing that he was a Stark, it was his dream after all. To carry the name of his father and forebears and become Lord of Winterfell. Even after his trueborn sisters had been born he dreamed that dream; only feeling guilty because Lady Jeyne had been kind to him and while she had no sons with his father and no daughter could claim Winterfell in her own name, she may have a son one day by his father and then he would be the heir to Winterfell after their father. He would never dare to steal his brother's birthright even if he had no brothers at the moment.
Despite himself he said as he helped her up, "My apologies, unfortunately you have not met a Stark yet. My name is Jon Snow, I am Lord Rickon's natural son".
Danea merely shrugged and said, "It makes no matter, my cousin Lord Alyn Velayron is bastard born, and a truer man or Velayron you would be hard pressed to find they say. You have a direwolf which proves you are certainly a Stark by blood if nothing else", she paused and said with a mischievous glint in her sparkling purple eyes, "Or perhaps I am saying these things so that I can keep petting your direwolf".
Jon had to laugh at her words. She was as deft with her words as Jon was with a sword it would seem.
Jon asked as he petted the wolf himself, "For that I cannot fault you. I thank the old gods everyday for Wraith. There are not many direwolves left in the North, Wraith is from the last litter my grandfather's own direwolf sired before the old wolf passed, not my grandfather I mean. I am convinced he will outlive us all truth be told.".
Daena laughed and then a small sad smile broke out on her face, "That was clever, but that is what I thought about my father too. Do cherish the time you have with him, Jon".
Jon said, "Aye I sense the truth of those words. Mayhaps I'll bring my grandfather back a gift from Dorne. I think he'll like the crown of the Prince of Dorne".
Daena said, "From what I heard, your father would sooner prefer a new wife or shipments of foodstuffs for the North during the Winter".
Jon laughed, "If Lady Lynara did not live, he likely would have wanted a new wife. You are right though, my Lord Grandfather would not want some Dornish crown made of gold and precious stones. He would probably say "What do I need with some southron crown of gold and precious stone? Bronze and Iron would serve me better, at least I can forge the metal in a tool and not some prancing pretty thing".
Daena laughed and said, "I think I prefer Snows to Starks if that is the case".
Jon could scarcely believe what was happening, a Princess of the blood, was enjoying his company and he hadn't made a fool of himself. He better find a heart tree soon so he can thank the old gods for this blessing. He wondered how long he could keep this up or go on unseen. He would rather not have to face a knight of the Kingsguard with sword in hand just for the crime of being a bastard and speaking to a princess.
Jon replied, "Thank you for your kind words and your time. I do not wish to intrude on your time and you were in a hurry when you ran into me. Thus, I do not wish to keep you".
Daena laughed and in jest punched his chest hitting the padded cloth and leather that made up the outer covering for his cuirass of brigandine.
Daena said, "Truly I say you are far better company than some grouchy old septa who wants me to sew dresses. If I want something sewn, I would just ask Rhaena, she is much better at that than I am. Besides, I wanted to go riding on my horse, Balerion. Would you care to ride with me"?
Jon smiled and said, "I would be honored to. Wraith and I could even be your sworn shield. Never has there been a more loyal beast as wraith nor has Winterfell ever produced as fine and gallant a swordsman as I. Even my lord grandfather says so".
Daena smiled and replied, "A humble one or do you tell all the beautiful maidens that".
That took Jon by surprise, as flirting had not been his intention. But had not been his intention with the serving girl either, and she had tried to kiss him and make a man out of him. He was in dangerous water. In his studies, the war games, and the training yard all said he was all that could be hoped for in a son. He was as brave, strong, and quick as any man, but when it came to women he was an utter fool. Even his Lord grandfather and father said as much.
Before Jon could respond, a sound of several men shouting were, they were looking for the princess.
Daena grabbed his arm and took him and told him to hide. She hid him deep into the stable behind a bale of hay that the stableboys would have used to feed the horses.
The guards and men-at-arms searched the royal section of the stable and moved from there searching the entire stable after seeing the princess' horse still being there.
Daena said, "Come with me Jon, I know another way out".
Jon had no choice but to follow her if they caught him with her without a chaperone he feared it would be death or the wall, preceded by a gelding.
Daena shifted some stones in the wall and a secret stairwell appeared. She led him and his wolf down the steps, which Wraith was barely able to squeeze through. He followed her as they went through several corridors and crossed several bridges.
Jon had heard about the secret ways beneath the castle that Maegor the cruel had built, but he didn't expect this. Even Winterfell and Castle Black's famous underground passages weren't as impressive and they had been built up over centuries. He tried his best to step where she had stepped but he couldn't see a blasted thing. So he just let Wraith take point in following her.
Jon lost track of time down there, all he knew was the splatter of some water and mud or at least what he hoped was water and mud, but before he could ask if she had gotten lost, a light appeared and they went towards it. The light hurt his eyes but when he could see clearly again, they were outside the Red Keep and in the lower part of the city.
Jon said, "Seven Hells".
Daena laughed and said, "Did you truly think we would still be in the Red Keep after all that time".
Truthfully Jon didn't know, but he wasn't about to tell her that.
So Jon replied, "I am just surprised we still ended up outside the city, I would have thought the tunnel led inside the city walls that way none could use it to infiltrate the keep".
Daena shrugged and said, "How many men prefer to climb up a sewer? Do not worry, this one just received the offal of horses not men".
That was not much of a comfort, but it was better than man's night soil. He couldn't imagine a worse death for a son of Winterfell than to die to the pale mare.
Jon asked, "So what shall we do now, Daena"?
Daena said, "Explore the city, what else?"
