Warg Maiden

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

Chapter 54: Dornish Wine

Imogen's POV

I barely let people hug me. My family was allowed, and the exception was Tormund and Ygritte. Sure, I let children hug me, but it was a need for security and comfort for little ones. So, I hugged Jon because I let my overthinking mind take control and struck the possibility of what Jon's heritage was.

I couldn't help but see how the green dragon reacted to Jon. A way dragon seeds have been approached during the Dance of Dragons. I simply took a guess. Maybe there was dragon's blood in his veins. From his mother's side. The mother he may never know. I am not saying he is a Targaryen; he could be of Valyrian descent. Either way, Jon has bonded with Rhaegal.

Still, it has been so long to have an embrace that wasn't kin. It felt right, even if it was for a moment. Therefore, I stayed where I was as Jon hugged me. His scent filled my nose with leather, smoke, and fur. We stayed like this for some time.

Until Jon tensed as if realizing what had just happened and pulled back.

I sat up straight, looking at him, "Better?"

Jon merely nodded.

"Jon, I'm…I'm sorry I did that," I apologized. "I didn't think Rhaegal would bond with you."

Jon sighed, "I know."

I stood and offered a hand, which he accepted, pulling himself up.

"You tend to act on impulse now and then," he added.

I scoffed, though lately I have been acting on impulse. It wasn't my nature, as I always wait and analyze. But lately, I have been impulsive. Especially when it came to Jon. I kept the knowledge to myself.

"Mind letting me out before Ser Davos comes in and assumes things," I said.

Jon's cheeks turned red momentarily, followed by a cough, before unlocking the door and letting us out. Skadi lay on the floor looking at us with an arch brow. I felt heat in my cheeks that even Skadi would assume something had happened. Excusing myself, I went to my chambers, needing to clear my head.

.o0o.

The following week, I tried to keep some distance from Jon. I still participated in the decision-making and guided the mining process, yet Jon hardly walked with me. Ser Davos mainly accompanied me around. I did not mind, as Ser Davos would take a detour to Aegon's Garden to avoid the chaos.

Ser Davos said, "It's the only place that hasn't changed."

I can see why. Aegon's Garden was located near the arch of the Dragon's Tail. Tall pine trees grow in the Garden, with wild roses, towering thorny hedges, and a small cranberry bog. Bloodraven once told me that they used to make cranberry wine in these parts. There was a piney scent in the air with the wild rose.

Ser Davos plucked a rose and handed it to me. I smiled softly, accepting the gesture, knowing it was not out of romance but familiarity among friends. The wild rose did not resemble a traditional rose. Instead, it had five large petals in a shade of pink during dusk. In the center, yellow anthers and pollen were present.

"Enjoy them while they last, for they have started to wilt away," Ser Davos said.

I nodded, gently caressing the flower. Skadi moved closer to the bushes, nearly sticking her head to smell its fragrance. Ser Davos and I chuckled at this. Ser Davos sighed as he looked around, a solemn expression on his face.

"What is it?" I asked.

Ser Davos took a deep breath, "When Princess Shireen was not reading, she would play in these gardens."

I frowned, for the young girl was taken so young.

"She did not deserve such a cruel death," I murmured. "Especially when she won against the gray sickness."

Ser Davos nodded, "I should have taken her with me."

I placed a hand on her shoulder, "What's done is done. We can no longer dread on the past."

Ser Davos sighed, "She was the daughter I never had."

I could only nod to that.

We continued to walk as we made our way back to the castle.

"Is everything alright with you and Jon?" Ser Davos asked as we walked. "You two didn't have a fight or anything?"

I shook my head, "No, nothing like that. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, just you two have been quiet or trying to avoid each other," he murmured.

I shrugged, but I know why. It's because I was not open and made Jon bond with Rhaegal from a spur-of-a-moment theory. Let alone the concept that his mother was descended from a dragon seed. It is hard to explain bloodlines, especially from those of Dragonriders and Old Valyria. As I have seen many wars with the Targaryens.

"We have a lot going on," I said. "And Jon is focused on the dragonglass."

Ser Davos seemed to accept that answer.

However, I somewhat missed those conversations or peaceful walks. It's like we are able to know each other better without the distractions of others. Skadi senses my mild disappointment and nudges me slightly.

There is no doubt Jon and I have grown close.

But we cannot go further.

I see how royals hold expectations on marriages.

Some pretty virgin noble lady from a respectful house.

Or a queen.

And I'm none of those things.

Except for one.

Which Ygritte used to tease me about it. Although I used warging to mentally be intimate with two people…I have never physically acted on sex.

Another thing was that Jon was with Ygritte.

