Chapter 16
Jon sighed as he prepared to meet another of his subjects who had requested an audience. He had made a point of arranging these meetings as often as he could, though he wished Helena could be with him today. But she was busy overseeing the food deliveries to the orphanage.
"Who's next?" Jon asked.
"Lord Gerold Fell, Your Grace," Jareth announced.
The man who entered was older than Jon, clad in a finely tailored tunic, accompanied by two young women in white cloaks. Lord Fell bowed deeply, his voice smooth as he spoke, revealing the practiced charm of a businessman.
"Your Grace," he greeted.
"Lord Fell," Jon replied with a nod. "What can I do for you?"
"First, let me express how honored I am to meet such a great warrior. The kingdom is truly blessed to have you as its king," Lord Fell said, his voice almost too polished.
"Thank you," Jon replied, his tone even.
Lord Fell bowed again before continuing, "I would like to offer Your Grace a humble gift. I run some of the finest establishments in King's Landing and pride myself on the quality of my... hospitality."
With that, the two women dropped their cloaks, revealing themselves, and Jon's expression instantly hardened. His calm, neutral demeanor shifted to one of cold, unmistakable tension as he stared at the women standing before him, smiling in anticipation.
Jon rose from his seat, his movements slow and deliberate. "Put your cloaks back on," he commanded the women, his voice steady but unyielding. The women quickly obeyed, pulling the cloaks back over their shoulders.
Turning his full attention to Lord Fell, Jon's gaze grew piercing. "You think you can offer me this… as a gift?" His voice was low, but the fury behind it was unmistakable.
Lord Fell's confident demeanor faltered. "Your Grace, I meant no offense. It's merely a courtesy, a gesture of goodwill…"
"Goodwill?" Jon interrupted, his tone sharp. "I have a wife. Your Queen."
"Of course, Your Grace," Lord Fell stammered, trying to recover. "I served her father dutifully, as I hope to serve you. A King should have all his needs met, after all."
Jon's face darkened. He forced himself to remain in control, knowing that mere anger wouldn't correct such a deep-seated belief.
"A king's needs," Jon repeated icily, "are to serve his people with honor and justice, not to indulge in every whim brought to his court." He took a step forward, closing the distance between himself and Lord Fell. "My needs are met, and I will not dishonor my wife by accepting this... offer."
Lord Fell, visibly uncomfortable now, attempted a recovery. "I… I meant no disrespect, Your Grace. It's just that… well, your predecessor…"
Jon's glare cut him off. "I am not my predecessor. If you think you can serve me in the same way you served him, you are mistaken."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Lord Fell swallowed hard, glancing nervously at the women who stood silent and still beside him.
"You will not bring this kind of business into my court again," Jon continued, his tone steely. "If you do, I'll make sure you won't be running anything in King's Landing, let alone a brothel. Is that clear?"
Lord Fell nodded, his face pale. "Yes, Your Grace. I apologize for my misjudgment."
"Good." Jon's voice was final. "You may go."
Lord Fell bowed deeply, his previous arrogance completely shattered, and quickly left the room, the two women following close behind.
Jon remained still for a moment after they departed, his anger simmering beneath his composed exterior. Running a hand through his hair, he felt the weight of his responsibilities settle heavily on his shoulders. Old corruption still lingered, clinging to the halls of the Red Keep, and he knew it would take time to root it out.
"I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this after getting married," he murmured, more to himself than to Jareth. He had dealt with similar "offers" before, usually from those hoping to gain his favor.
Jareth, who had been standing silently by the door, cleared his throat softly and stepped forward. "Unfortunately, Your Grace, some in the realm are slow to change. They still believe the path to power lies in indulgence and corruption, as it did under previous kings."
Jon nodded, though his frustration didn't ease. "They think everything can be bought. That honor is just another bargaining tool." He took a deep breath. "I didn't marry Helena to play those old games. I married her to bring peace, to build something better." His voice softened. "She deserves better than this."
Jareth nodded, pausing a moment before he continued. "Your Grace, perhaps… the Queen would be comforted to know how firmly you stood by her today."
Jon stopped pacing, considering Jareth's words. Helena had embraced her role as Queen, earning respect and admiration with her grace and kindness. Moments like this reminded him how much the old ways could still touch her, even indirectly.
"She's busy with the orphanage today," Jon murmured. "I don't want to add more weight to her day."
