That night, Jon gathered with Robb, Lady Stark and Arya, waiting for Sansa to arrive. Of course, this was no ordinary wedding. In theory, it should have been one of the greatest weddings Westeros had ever witnessed, yet just like that of his parents, it was peaceful and intimate. Fortunately, this time, both families approved of the marriage, even if it wasn't ideal for the couple.
First of all, Sansa was in the body of a thirteen-year-old girl who hadn't flowered, which by any standards was frowned upon. According to the knowledge of the rest of the realm, Jon was Sansa's brother, which was even worse.
To compound matters, they were both adults trapped in these bodies, but with the raging emotions of a teenager bubbling beneath the surface. A mixture of their old childhood self and their personality at death. It was a complicated mix, requiring more discipline than usual.
Jon had been surprised about how well Robb had taken all the news. Although Jon suspected it was because he doubted Jon and Sansa would ever be able to consummate their marriage, leaving his little sister pure for all eternity.
What Robb wouldn't understand, was quite how beautiful Sansa would grow up to be. Even Jon had been able to see what a beauty she was when she appeared at the wall, dirty and bedraggled; and that was when he thought she was his sister.
When she became that woman again, Jon would have known she wasn't his sister for a long time, he'd adapted to her being his cousin. He suspected consummation might not be as problematic as Robb suspected. Most notably for Jon, as his broken heart over Daenerys would have healed by then. In fact, it was piecing itself back together already. Sansa, might feel a little different, although in his experience, she was pragmatic enough to honour it.
What had concerned Jon the most was telling Septon Chayle about the marriage. Although it was taking place in the Godswood, Lady Stark also wanted the Faith of the Seven words to be uttered, which meant they needed a Septon to marry them.
Jon wasn't a follower of the Faith of the Seven, and didn't interact with the Septon, but Lord Stark believed that Septon Chayle would be trustworthy enough to perform the marriage, even if he didn't know who he was marrying. For now, he could see the man was muttering something under his breath from a book, which Jon assumed was some kind of prayer.
In consolidation to marrying in the Godswood, they had placed small statues of the seven gods. To the side of Jon was the father and to the side of where Sansa would be stood was the mother.
Jon stood beside Robb, who was holding an old black cloak which had once belonged to Lord Stark. Lady Stark had stitched the red three-headed dragon Targaryen sigil onto the front to symbolise Jon's heritage, something which made Jon feel incredibly uncomfortable with. He'd known his new identity for less than a fortnight, and now he was back to being sixteen and under the heart tree getting wed.
How life had changed since he'd told his secret to Daenerys. Since he'd stood on the ramparts with Edd and Sam, talking about how they were the last three. Jon could have sworn he'd seen Edd with blue eyes. Gods, he missed his friends; he was going to need them back to support him. But that would all have to wait, for he could hear the crunching of feet from behind.
Jon looked over to Robb who nodded his head in a sombre fashion. Jon looked to his side and saw Sansa standing beside him. She wore a newly made dress. A replica of her green one with the wolf sigil across the front, which he'd commented on liking. He remembered it vividly. This time it wasn't green, it was white with a grey direwolf and she was clearly wearing Lady Stark's maiden cloak, to which Jon smiled at his future good-mother in appreciation.
Sansa's hair was free-flowing, and she wore a crown of winter roses upon her head, accentuating her Tully blue eye colour. Jon had to admit, she looked pretty, but he felt uncomfortable looking at a thirteen-year-old (going on fourteen) as his wife. Albeit she was actually twenty.
"Who comes before the Old Gods this night?" Septon Chayle called out.
"Sansa of the House Stark. Daughter of Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North. She comes here to be wed." Lord Stark called out. "A woman, trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessings of the gods."
"Who comes to claim her?" the Septon asked.
Jon stepped forward. "Aegon of the House Targaryen, a trueborn Prince of the Realm."
Septon Chayle looked at Jon in astonishment for a moment, before gathering his composure. "Who gives her?"
"Lord Eddard of House Stark, Warden of the North."
"Lady Sansa, will you take this man?" Septon Chayle asked as Jon and Sansa faced one another.
"L take this man." Sansa smiled.
Jon and Sansa knelt beside the tree for a few moments and prayed to the old gods. The tree rustled in the wind as if acknowledging their union. After a moment of silent prayer, they returned to their feet. As they were combining the ceremonies, the cloaking would take place in the fashion of the Faith of the Seven. The ceremony for the old gods was over, next it was for the Faith of the Seven, despite not being in a Sept.