I don't think I could betray Ygritte like that.

I sighed; I needed to get my emotions in order.

I can't let these feelings that have started to sprout take over. I know my fate; I need to keep focused and do what is best. There is no time for selfishness.

When was the last time you were ever selfish? Ygritte's voice echoed in my head.

"Something wrong?" Ser Davos spoke up.

I blinked a few times, "No, just lost in thought."

Ser Davos nodded, "We should probably head back."

I nodded in agreement as we made our way back to the keep.

.o0o.

The following morning, Ser Davos and Jon got a head start on the cave. I had Skadi go with them. Jon was hesitant but accepted as the three left. I stayed in my room, wanting some privacy. I felt off, and I could not explain why. It was not my moonblood, as I already had it recently, though light as it is. Nor do I feel any ailments.

I sat in front of a mirror in the room, removing my tunic and leaving the wrappings on as I checked the runes to see if there were any damages to the runes. All seemed to be intact, and the wounds from the fall had healed. There haven't been any visions, nor symbolic dreams, or memories of the past.

Sighing, I took my comb and started manipulating my hair. I needed a distraction, so I decided to work on braids and not a simple one. Grabbing a bowl that had water that had been boiled with rosemary. Dipping my comb in the water, I brushed my locks, removing any tangles before working on the accent braids. I hummed to myself, avoiding thinking about anything.

Time seemed to pass when I heard footsteps.

"Lady Imogen," a woman's voice called out.

I cursed as I finished the main side braids, yet I was indecent. Quickly, I grabbed my tunic and put it on. I grabbed the thin fabric, careful to cover my maiden's mark, before coming out to find Daenerys. She stood in the main room, pleased to see me there.

"Your Grace," I greeted.

Daenerys gave a pleased smile, "Good, you are here."

I didn't know how I felt about that comment.

"The King and Ser Davos are not here at the moment, they are at the mines as we speak," I informed.

"Oh, I'm not here for them," Daenerys said with a smile. "I was actually hoping we could speak in private."

I scowled, confused, "About what?"

"Nothing to worry about," Daenerys assured as she gestured to sit on the chairs at the table with some food. "Please, sit."

I did not feel comfortable, especially in my basic layers. However, she is the queen, and I must represent the North. I glanced down, noticing I did not have my shoes on.

"May I finish getting dressed?" I asked.

Daenerys stared at me, confused, until staring at my feet, "Oh, I didn't mean to impose."

"It's fine," I assured her before returning to my chamber and putting on my boots and vest. Afterward, I came back, joining her at the table.

Daenerys gave a smile, "Thank you."

"For what?" I asked.

"For lending me your time," she answered as she poured a pitcher of wine.

I arched my brow, for it was too early for wine.

She handed me the glass, which I accepted out of respect but did not drink.

"Do you not partake?" she asked.

"The taste of grapes does not settle with me," I answered. "Nor do I drink at this hour."

Daenerys nodded, "That makes sense, especially where you are from."

I held my tongue.

Daenerys took a sip from her glass, "How do you find Dragonstone?"

I paused, trying to find my words, "It is warm."

She smiled, "Must be for you. Although I would find it a bit cold."

"Where were you before sailing here?" I asked.

"Me and my army were in Meereen," she answered.

"Meereen," I repeated.

"Yes, one of the three cities in the Bay of Dragons," she added with a pleased smile.

"You ended slavery there," I said.

"Indeed, making sure no woman is raped or a child taken from their mother," she confirmed. "Is there slavery Beyond the Wall?"

I shook my head, "It's forbidden, as the Old Gods declare it an abomination. We can't call ourselves Free Folk if no one is free."

The queen smiled pleasantly, "I'm glad to hear."

"Is it warm in Meereen?" I asked.

"Yes, far warmer, to actually be hot," she answered.

I nodded.

"May I ask you a question," she murmured.

I nodded again.

"I would like to know about Jon Snow," she started. "You are one of his advisors, and I would like to better understand him."

My stomach tightened when she said that.

"What is there to know?" I asked.

"Well, is he courting anyone or betrothed," she replied. "Melisandre did not mention any wife, and I need to know my options."

I clenched my goblet tightly, feeling the hard line on my lips while my eyes narrowed. "The Red Woman was here?"

Daenerys stopped, sensing she had said something. "Yes…she was the one who told me to summon Jon Snow to forge an alliance."

I inhale sharply through my nose.

"I take it you and Melisandre are not close. I assure you she left long ago before either of you arrived," she assured.

"There is bad blood between us and the Red Witch," I seethed, then took a deep breath. "Forgive me. That is not why you are here."