"Even so," Jareth replied gently, "it may be better for her to hear it from you, rather than through whispers or rumors."
Jon sighed, realizing Jareth was right. Helena deserved to know what had happened, especially since it involved her, even if indirectly. He hated to add to her burdens, but she had a right to know.
"Send word to her when she's finished at the orphanage," Jon finally said, his tone softening. "I'll speak with her as soon as she returns."
Jareth bowed. "As you wish, Your Grace."
"Ghost," Helena chided gently as the direwolf gobbled up the food the children were eagerly offering him.
As usual, Ghost was the center of attention. He had accompanied Helena to the orphanage several times now, and the children absolutely adored him. Clearly, Ghost was aware of this, looking more than pleased with himself as he accepted their offerings.
"Ghost," Helena repeated, her tone soft but firm. "That food is meant for the children. You have plenty at home."
One of the boys grinned, shaking his head. "We don't mind sharing with him, Your Grace. We're happy to have him here."
Helena smiled at the boy, her eyes warm with gratitude. "That's very generous of you," she replied. "I think Ghost is just as happy to be here as you all are to have him."
Ghost, as if understanding he had been forgiven, gave a pleased huff and settled down at Helena's side, his large frame a comforting presence among the children. Helena noticed a few of the younger ones inching closer to him, their small hands reaching out to stroke his thick fur. Ghost allowed it with surprising patience, his tail thumping lightly against the ground.
"Will you come back with him again soon?" a little girl asked, looking up at Helena with wide, hopeful eyes.
Helena crouched down to the girl's level, giving her a gentle smile. "Of course," she promised. "I'll bring Ghost whenever I can. And maybe next time, we'll bring some treats for you as well."
The children beamed, their chatter full of plans for future visits and what games they might play with the direwolf. Helena felt a soft tug on her heart; these children had so little, yet they gave their joy so freely. She wondered what else she could bring next time; a small library for them to read, or perhaps a garden of their own to tend.
Just then, one of the caretakers approached her. "Your Grace, thank you for spending so much time with them. They don't often get to see such kindness."
Helena looked over the children, who were still doting on Ghost, and felt a deep warmth within her. "It's my pleasure," she replied, glancing down at Ghost. "It's just as good for us to be here as it is for them."
The caretaker nodded with a smile. "Your presence means a great deal to them. They're already asking when you'll visit again."
Helena gave her a small, thoughtful nod. "Tell them they can count on us," she replied, giving Ghost a fond pat. "And if they ever need anything, they can always send word."
As the sun began to lower in the sky, casting a soft glow over the orphanage courtyard, Helena reluctantly gathered Ghost, who seemed just as content to stay and bask in the children's affection.
Before leaving, she turned back to wave to the children, who cheered as they waved back, and she felt a quiet satisfaction settle over her. She hoped these visits would bring them something to look forward to, a reminder that they, too, had someone looking out for them.
As usual, Helena was escorted by a few members of the Queensguard, along with her new handmaiden, Marla. The choice had been a difficult one, but Helena had ultimately selected Marla for her calm and composed nature. Marla wasn't overly talkative, but she had proven herself to be a loyal and hardworking young woman.
As Helena and her small entourage made their way back toward the Red Keep, she glanced at Marla, who sat across from her in the carriage. Over time, Helena had come to appreciate Marla's quiet presence; she was someone Helena could rely on, a confidante who understood the delicate balance between duty and discretion.
They rode in comfortable silence for a while until Marla spoke softly. "The children seemed to adore you, Your Grace. And Ghost, of course," she added with a small smile, glancing out the window at the direwolf, who trotted alongside the carriage, clearly pleased with himself after the visit.
Helena smiled. "They are kind-hearted. I only wish I could do more for them."
"You already do so much," Marla assured her. "They look forward to your visits, and I think knowing they have your support makes a difference."
Helena nodded thoughtfully, feeling both grateful and determined. "I hope so. Perhaps one day, with the King's support, we could build more schools or establish a permanent fund for them."
Marla's eyes sparkled with quiet admiration. "That would be a wonderful legacy, Your Grace."
As they approached the gates of the Red Keep, Helena glanced at the grand stone walls, feeling the familiar weight of her duties settle over her once more. There was so much work ahead, yet small moments like today reminded her of why it mattered. The warmth of the children's smiles, the hope they carried, it was worth every effort.
As they reached the main hall, a steward approached with a polite bow. "Your Grace, the King has requested your presence when you are able."