Jon and Sansa turned towards Septon Chayle. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection." he said, as Jon removed Sansa's cloak, handing it to Lord Stark and wrapped her in the makeshift Targaryen cloak Robb was holding for him.
"My lords, my ladies, we stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever." Septon Chayle announced quietly. "In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity," he unravelled and held a thick grey silk ribbon. Jon held out his right hand and Sansa held her left next to his. Septon Chayle tied the ribbon around their hands. "Look upon each other and say the words"
Jon turned to face Sansa, who did the same."Father smith warrior mother maiden crone stranger I am hers and she is mine from this day until the end of my days."
"Father smith warrior mother maiden crone stranger I am his and he is mine from this day until the end of my days." Sansa said with him.
"I challenge any man or woman to speak against this marriage." Septon Chayle called out, a resounding silence echoed throughout the woods.
"Let it be known that Sansa of House Stark and Aegon of House Targaryen are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder." Septon closed his speech.
Jon and Sansa turned to one another. "With this kiss, I pledge my love and take you for my lady and wife." Jon stared at her, as he placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek, causing her to blush.
Lord Stark walked over to have a word with Septon Chayle, while the cloaks were removed, folded and the original placed back on Sansa's shoulder. Jon hated the fact that he and Sansa had married in secret and for her it was the third time, he just hoped he was an improvement on Tyrion, which wasn't hard.
They made their way back to Ned's solar to plan the trip to Queenscrown. Jon had decided while waiting for Sansa that he needed his friends, especially Sam, this meant having them at his side instead of taking the black. Of course, they were no council, except for Sam, and they weren't of much use as a Kingsguard, but they offered a grounding of sorts, a protection only of men who are trustworthy.
Jon was going to ask Lord Stark, as warden of the north, to pardon them of their crimes, and override Lord Tarly's decision to force Sam to take the black, insisting his services were required at Winterfell. Edd, Pyp and Grenn were the others he wished to have with him. Soon Jon would have to venture north of the wall, and these were the men he wanted with him. Training them himself would yield faster results than Ser Alliser.
They sat back down with some wine for a small marital celebration as well as the next part of their project, Queenscrown.
"First of all, please do not refer to me as your grace when we are in small family meetings, it makes me feel... uncomfortable," he turned to Ned. "and second, I need pardons for men to not take the black. One is Randyll Tarly's eldest son, he will need to forsake his rights to Horn Hill. Mayhaps train as a Maester at some point. I'd like him to work with Maester Luwin." Jon told Lord Stark. To which Arya and Sansa agreed.
Jon gave him the other three names, which Lord Stark wrote out; ravens which would be sent at the end of the King's visit. All three of them wrote out the events they knew would take place during the King's visit, the most shocking of which was Bran's fall from the broken tower, an event Lady Stark was determined to avoid.
Once the King's visit was over, Robb would venture north to Queenscrown, where he would help with the training of Sam, Edd, Pyp and Grenn and once they were sufficiently capable, they would go north of the wall to talk to Mance Rayder, to allow some of his people south, enabling them to set up the gift to settle the Freefolk. Robb and Jory would take turns to stay with Sansa and Arya, even though they were quite capable of looking after themselves. The only bone of contention was trying to stop Robb taking over the rebuilding of the keep and town. This was when Sansa suddenly became the ferocious version of the Lady of Winterfell Jon knew, so he sat back and watched as she gave them the type of dressing down he was used to when he fucked up.
"Sansa, how on earth can a little girl like you rebuild an entire town." Robb had shook his head. "You don't know where to start."
"No idea?" Sansa stood, her height towering over Robb who was sitting down. Sansa stood tall, legs slightly apart in an almost at ease military stance.
"My body may appear like that of a child, but believe me, I have seen and done things you could never imagine. After Winterfell was burned and taken by the Bolton's, the castle was in disarray. Much of it needed rebuilding. Although Jon was significant in that rebuild, after he went to Dragonstone, I was the one to complete the building work. This situation is no different. While Jon was away, I arranged for the food to be gathered, for the armour to be made. I ran Winterfell and the north. I was effectively Jon's Queen. What have you done regarding running the north? I know all about the business needs, contacts throughout Westeros and Braavos to find the best materials and deals. I have already made a list of businesses who will help, based upon price and quality. I understand the trade and the taxes. You may have had training in running Winterfell, but I have done it. If I can rebuild Winterfell in winter, I'm quite certain I am fully capable of doing the same to a tiny keep covering a small patch of land in summer," she sat down in a huff.