Daenerys gave a small smile, "I understand, as Varys informed me what Melisandre did to House Baratheon."

She was referring to Shireen. However, Melisandre tortured Mance Rayder by burning him at the stake and killed Orell. What Games is the Red Witch playing? She has already been banished from the North. If Ser Davos ever saw her, he would have killed her himself.

I took a deep breath, returning to the previous subject: "Jon is not courting or betrothed to anyone."

I hate announcing it.

"Really?" she asked to confirm.

I nodded, grinding my teeth before gulping the wine. It was sour with a sweet aftertaste, and I cringed, finding it a strange combination.

"What wine is this?" I grumbled.

"Dornish," Daenerys chuckled. "I'll take it if you don't like it."

I shrugged.

"So, Jon is available," she murmured.

I nodded, "Though the North wants him to marry a Northern Lady."

Daenerys gave a hum, "And his siblings."

I snorted, "Sansa just became a widow, and Rickon is a boy."

"Agreed," she mused.

I took a smaller sip of the wine, noting it was just flat. There was no other taste, not like the mulled wine spiced with cloves and nutmeg, or the ciders that had a crisp taste, or even blackberry wine that provided a tartness. There was just no flavor. And yet Bloodraven claimed that Dornish Wine was the best of them all.

"And what about you?" Daenerys asked.

I stared at her, confused.

"Do you have a husband or someone?"

I shook my head, "No."

"Really?" She was surprised. "Yourself alone with men?"

"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black," I countered.

Daenerys chuckled, "Fair enough." She took a sip of her drink, "Still. I'm surprised. Unless you prefer the company of women."

I was in a mid-gulp before sputtering out the wine, the burning irritating my throat and nose as I coughed. I tried to keep the wine back in the goblet, yet failed miserably as I got it over my hand and sleeve. Did she actually ask if I prefer women?

Daenerys apologized and handed me a slip of fabric. Though I can see the amusement in her eyes.

"No," I coughed while wiping my lower face. "None of that."

Daenerys nodded, "Apologies. I have met women who preferred their own sex."

I inhaled sharply and nodded.

Daenerys relaxed in her seat, "So Jon is single."

I hated this conversation, "Aye."

I seriously don't want to talk about this.

Daenerys noticed my discomfort, "Do you have feelings for him?"

Quickly, I shook my head, "He is a friend. An ally."

A smirk quivered the corner of her lips, "Just that, a friend and ally?"

I stared at my reflection in the goblet, "Aye."

Suddenly, the door opened, and Missandei entered. Daenerys smiled at her advisor, "What is it, Missandei?"

"Several of our ships have arrived," Daenerys announced. "Lord Tyrion and Lord Varys are soon to arrive."

Daenerys sighed, "Of course." She then stood up and faced me. "Thank you for your time."

I simply nodded.

Daenerys patted my shoulder before leaving. Once she was gone and the door was shut, I waited a few moments before throwing the metal goblet across the room. Afterward, I took my canteen and a large swig of moonshine.

Fuck!

.o0o.

It would be the afternoon when Lord Varys requested a private meeting with the Queen's Small Council and Jon, Ser Davos, and I. We were in a private chamber from the Throne Room. A massive table stood center in the shape of Westeros. The Painted Table carved by Aegon the Conqueror. On one side of the wall was a carving of a dragon, the other was a massive hearth, and on the third wall was an open balcony with a view of the bay.

Daenerys sat in a chair by the balcony with Ser Jorah behind her. Lord Tyrion stood on the queen's right side while Lord Varys sat on her left. On the other was Jon with Ser Davos and I. Lord Varys stood as he handed Jon a thin slip of paper sealed in gray wax with a wolf. A Raven Scroll from the North. Caution, Jon broke the seal and read the message.

Jon read the scroll, and his face expressed many emotions. "I thought Arya was dead. I thought Bran was dead."

The young boy lives and no doubt is possessed by the Three-Eyed Raven. I let the information seep in.

"I'm happy for you," Daenerys complimented.

Jon rolled up the scroll.

"You don't look happy." She noted.

"Bran saw the Night King and his army marching towards Eastwatch. If they make it past the Wall…"

"The Wall has kept them out for thousands of years, presumably." Lord Varys interrupted.

"I need to go home," King Snow finished.

"You said you don't have enough men," Daenerys reminded.

"We'll fight with the men we have," Jon said. "Unless you'll join us."

"And give the country to Cersei?" Daenerys sarcastically asked. "As soon as I march away, she marches in."

"Perhaps not," Lord Tyrion spoke, having an idea. All eyes were on him. "Cersei thinks the Army of the Dead is nothing but a story, made up by wet nurses to frighten children. What if we prove her wrong?"

