Warg Maiden

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

61: The Armistice

Imogen's POV

After another week, we arrived at Dragonstone. During that time, I spent time getting Jon warmed up and mending his wounds. Stitching what I could, and wrapping the rest. Although what happened that morning had not been repeated, the thought lingered about the way his hands were on my body, how his fingers were so close to my core.

There are so many feelings I haven't felt in a long time.

But we did not continue.

Though we still slept in the same bed. Only this time, I kept my leggings on. As I tried to keep Jon warm. In the first half, we mainly slept, as the coldness drowned us in slumber. There was one night that sleep did not claim Jon. As he kept his arm around me, yet his focus was on the ceiling.

"What happened?" I finally asked. "What happened after we left?"

Jon took a deep breath as he combed his fingers through my hair.

"Once you, Skadi, and Gendry left, Tormund led us to the lake. I guessed he thought if we ran across it, the ice would break behind us, and they would drown. But the ice cracked within moments. We managed to get to the boulders when the wights stopped, realizing it was not safe." He murmured, lost in the memory. "All we could do was wait. Either it is Daenerys with her dragons to come to rescue us or the lake freezing once more that the wights will get us. Then Thoros died, succumbing to his wounds that we had to burn him there. There was a moment when we thought of ending it all and going after the White Walkers and the Night King."

I tensed, "He was there."

"Aye," he whispered, pulling me closer to him. "Watching and waiting."

I took a deep breath.

"As he watched us, I only thought of what to do. Thinking about my family. About us. Thoughts I never thought of what I would miss."

I adjusted myself to look at him.

"If we survive this…" he started but stopped.

"Don't rush things," I whispered.

We had a silent agreement to not think of the future, only the now. We don't know if we will survive in the Great War. If we were to see the possibilities of what he could have thought. There would still be obstacles if we did survive. Jon was still King in the North. The Northern Lords would expect Jon to marry a Noble Lady of Northern birth. Not a Wildling. Even when Ser Davos believes I can be a good match. I doubt I can be a queen. Not the current standards of a Queen Consort. I can stitch, but not needlepoint. I can lead a gathering of brave warriors but not organize a fancy ball. Let alone, I am not a broodmare.

Jon knows that.

Though a thought of my own family lingers. As the little girl from my youth had dreamt it so. Seeing how her parents showed love not only to each other but to their children as well.

I sighed, resting my head on Jon's chest and listening to his heartbeat. "What happened afterward."

Jon took a deep breath, placing his hand on the small of my back, "Sandor, The Hound grew bored. He threw a rock at the wights. Got one in the jaw. He threw a second one, bigger, but it did not strike the Wight but slid upon the ice. The Wight that Sandor injured stepped forward, confirming the lake had frozen over once more."

I took a deep breath. Even though I know the few that survive, fighting in a swarm of wights is overwhelming.

"I thought we were going to die until another joined us," Jon murmured. "My uncle…Benjen."

I looked at him, "Benjen Stark was alive."

Jon nodded, "But he didn't look the same. As if he just died… yet was still himself. I was so distracted, seeing him again, that a few wights tackled me into the lake, falling into the water. My uncle Benjen saved me. He fought beside us until Daenerys arrived with the dragons. In all the chaos, the Night King managed to take down Viserion. As he was about to do it again, my uncle forced me on Drogon. I told him to come with us. Yet he stays behind, sacrificing himself so we could escape."

His hold on me tightens.

"Three years I thought he was dead," he murmured. "Even been tricked into thinking he was still alive. All this time he was alive…. I just…I just don't understand."

I hugged him to let him know I was there and everything would be alright.

No words were said as Jon kept a tight hold of me. As if he fears that if he lets go of me, I will be gone as well. So, I lay there, comforting him to the best of my ability until sleep claimed us.

It was not until Blackwater Bay that Jon regained his strength.

When the ship docked, everyone got off. Daenerys advised that we should spend the day freshening up and tomorrow discussing the next step. No one objected as we made our way through the many steps. Skadi stayed close to my side; we made our way to the chambers we had once occupied. I entered my room, stripped my clothes, and went straight to the bathing chamber, taking advantage of a bath.

As the hot water consumed me.

Stripping the last month and a fortnight off me.

I don't know how long I was in the bath, only to come out to find my clothes were missing. I panicked until I saw a dress on the bed, including a chemise for the evening—similar to what Daenerys wears. Groaning, I put it on, noting the many drapes and lack of sleeves. If not the exposure of my cleavage. I stared at my reflection in a mirror, seeing a different person. I took a deep breath, putting my damp hair in a simple loose braid before coming out.

Jon and Ser Davos were at the table, going over a map. When they heard me, they looked up, eyes widened. They've already seen me in a fancy dress once after the Battle of the Bastards.

"Does anyone know where my clothes went?" I asked, trying to be civil.

Ser Davos cleared his throat, "Missandei came by dropping off fresh clothes and took yours to be washed."

I took a deep breath, knowing not to hold animosity towards the Naathi who was showing kindness. I glanced at the men, seeing they were in their spare clothes. I had spare clothes; however, they were missing after Eastwatch.