Arya leaned over to Robb. "You've been told. Just wait until she's mad and throws real daggers," she gave Robb a knowing look as he swallowed uncomfortably.
To diffuse the situation, Ned opened the drawer to his desk and pulled out a parchment, handing it to Jon. "Lord and Lady Whitestark of Queenscrown. Gods, I hope Robert falls for this," he sighed.
"I just hope Lord Commander Mormont agrees to this." Jon said. "It is not your business to give lands to a Lord in the gift, the land belongs to the Watch."
"I'm not giving you land. I am making you responsible for regenerating it. It is only a temporary measure." Lord Stark said.
"And the Night's Watch do not get involved in the game of thrones." Sansa reminded them.
"Bollocks!" Arya stated. "They would play by the rules of the person who gives them enough men and money."
"Arya!" Lady Stark scolded, but Arya just folded her arms and glared at her mother.
"Even Lord Commander Mormont would be prepared to involve himself in the fight if it was for the good of the watch." Jon said. "I would've done it. I know we play no part in the realms of men. And hiding Rhaegar Targaryen's son is none of their business, even that of Maester Aemon. Lord Stark, tell him I will come and speak with him. You are paying for the regeneration of Queenscrown. Any taxes derived from the gift will go straight into the pockets of the Watch, which is in dire financial straits right now. That will be how you will gain their support. After that, it is down to me to talk to the Old Bear."
"Then we've got the problem of Robert believing us." Arya stated.
"You mean Lord Tyrion?" Sansa raised an eyebrow. "He's going to know something is amiss. Jon looks like a Stark."
"We will tell them Jon is Brandon's son with Ashara Dayne. The Dayne's had already promised Rhaegar they would take care of Jon should anything happen to Rhaegar or Lyanna. It was agreed upon, Jon was to be raised as Ashara's boy, fathered by Brandon." Ned shrugged as everyone looked at each other in surprise.
"Why would they do that?" Sansa asked.
"The Daynes were loyal to Rhaegar... And Brandon put a child in Ashara's belly, which she lost. Rhaegar promised Jon to Ashara should he fall in battle, as Lyanna would be vulnerable to both Aerys and Robert."
Everyone in the room looked shocked at the news. Ned continued with his story.
"Whereas Jon could easily be passed off as Ashara and Brandon's child, regardless of who he took after. Very few knew about her losing her own child. But Lyanna and Rhaegar both died, which changed everything. I found Lyanna and then took Jon to Starfall, as we couldn't be sure who he would take after, but when it became apparent he looked like Lyanna and there were no Targaryen features. So I claimed him as my bastard. He wasn't the responsibility of the Daynes, even if they wished it. Ashara, fresh from the loss of her own child, bonded with Jon and even named him her heir. She wanted to keep him at Starfall, but his place was here in Winterfell. The grief of losing Brandon, Arthur, her own child, and then Jon was too much for her."
"If we go with me being Ashara and Brandon's son, why would you have brought me north?" Jon asked.
"There are plenty of reasons for me to hide you if you were the bastard son of Brandon and Ashara. Should there have been any inheritance issues at Starfall, Jon would have been dragged into it. If Cat had died giving birth to Robb and anything happened to him, Jon could have been legitimised as my heir. Of course, there is now an heir to Starfall, so it is no longer of any concern. As far as our story to Robert is concerned, there are problems in the north. I will tell Robert you are being made a Lord to give you authority to deal with the matters."
"And why not tell King Robert the truth in the first place?" Cat asked.
"We tell them I couldn't have told you at first because she would have been upset by the knowledge of Brandon's betrayal. You were in love with him, ours was not a love match." Ned sighed. "Then we say it became harder over the years to tell you I'd lied. I haven't been in touch with him for nine years. "We'll say there was no need to tell him, it wasn't important."
"I'm surprised you would come up with such an elaborate story." Jon could tell Sansa was impressed.
"The Daynes and I had a long time to discuss the matter. Much of the lie is based upon a truth, of sorts. Not that I enjoy telling lies." Ned added.
"Remember, every lie is based on a truth." Sansa warned. "This is worth more than our lives, it is for the future of everyone. Occasionally, a lie is the most honourable way forward."
"As long as he thinks there are problems in the north and you had no choice but to sign Sansa over for marriage. The plan should work." Lady Stark insisted.
"So, why would you two be married?" Robb asked. "There is no way mother would let you marry a bastard, a Lord or not."
"Mainly validation. Marrying Sansa would prove to the northern Lords I trust Jon to resolve the northern problems. I would have always wanted her to marry a northern Lord." Ned told him. "I suppose we could say they fell in love after they found out who he was."
