It had been three days since the castle fell. Daeron had decreed that any legal suits must wait three days so that the wounded of both sides could be tended and a formal exchange of surrender could be done.
That had delayed much and more. First it delayed his trial for slaying the Caffren men and heir. Secondly it had delayed Beron's elevation to the Kingsguard. With the death of Ser Osric Royce, a new white sword was needed and while Jon pushed ahead to secure the gatehouse, Beron had defended the King and even took a wound in Daeron's defense. Thus, Daeron wanted to name Beron to the Kingsguard. Ameon had approved of the choice as Beron was quite skilled and proven to be loyal and willing to shield Daeron with his own body.
Jon would be more concerned if it wasn't for the fact that he had witnesses to speak in his defense and should it come to a trial by battle than he did not doubt his skill at arms. Though his father forbade him from asking for it and said that should it come to it, he would be his champion.
But now was the appointed time. First would be his trial then Beron's appointment to the Kingsguard. Daeron had told him the trial is little more than formality, but it must be done and after they shall celebrate with a feast honoring those who died in battle regardless of the side they fought on, Jon's own fierce chivalry, and Beron's elevation to the Kingsguard.
Jon's father was waiting with an accompaniment of Northern lords, including Jon's friends, and Ser Olyvar Oakheart who was to lead them to the throne room of House Yronwood where Daeron would hold court and the trial. Ser Olyvar gave him a look when he saw the white direwolf but said nothing of it.
Jon's father gave him a look and said, "Boy, you better have prayed to the Old Gods that those you saved will speak in your defense. Your mother would never forgive me if I let you die before me".
Ever since the Boneway, his father has been fretting over him and the risks Jon had been taking to prove himself. Now he had taken to throwing his mother's shade at him. Ever since he was a boy and learned that his mother died birthing him, Jon had felt guilty about how his birth had killed her. His father never blamed him for her death, and if anything doted on him as a child because of his love for Jon's mother. He knew his father meant no ill with his words, and he was growing more reckless. He wanted to prove himself worthy of Daeron and Daena's friendship, but it had nearly cost him his life in the Boneway. For a name, his friends, and Daena's hand in marriage. He had thrown caution to the wind. If it wasn't for the Old God's own protection and Wraith, Jon likely would have been killed as he pushed forward during the trap.
Jon simply said, "Yes father".
Ser Olyvar asked, "His Grace has requested that once you were here Ser Jon, I was to escort you and the Northern lords into the hall".
Jon said, "Then by all means, Ser Olyvar. Do as his grace commands".
Oakheart opened the door and the herald announced the. Oakheart led them to a position to the right of the throne Daeron sat, opposite of Lord Caffren and an array of Stormlanders.
Daeron whispered something to a septon, the septon announced, "His grace, has announced this court open! May the Crone grant wisdom to his Grace, and the Father Above grant his Grace the providence to judge the case justly"!
Daeron said, "Lord Caffren as the accuser, you have the right to present your opening argument".
Lord Caffren said, "Your Grace. Ser Jon Snow, the bastard of Winterfell slew my son in cold blood. Out of desire so that he alone would possess the honor of capturing the lady of the Castle and her family. As we all know they are worth a goodly ransom and it would not be uncommon for such a feat to be rewarded. Despite his title he is no true knight being a tree worshiping Northern bastard. According to the Maesters, the Northmen used to gut their enemies and hang the entrails and organs on the leaves of their weirwoods. The evidence ".
Angry shouts erupted from the Northern lords in attendance, it took all of Jon's own willpower to keep from speaking out.
Daeron raised his hand indicating to the Kingsguard to silence the shouting.
Daeron then said, "Lord Caffren, by your own admission that is something the Northmen do not do and have not done in centuries. It has no bearing on this trial", Daeron turned to him and said, "Ser Jon, you have the floor".
He stepped forward and said, "Thank you, Your grace. Lord Caffren's son. Was not searching for ransom. He was looking to rape and murder the women, children, and greybeards who werre taking refuge in the Sept. I slew him in the defense of the women, children, and the infirm. As a True Knight should. I kept the oath that I swore to you your grace when you knighted me. As proof of my words I present those who I had saved such as the Lady Dowager Gwendoline of House Yronwood and her daughter the new ruling lady of Yronwood, lady Jeyne Yrownwood. There are others too. The women, children, and greybeards of the castle staff".
The mother and daughter duo stepped forward. It was lady Gwendoline who decided to speak first, "Your grace, Ser Jon Snow speaks the truth. The knight of Caffren swore quite loudly that he would slay us and wished rape my daughter and turn her into a bedslave. As if she was some whore out of Lys or Yunkai. If he had been in my power to punish. I would have had him tortured him for seven days and seven nights before I had him gelded and his cock shoved into his mouth befor hanging in a crow cage. Ser Jon gave him a clean death, better than he deserved. All of my people will say the same".