"I don't think she'll come to see the dead at my invitation," Jon said, scoffing slightly.

Tyrion walked forward, stopping in the middle of the Painted Table in what could have been the Crownlands. He picked up a golden lion totem, "So bring the dead to her."

"I thought that was what we were trying to avoid," Daenerys sarcastically said.

"We don't have to bring the whole army. Only one soldier." Lord Tyrion suggested.

"Is that possible?" Ser Davos asked.

Jon thought about it, "The first Wight I ever saw was brought into Castle Black from beyond the Wall."

"Bring one of these things down to King's Landing and show her the truth," Lord Tyrion suggested.

"Anything you bring back will be useless unless Cersei grants us an audience and is somehow convinced not to murder us the moment we set foot in the capital," Lord Varys countered casually.

"The only person she listens to is Jaime," Lord Tyrion sighed. "He might listen to me."

Lord Tyrion turned his gaze to Daenerys.

She thought about it before saying, "It is one option. But how are you supposed to enter King's Landing? Last I recall, you are the Crown's most wanted."

Suddenly, all the men in the room turned their attention to Ser Davos. The man who has been called the Onion Knight became uncomfortable being put on the spot just like that. "I can smuggle you in. But if the gold cloaks were to recognize you, I'm warning you, I'm not a fighter."

Lord Tyrion nodded, though not pleased.

"Well, it will all be for nothing if we don't have one of these dead men," Daenerys reminded.

"Fair point," Lord Varys agreed. "How do you propose to find one?"

I felt the coldness return to my veins. For it was the only choice we had. We would have to go beyond the Wall, return to the True North, and back to the cursed side.

"By going back to the True North and getting a wight," I said.

Jon and Ser Davos stared at me with concern. Knowing how hard I tried to escape the True North and save my people only to go back, risking my life to collect a wight. The Southerners stared at me, realizing what I meant.

Silence engulfed the room.

Until Ser Jorah spoke, "With the Queen's permission, I'll go north and take one."

This caught the queen by surprise as she appeared stunned. I was surprised as well since Ser Jorah was a Mormont. Other than Lyanna Mormont, any male Mormont related to Jeor Mormont would be at risk. After many decades of the Crows hunting us under his orders.

Ser Jorah stared at his queen with much devotion, "You asked me to find a cure so I could serve you. Allow me to serve you."

Daenerys was shocked, her mouth open to protest, but no words came out.

"The Free Folk will help us," I announced. "We know the real North better than anyone."

"They won't follow Ser Jorah," Ser Davos reminded.

"No, but they will for me," I said.

"Imogen, you got out. You can't go back in there," Ser Davos argued with concern.

"What choice do we have," I countered. "They won't listen to you southerners or kneelers. Tormund is there, he, Mormont, and I will go and get the lion queen a damn wight."

"I'm coming with you," Jon joined in, his words firm. As he stared at me. I felt my heart flutter when he said that. That he would stop excavating the mines to help me get a wight.

This infuriated Ser Davos, and he scolded Jon, "You can't lead a raid beyond the Wall. You're not in the Night's Watch anymore. You're the King in the North."

"I've fought them before," Jon reasoned, then gestured to me. "We're the only ones here who know them."

Daenerys stared at us for a moment before saying, "I haven't given you permission to leave."

Jon broke his attention to me, frustrated, yet kept his composure as he faced her, "With respect, Your Highness, I don't need your permission. I am a king. And I came here knowing that you could have your men behead me or your dragons burn me alive. I put my trust in you, a stranger because I knew it was the best chance for my people. For all our people. Now I'm asking you to trust in a stranger…because it's our best chance."

Daenerys considered his words, then glanced at Lord Tyrion, who nodded. She stared back at Jon and nodded as well.

"Then we leave tomorrow for King's Landing," Lord Tyrion declared.

Ser Davos sighed, "I need a small ship that merchants use along with a rowboat."

"I will see if we have any," Daenerys said.

Everyone nodded.

With nothing else to say, we left the Chamber of the Painted Table before making our way back to our chambers. Ser Davos quietly tried to speak to Jon about the reason for not going. Also, they told me not to go and suggested we send a letter to Fenrir and Tormund to get a wight. However, I know neither Fenrir nor Boudica will go. Finding the request ridiculous and reckless. Tormund would need some convincing and strong liquor. Maybe that fermented milk the Dothraki have been drinking or the pepper beer.

It would be easier if Daenerys offered to lend a dragon or fly us North while we hunted a wight and flew back.

Still, why is Jon coming?

Why would he risk his safety?

Was he genuinely doing it to get the Lion Queen's support, or was he doing it for me?

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