Helena felt a small spark of surprise. She hadn't expected to see Jon so soon after returning. "Thank you. I'll go to him right away."
As they made their way through the castle's corridors, Helena adjusted her gown and brushed a stray lock of hair back, feeling a touch of nerves. She wondered what Jon might want to discuss, he had looked particularly determined when she'd last seen him that morning.
Upon arriving at Jon's chambers, she gently knocked on the door. After a moment, his voice called out, inviting her inside. She stepped through the doorway to find him standing by the hearth, his expression thoughtful as he turned to greet her.
"Helena," he said warmly, his gaze softening. "I'm glad you're back. How was your visit?"
She smiled, letting the warmth of his greeting soothe her lingering nerves. "It was wonderful. The children seem to adore Ghost even more than I do."
Jon's mouth lifted in a smile. "Then he must be truly spoiled." He gestured for her to sit, and she noticed a certain gravity in his expression as he joined her.
"Helena, I wanted to speak with you about something that happened today," he began, his voice steady yet with a hint of frustration. "There are… still some in the court who don't fully understand or respect our marriage."
Curious but calm, Helena waited for him to continue.
"One of the lords tried to offer me… gifts," Jon said, his tone laced with distaste.
Helena's brow furrowed. "What kind of gifts?"
Jon sighed before replying, "The company of two young women."
"Oh… I see," she replied, her voice quiet but steady.
"I turned him away," Jon added quickly, "but I wanted you to hear it from me, not through court gossip."
Helena nodded, though she couldn't shake a small, biting sting of insecurity. She had tried her hardest to be a good queen and a good wife, yet sometimes she still wondered if she was truly enough for a man like Jon. After all, he could have any woman he wanted.
"Thank you for telling me."
Jon could see the shadow that crossed Helena's expression, the brief flicker of doubt she couldn't quite hide. He reached for her hand, his grip warm and reassuring.
"Helena," he said softly, his gaze steady. "I didn't marry you because I wanted some trophy at my side. I wanted something real, and I found it with you."
Helena's eyes met his, her initial uncertainty softening under the intensity of his words.
"You've brought more to my life and to this kingdom than you could ever realize," Jon continued. "Every day, you remind me of what we're building together. And that's something I would never risk for anything, or anyone else."
A faint blush colored her cheeks as she listened. She squeezed his hand gently, letting his words settle in her heart.
"I just worry sometimes…" she admitted, her voice almost a whisper. "Not about you, but about the expectations of the court. That I won't be able to give you everything they think a queen should."
Jon shook his head, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "The court is slow to change, but I don't care for their outdated notions. You've done more for the people of King's Landing than half the lords combined. That's the kind of queen I want by my side."
Helena managed a small smile, the weight of her insecurities easing in the warmth of his reassurances. "Then I'll continue to stand beside you, as best I can."
Jon's expression softened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "That's all I could ever ask for."
Helena bit her bottom lip, summoning all the courage she could muster before slowly moving onto Jon's lap.
"So," she hummed, aiming for a seductive tone as she caressed his cheek, "you weren't tempted at all?"
"No," he murmured, his gaze steady on hers. "How could I be when I have you?"
"Hmm. And what would you like me to do to you right now?" she asked, her voice soft with a hint of playfulness, though a part of her worried he might find her attempt clumsy.
Jon's eyes widened slightly, but a playful smile tugged at his lips as he held her close, settling his hands at her waist. He chuckled softly, both surprised and impressed by her boldness. "Well," he murmured, his voice low as his fingers brushed against the small of her back, "I think you're doing quite well already."
Helena's heart raced, and a blush rose to her cheeks as she let her fingers trail down to the collar of his tunic. Encouraged by his smile, she leaned forward, her lips just inches from his. "I just want to make sure I'm meeting my king's… expectations," she said, her voice filled with a playful mischief she rarely allowed herself to show.
Jon shook his head, laughing softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "Helena, you're more than I ever expected," he replied, his tone sincere and warm. He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing over her skin as he brought her closer. "I'm honored to call you mine."
Helena's blush deepened at his words, and for a moment, she could only gaze at him, feeling the warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes.
"Then I'm honored to be yours," she whispered, her fingers gently curling into the fabric of his tunic as if anchoring herself in the moment.
Jon's smile softened as he held her close. "You've brought light into my life, Helena," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll always be grateful for that."