Chapter 8
"You know, you have become quite the envy of Riverrun," Lord Tully joked, his eyes twinkling. "Most young men here were hoping you'd never return."
Jon shifted uncomfortably. "I'm just glad to be back."
"That must be true," Robb added with a chuckle. "Lady Shirei has certainly blossomed. Riverrun's halls will feel emptier without her."
Jon certainly couldn't deny it. He could hardly believe she was the same girl he'd left behind. They had been apart for almost two years, and she had written him hundreds of letters. He had looked forward to each one and tried his best to write her back as often as he could. She had shared much about her everyday life in Riverrun and her work assisting the Maesters with wounded soldiers. And now, seeing her in person, she felt both like a stranger and someone entirely familiar at once.
"Jon!" Shirei's voice broke through his thoughts, light and full of anticipation. "I've drawn a bath for you. Will you join me inside?"
Jon's heart stirred. "Of course," he replied, unable to resist the smile that crept onto his face as he followed her.
Jon followed Shirei into the room, his boots echoing softly against the stone floor. The air inside was warm and inviting, with the scent of lavender and herbs filling the space. She'd clearly gone to great lengths to make everything perfect, candles flickered on the table, and fresh flowers were arranged neatly by the window. The attention to detail didn't go unnoticed.
Shirei turned to face him, her expression a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I just… did what I thought would be comfortable for you."
"You've done more than enough," Jon replied, his voice softer now. "This is… well, it's more than I deserve after being gone so long."
Shirei's brow furrowed slightly. "Don't say that, Jon. I wanted to make this welcoming for you. I've waited for this day for so long."
Jon nodded, guilt prickling at him. "And I've missed you, truly." He paused, noticing the small changes in her, how she carried herself with more grace, how her voice had gained confidence. "You've grown so much in the time we've been apart."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she quickly busied herself by adjusting the towels near the bath. "Thank you. I only hope you're not disappointed by what you find."
Jon stepped closer, unsure how to respond. "Disappointed?" He shook his head. "You're the one who's done more than I could have asked for. You've made Riverrun your own, helped so many people, and never once complained." He hesitated before adding, "You've made it hard for me to live up to your kindness."
Shirei glanced up, her eyes full of sincerity. "You've always been kind to me, Jon. That's what gave me the strength to grow."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Jon felt the awkwardness of his words hang between them. He wasn't used to expressing what he felt, and Shirei's unwavering devotion only added to the pressure. But he couldn't deny the warmth that spread through him when he saw how much effort she'd put into preparing for his return.
"I hope you'll let me return some of that kindness now," Shirei said, her tone lightening as she gestured toward the bath. "You must be exhausted after your journey."
Jon couldn't help but chuckle at how determined she seemed. "A bath sounds like exactly what I need. You've read my mind."
Shirei's smile brightened, and she moved gracefully to help him with his cloak. Jon stiffened slightly as her hands brushed his shoulders, but he let her work, allowing himself to relax into the gesture. Her touch was gentle but assured, and he realized just how much she'd matured since they were last together.
"Thank you," he murmured, letting the tension leave his body as the warmth of the bathwater soothed his tired muscles. Shirei stepped back, giving him space, but the room was still filled with a sense of quiet intimacy. She seemed to be waiting, almost unsure whether to stay or leave, her eyes flicking between him and the door.
"You don't have to go," Jon said softly, noticing her hesitation. "Unless you'd prefer to."
Shirei shook her head quickly. "I'd like to stay… if that's alright. It's just… I want to talk with you. Catch up, like we used to in our letters."
Jon nodded, his expression softening. "I'd like that too."
She settled onto a chair nearby, hands folded in her lap. "I have so much to tell you. So many things happened while you were away." Her eyes sparkled with eagerness, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice. She seemed almost afraid that things between them might have changed too much during the time they were apart.
Jon leaned back, feeling the warmth of the water sink into his bones. "Then tell me everything," he encouraged. "I want to hear it all."