A chorus of ayes and nods followed coming from those who had witnessed the events. Meanwhile Jon and his father had taken a cup of wine from a servant
Daeron said as he grabbed a goblet of wine, "I see. Lady Jeyne is there anything you wish to add before I pass my judgment"?
Jeyne said, "Yes, your Grace", she turned to Jon's father and said, "Lord Rickon, I would like to ask for your son's hand in marriage and to make him my consort".
All three of them choked on their wine. The rest of the assembled lords and knights were shocked as well. This was something none of them had expected.
Even her lady mother was shocked saying, "Jeyne"!
Jeyne though was undaunted by the shocked expression and actions said, "I am almost six and ten, a woman grown. I am a maiden and the ruling lady of my House. I am a strong match for your son, Lord Rickon. Long before I became my Lord Father's heir, I dreamed of marrying a true knight. Your son is a true knight, and a great honor to be the consort of the second most powerful house in Dorne".
Daeron said, "My lady, this is not the best time for this discussion. I will invite all involved parties to speak of this after the trial and ceremony".
Jeyne said, "Yes, your Grace".
Daeron said, "Well, I have heard enough. In the trial of Lord Caffren vs Ser Jon Snow in the deaths of Ser Mordred Caffren and the half dozen sworn swords of House Caffren. I, King Daeron of House Targaryen, First of my name. King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the realm. Do declare, Ser Jon Snow, innocent of all accusations".
Jon looked over to Lord Caffren and saw that Caffren was angered but he kept his silence.
Daeron said, "Ser Beron of House Manderly, please step forward and kneel before me".
Beron did as he was commanded, and knelt before Daeron.
Daeron, "For valor on the battlefield and taking a wound to defend my royal person. I King Daeron of House Targaryen, First of my name. King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the realm. Do offer you a position among my Kingsguard. You will take no wife, hold no lands, father, and no children. You will live and die for me and the royal family. You will offer me counsel when asked and keep my secrets. Do you accept this honor Ser Beron?
Beron said at once, "I do, your grace".
Daeron said, "Then swear it".
Beron began, "I swear toward King Daeron of House Targaryen, First of my name. King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the all my strength, I give my blood for his. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, and father no children. I shall guard his secrets, obey his commands. Ride at his side and defend his name and his honor".
Daeron smiled and said, "Rise Ser Beron, A Knight of the Kingsguard"!
The room was filled with applause and shots of support from Northmen with none louder than Beron's own kith and kin.
Prince Ameon brought a white cloak to Beron and placed in Beron's arms who proceeded to place it around his shoulders.
Jon knew the whole North would be celebrating. A Northmen was honored by the King and Beron was the first Northman to hold a spot among the Kingsguard.
Daeron said, "Now my lords we shall celebrate our victory and the honor we found in this battle! I shall rejoin my lords in a matter of moments", Daeron turned to Prince Ameon and said, "Cousin, the Kingsguard are to remain with me, along with the Ladies of Yronwood and my knights of Stark".
Prince Ameon said, "As you wish, your grace".
The assembly of lordlings and knights left the hall leaving only the Kingsguard, Daeron, the ladies of Yronwood, his father, and himself.
The dowager lady of the castle spoke first, "Your grace, please forgive my daughter's outburst. It was unseemly and inappropriate".
Daeron silenced with a raised open pal and said, "There is nothing to forgive, my lady. Jon is my dearest friend and I thank your daughter for the affection she has for my friend, but I am afraid his hand may not be free", Daeron turned to Jon's father and said, "Ser Rickon, have you received any word from your Lord Father about my proposals"?
His father said, "Yes your grace. My father consents to the matcha and the legitimization, but under the grounds that Jon's first born son will marry a daughter of any of my sons by my Lady wife".
Jon's breath caught in his throat.
Daeron said, "I do have a cousin through my royal father's half sister the Princess Baela, Lady of Driftmark is only three years our elder. I could propose the idea of him being your lord consort. He is a brave knight and has one a few victories against pirates.
This time it was the maiden of Yronwood who spoke with tears in her eyes. "I see your grace", she turned towards Jon and said, "I hope you find happiness with your betrothed Ser Jon".
Before Jon could say anything, she left almost running out of the room with her face in her hands.
Her mother made apologies and went after her.
While Jon was still speechless, Daeron said, "Well that could have gone better". I will have to have my nuncle look into healing any rift with House Yronwood. I will need them in case the Dornish try to resist even after losing every major settlement".
Jon finally found his voice, "Yes your grace".
Daeron said, "Well, we might as well join the feast. They will be waiting for us after all".
The only thing Jon knew for sure at that moment is that he needed a strong drink.