Jon gave her an incredulous look and said, "You go into the city by yourself with no guards?"
Daena said, "I mean usually I dress myself up like a stableboy, but yes. With you though I have no need since I have you and Wraith with me".
She grabbed his arm and told him to follow, which he relented and followed her staying close to her, so as to make sure she was safe. Gods, how had this gotten out of hand. For several hours they explored the city, listening to the music of the minstrels and bards, Eating sweet cakes and other treats that were peddled by street vendors. They watched mummers and jugglers put on their shows by the fountains and squares. Drank sweet summer wine and mead in the taverns, and even saw some hedge wizards perform tricks, though Jon's caught the sleight of hand in them. There was little his bastard eyes could not catch afterall. The strangest sight they saw was a man with a doublet of black on red with a weirwood sewn on his breast. His hair was still black as midnight, but had a beard that was well salted with age. He played a wood heart sang a strange song which neither Jon nor Daena had ever heard.
Jon swore that he could have heard words of the old tongue and Daena swore she heard High Valyrian. He gave the man a silver stag after the song.
Jon was thankful that no unsavory folk had accosted them, whether it be because he was still clad for battle in his brigandine and mail armor, a bastard sword at his hip, and a direwolf shadowing them.
It was near dusk when they were caught. A lord clad in a seagreen surcoat with a silver seahorse and about a dozen riders to his sides and rear.
The Lord said, "Daena, what in the Seven Hells are you doing here and who is this boy you are with"?!
Daena stood defiant and responded, " I wanted to ride my horse, but the damned Septa sent men to catch me and blocked me from my horse". She pointed at Jon and said, "This Jon Snow the son of Lord Rickon, I ran into him as I ran to saddle my horse and knocked him over.".
Before she could finish Wraith appeared suddenly and without noise with fangs bared. The Lord and his men struggled to control their horses as the horses were unnerved by the direwolf.
The Lord said, "What in bloody hell is that?! It is damn near as large as a horse"!
Daena smirked and said, "That is Jon's direwolf. I named Jon and his wolf as my shields and escorts so it is not like I was alone and unguarded".
The Lord recomposed himself and said, "Damn it Daena, your Lady mother is beside herself in panic and Daeron had mobilized the Gold Cloaks, The Kingsguard, and the army to search for you". The Lord turned to him and said, "Do you have anything to say for yourself"?
Jon said, "I had no intention to take her out of the Red Keep, my lord. I followed her so as to ensure she was safe and she was. House Targaryen has no more true and loyal vassals than a Stark or a Snow of Winterfell. Do not punish her, my lord. She is a most kind and brave princess".
The old lord smiled and said, "She will get no punishment from me and I will see that the King does not punish you as well. As it happens you remind me of my late brother. Come it is time we take you back to the castle".
Jon signaled to Wraith that all was well and Jon and Daena had to ride double with the Lord and his men. Jon rode with one of the men-at-arms, while Daena rode with the Lord. Wraith walked in front so as to not frighten the horses and clear a path. The ride was in silence, though their entering into the courtyard of the Red Keep was not.
Jon's father stood next to the King on his left and had an angry look, while the King himself at first had a look of surprise as did an older man to the King's right. Jon figured it was probably because of Wraith. The Kingsguard stood behind them.
They dismounted and his father and the King moved forward to meet them.
The King said, "Is that a direwolf"?
Jon said, "Aye, your grace. His name is Wraith".
When Jon first saw the King, he looked as much a dragon as Aegon the Conqueror must have, even if the King was of age with him. But when the King saw the direwolf, he looked the same as Jon did when his father told him he would take him south on campaign when the King called the banners.
The King said, "May I place my hand on him".
Jon tensed, but calmed quickly and recomposed himself so as not to agitate Wraith.
He replied, "Of course, your Grace. Just let him become familiar with your scent first".
The older man and one of the White swords tried to dissuade the King, but he just waved them off.
The King let Wraith get his scent and then he placed his hand on Wraith's head and petted the wolf. The wolf raised its tail and wagged it slightly before licking the King's arm. The King smiled and looked at Jon.
The King said, "You have a magnificent wolf, my lord".
Jon said, "Thank you, your Grace".
The King said, "I know some of my lords and my own Lady Mother feared you had run off with my sister, and wish me to punish you for such a crime".
Jon held his breath.
King Daeron said, "But I know my sister well, and I have no doubt she was behind it. Besides, what would a Northman like yourself even know where to go in this city? Alas for honor's sake I must have some recompense. Your punishment will be…" The King paused to let his words hang in the air. He continued, "To ride with me on the march and fight beside me in the war, so I can see what kind of man my sister dragged into her mischief".
Jon's mouth opened in surprise, and said, "Pardon me your Grace, but I must have misheard. You said that I am to ride with you and fight beside you"?
King Daeron said, "Yes. Your lord father is invited as well. My uncle swore a bond of brotherhood with your grandsire and made oaths that my House is as of yet unable to keep. So I would like to see you and your father's measure. To see if I continue to be worthy of those oaths that your grandsire swore and make my own bonds of brotherhood".
Jon's father spoke up, "It would be an honor, your Grace. I thank you for the clemency you have shown my son".
King Daeron said, "It is no crime to obey a princess especially when she did not come to any harm. I will give you and your son a seat of honor near me so we can continue to talk, my lord".
Jon's father gave him a look that meant he would likely be in trouble, but for once Jon did not care. He somehow won a princess' favor and friendship, and won a place by the side of the King. The fact that he avoided death or the Wall, just added to his feeling of excitement and joy.
Author's note:
I am having artwork commissioned for this fic and possibly other fics, but it won't be ready for several weeks. So do check back for the artwork.