And so she did. Shirei's voice filled the room, recounting the small triumphs and challenges of her daily life, the way she'd learned to navigate the responsibilities at Riverrun, and the friendships she'd formed. Jon listened intently, absorbing every detail. Her stories were simple, but they painted a vivid picture of how she'd grown into someone both familiar and new, a wife he felt he was only just beginning to know.
Jon found himself relaxing more than he had in a long time. The comfort of her presence, the warmth of the bath, and the sound of her voice, it all felt unexpectedly right. It made him forget the horrors he had seen during the war.
"I'm sorry," she suddenly said. "Here I am chattering when you must be starving. You just wait here and relax; I'll be right back."
Jon watched as Shirei hurried out of the room, her skirts swishing as she moved with purpose. He let out a quiet sigh, closing his eyes and letting the warmth of the bath settle deep into his muscles. For a moment, all the worries and memories of battle faded away, replaced by the quiet comfort of being cared for.
It struck him how much things had changed. Shirei was no longer the timid girl he had left behind. She had grown into a capable young woman, full of warmth and kindness. Jon felt a strange mix of emotions, gratitude, admiration, and a hint of unease. She had blossomed in ways he hadn't expected, and he wondered if he could meet her expectations as her husband.
The sound of footsteps broke through his thoughts. Shirei returned with a tray balanced in her hands, carrying fresh bread, cheese, and slices of roasted meat. Her eyes sparkled as she set it down on the table beside him.
"I know it's nothing fancy, but I hope it's enough," she said, glancing at him as if seeking approval.
Jon smiled, genuinely touched. "It's perfect. You've done so much, Shirei. I appreciate it more than you know."
Her cheeks flushed with a pleased warmth, and she busied herself pouring wine into a cup. She handed it to him with a small, proud smile. "I've been practicing my cooking. The Maester's wife was kind enough to teach me a few things."
Jon accepted the cup, taking a sip. "I can tell. You've put a lot of heart into everything here."
Her expression softened, the vulnerability from earlier returning. "I just want you to feel comfortable. I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
Jon set the cup down and met her gaze. "I do feel comfortable. You've made it so."
She blinked rapidly, her eyes shining. "I worried you'd find everything different… that you'd see I've changed too much."
Jon shook his head slowly. "Change isn't bad, Shirei. You've grown stronger, more confident. I can see that. And I'm glad for it."
Shirei's lips quirked into a shy smile, relief mingling with the joy in her expression. "I wanted to be someone you could be proud of. I've always thought… you deserve a wife who can stand by your side, not just follow behind."
Jon felt a pang in his chest at her words. She had placed so much importance on earning his approval, and he hadn't realized just how deeply she cared about being the wife he needed. "Shirei, you've done more than enough. You're strong in ways that matter, kindness, patience, loyalty. Those things are worth more than anything else."
She nodded, a small tear slipping down her cheek before she quickly wiped it away. "Thank you, Jon. I'll always do my best."
They fell into a comfortable silence as Jon ate, and Shirei busied herself tidying the room. Despite the quiet, there was a sense of companionship between them. It was as if the distance of the past two years was finally beginning to close.
As the meal ended, Jon leaned back in the bath, feeling more at ease than he had in ages. Shirei approached him again, this time with a folded towel. She hesitated, then held it out with a bashful smile.
"For when you're ready," she said softly.
Jon took it, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Shirei. For everything."
She gave him a warm look, then turned toward the door. "I'll give you some privacy. Just call if you need anything else."
Jon watched her leave, feeling a strange mixture of relief and something more, something that made him realize how much she'd grown on him in their time apart. He had thought of her often during the war, but seeing her now, her kindness and quiet determination, stirred something deeper within him.
As he finished his bath and dried off, Jon couldn't help but think how strange it felt to come back to someone who truly cared about him. As ashamed as he was to admit it, he hadn't really thought much about his life with Shirei after the war.