"It isn't how things are done." Cat shook her head. "They won't believe us."
"Things are done differently in the north Cat." Ned smiled at her. "They will believe us. That is why the King and his family never get involved in northern politics."
Sansa turned to Jon. "You know you are going to have to pretend to like me in that way," she glared at him.
"I don't think we really have any choice." Jon shrugged.
"I worry Robert won't be happy that I lied to him all of these years." Ned sighed.
"If we don't do this, we all die. Not just the Starks, not just the north, everyone. It is our duty to protect these people. Jon said, putting on his most kingly voice as possible. "If Tyrion Lannister goes north with uncle Benjen, Robb must accompany them, there they can stop at Queenscrown and I will join them to go to the wall. Robb can stay behind with the girls."
"How long do you expect to be gone north of the wall?" Lady Stark asked .
"I will stay at Castle Black for the training of the men I want to go with me. That will be around four months. The trip to the Frostfangs will take a couple of months to get there, possibly longer to get back. Mance will take me prisoner first, to establish trust. I need to convince him to send Tormund Giantsbane south with me."
"So you are looking to leave the girls alone for almost a year?" Ned looked at him in shock.
"Aye." Jon nodded.
"That should give us time to find out what is happening in the south." Sansa said. "Things will not be the same as they were. If you are not there, Lord Baelish will have to make other plans. I expect King Robert to live a little longer this time."
"I can't believe Littlefinger would plot against us so." Cat said.
"I want Gendry out of Kings Landing." Arya stated. "Either Joffrey or Cersei was behind the murder of all the Baratheon bastards. We'll need him." Jon nodded in agreement.
"Gendry?" Lady Stark asked.
"A friend of mine. We saved each other a few times." Arya lied. "He's one of the best blacksmiths in Kings Landing."
"He's one of King Robert's bastards." Jon added. "We could do with him in the north to forge the weapons when we mine the dragonglass," he turned to Ned. "Hopefully Stannis will be amenable to allowing us to mine it. But we can't ask for it until I have been north. When we have it, I intend for the Freefolk to be the ones in charge of making the dragonglass weapons. Gendry will be our blacksmith in charge of training them."
"I'll send someone to Kings Landing to buy his services." Ned nodded.
"When will you be returning?" Lady Stark asked, directing her question as Sansa and Arya.
"You can come north with me when the castle is habitable." Robb suggested.
"That... would be nice." Lady Stark smiled.
Jon addressed Lord Stark. "You will need to write to Jeor Mormont and Maester Aemon, giving your blessing for us to go north of the wall. There's another reason I want to stay at Castle Black for a while. Maybe then we can find a wight which will try to kill Lord Commander Mormont, and I can save him."
"Longclaw?" Arya smirked.
Jon shrugged. "It might be worth another burned hand. But it ties me up for over a year if I spend time at Castle Black."
"To get Longclaw it will be worth it." Sansa agreed. "You need that sword to keep you safe."
"Aye." Jon nodded.
Lady Stark looked at Ned and back to the rest of them. "Your father and I were married for a mere day before he went off to war." she turned to Jon. "He came back with you. I am sorry for how I have treated you all of your life, you were innocent in any crime, regardless of your parentage. Can you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive Lady Stark. I made my peace with you many years ago, even if you didn't know it."
"You are my good-son now, you can refer to me as mother," she offered, as a lump formed in Jon's throat.
Sansa took his hand and squeezed it. "Thank you Lady Stark, but after nearly twenty-five years of thinking of you as Lady Stark, it would be too big a change for me. Especially when I would still have to refer to you in that manner in public. However, I appreciate the offer and return the faith you have put in me."
"You will look after my girls for me." she pleaded.
"They don't need my help, but I will do my best. Arya is a far fiercer opponent than she appears," he turned to Robb. "Do you want to take her on?"
"Not without needle." Arya rolled her eyes, but Jon smiled. He'd already spoken to Mikkon who had completed her little sword.
"Check your chambers." Jon grinned.
Arya turned to Robb. "We will spar in the morning, but in the Godswood. There, we will have some privacy. Live steel if you wish. Do your worst."
"I cannot allow this!" Ned stated.
"It might be a wise idea for you to see what she can do. It will put your minds at rest." Jon told them.
"Aye go on then. I'll try not to get beaten by my little sister, but only after we've broken our fast." Robb japed.
"I wish you good fortune, brother." Jon laughed, knowing Robb didn't stand a chance; and with that, the meeting was over.