They had formed an alliance with Stannis, who was now king, and he had offered Jon whatever title or land he desired. Jon was no longer the bastard of Winterfell; he had every opportunity he'd ever wanted. Robb was the King in the North, but Jon still hadn't truly considered what he wanted for himself. At the very least, he could offer Shirei the life she deserved. He could ensure that she would be comfortable and protected.
Jon's thoughts churned as he dried off and dressed in clean clothes Shirei had thoughtfully laid out for him. The soft linen felt foreign against his skin after so many months in rough, weather-worn garments. It felt like a glimpse into a future that was finally his to shape. The war was over, but the decisions he had to make now seemed no less daunting. He could claim a title, land, perhaps even a castle. Yet amidst all those possibilities, there was Shirei, a quiet presence who had been waiting for him, preparing this space with care, hoping to be a true partner to him.
Jon wasn't sure when it had happened, but she had gone from being a mere duty, a girl he married out of necessity, to someone he genuinely felt responsible for. Someone who had earned his respect and, perhaps more than that, his affection. He couldn't deny that he had come to rely on the idea of her. She had become a constant, even if they'd been apart for so long.
Pushing the thoughts aside, Jon left the bathing chamber and entered the room where Shirei was waiting. She had lit a few candles, casting a soft glow over the stone walls. The smell of herbs and clean linen lingered in the air, a sharp contrast to the smoky, blood-soaked fields he had grown used to. Shirei was standing by the window, looking out at the darkening sky. She seemed lost in thought, her expression pensive.
Hearing his footsteps, she turned, a gentle smile forming on her lips. "Feel better?"
Jon nodded. "Much better. I didn't realize how much I needed this, peace and quiet."
Her eyes warmed. "You've earned it. I can't imagine what you've been through, but I'm glad you're home now."
There was that word again—home. Jon wasn't sure what that meant anymore. Winterfell had always been home, but now it was Robb's seat. And while Stannis had offered him anything he desired, Jon found himself realizing that the only place he truly felt any connection to was wherever Shirei was. It was unsettling, how much he had started to associate comfort and stability with her.
Jon took a seat by the small hearth, gesturing for Shirei to join him. She hesitated for a moment before perching on the edge of the chair across from him, her hands folded in her lap.
"I've been thinking," Jon began, his voice low. "About what happens next. Stannis has offered me a title and land, whatever I want. But the truth is, I haven't really decided what that is."
Shirei's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Whatever you choose, I'll stand by you," she said softly. "I only want you to be happy."
"That's the thing," Jon murmured, his gaze steady on hers. "I want to make sure that you're happy too. We were put together by circumstance, and I know I haven't done right by you. But now that the war is over, I want to make sure that wherever we end up, you're taken care of."
Shirei's expression softened. "You've done more than enough, Jon. You've given me more kindness than I ever expected. I don't need titles or riches, just… a place where we can both be at peace."
Jon's chest tightened at her words. She was so earnest, so devoted, and it made him realize that he'd been thinking only of what he could offer her in a material sense. But what Shirei needed wasn't wealth or status; she wanted a true home and a life together. Something simple, but meaningful.
He leaned forward, his voice steady. "Shirei, I don't know what the future holds, but I want us to make decisions together. I'm done being a pawn in other people's games. If we're to build a life, it should be one we both want."
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she nodded resolutely. "I would like that. Whatever you choose, as long as we face it together, I'll be content."
Jon's heart swelled with an unfamiliar sense of certainty. For the first time since the war ended, he felt like he could see a path forward, one that wasn't just dictated by duty, but by the choices they would make together. Maybe it wasn't about claiming titles or castles. Maybe it was simply about building a life with someone who genuinely cared about him, who saw him not as a leader or a warrior, but as a man worthy of loyalty and love.
"Then we'll take it one step at a time," Jon said, offering her a rare smile. "We'll figure it out, together."
Shirei's face lit up with a radiant smile, and in that moment, Jon realized that for all the uncertainties ahead, he had found something precious here. A beginning, perhaps, to something more than he had ever allowed himself to hope for.