"By any chance, do you have a spare tunic I can borrow?" I asked.

"You look lovely," Ser Davos said with a smile.

I ground my teeth, for it was in Ser Davos's manner. Nonetheless, this dress doesn't feel right. It's thin, and it doesn't retain warmth. It was not me. Jon noticed this as he stood up and went to his room. A moment later, he returned with a tunic, handing it to me. I smile a little, appreciating it. I went back to my room to put the tunic on over the dress, then cinched it with a belt. I came out, feeling a bit better, and then joined the men.

"They were roughly a week away from the Wall," Jon said.

"Any day now, they can decide on marching south," I added.

"We should send word to Sansa and have her evacuate the people who reside from Wall's territory, along with the Free Folk."

Ser Davos and I agreed.

.o0o.

Ser Davos retired for the night, leaving Jon and me alone in the main room. We sat by the fire while Skadi lay next to the lounge, resting her head on my lap. I combed my fingers through her fur.

"Can I ask you something?" Jon asked.

I hummed in response as I looked at him.

"You don't have to answer. You might hit me for it, but…" he paused, trying to find his words.

I stared at him, wondering what he was going to say.

"Ygritte and Tormund made it seem that… being intimate with others is the norm…." he started, then stopped.

I took a deep breath, turning my attention to Skadi, who continued to rest her head on my lap. I pet her, feeling the tightness of where this conversation was going.

"You're wondering why I am still a virgin?" I replied.

"Aye, but you don't have to tell me," he said.

I took a deep breath, "Life is short, so we take the chance to experience things. Many take wives or husbands, while others enjoy many without commitment. I never thought of my own physical needs. For I had been hurt before…. emotionally…. that I couldn't put trust in men."

"You mean Bloodraven," he assumed.

I nodded.

"Men have stolen pecks from me, only to be met by my wrath," I said. "The only person who managed to steal a kiss and get away with it was Ygritte."

Jon snorted, shaking his head, knowing how Ygritte was.

"I also did not want to take the risk," I said. "The pain that comes to women for the first time was not what I feared. I did not want to be used. To satisfy one's needs and not get anything in return. Whether it is commitment or pleasure. For I had been used. So, being a maiden was the only control I had. That I decide who or what I want. I've killed many who tried to take it."

Jon sighed, "I must confess, I thought you weren't."

I snorted, "I may physically be a maiden, but that doesn't mean I'm pure. As in the realm in which Bloodraven taught me, I know sex. Orell and I shared a moment while warging in his eagle form."

Jon blinked, surprised by that statement.

I took his hand, "I trust you. When the time comes, I know you won't use me and toss me away."

Jon nodded as he squeezed my hand.

Resting my head on his shoulder, we watched the flames from the fireplace.

.o0o.

The following days were spent preparing for the armistice. Lord Varys announced that a raven from King's Landing had arrived, stating that Cersei Lannister had accepted a meeting with us. What should have been a relief held caution. Tyrion started planning how we would address the meeting, as Cersei made conditions, as it would take place in the ruins of the Dragonpit. Lord Varys also added that Lady Sansa would not attend and had sent Lady Brienne as her proxy.

Jon seemed to agree with the substitution since he didn't want Sansa back in the cursed city. The Capital where his father was Capital that tortured Sansa.

I do not know of this Cersei Lannister, but it was clear she was no mere woman. As it has been stated many times, she is a narcissistic woman who had romantic relations with her brother, siring three children. The thought of a woman who willingly wanted incest baffled me. Then, her abuse of power, which had many people killed, including Ned Stark, though the order came from her son Joffrey. Accused Tyrion of the poison of Joffrey, which led to a trial by combat, in which a Dornish Prince was slain in his failed attempt to kill the Mountain. Then the news came of fanatic worshipers for the Seven, as Cersei brought the Faith Militant back in order to remove the Tyrell influence. When the Faith Militants took control, they arrested Cersei for her own crimes as well, making her do the walk of atonement.

I was confused, wondering what it was. Ser Davos explained that the Walk of Atonement is when women walk naked through the streets of cities for penance, except it robs a woman of her pride, dignity, and power as the people degrade her.

As retaliation, Cersei exploded wildfire in the Great Sept of Baelor to avoid her trial despite doing her penance. Obliterating the Faith Militant and the Majority of the Head House of Tyrell. Her action led to the death of her last remaining son who killed himself. Instead of calling on the Great Council for the right of succession, she has stolen the throne.

From what I hear, Cersei Lannister was the definition of hell hath no fury than a woman's scorn.

Therefore, Daenerys was taking every precaution. For she is, by law and birthright, the rightful heir of House Targaryen since any house with King's Blood is fainter than hers. A part of me wonders, why not let the Seven Kingdoms be their own kingdoms again. That is, if Daenerys had not returned.

I was still on guard with Daenerys, yet she had stopped telling Jon to bend the knee. Let alone, she agreed to join us in defeating the Night King and the Army of the Dead. However, I think she is out for revenge for her golden dragon. If she survives the Great Wall, will she demand the North to bend the knee?

Either way, the Unsullied and the Dothraki were making their way to King's Landing. If anything happens in the armistice, then there shall be a siege. One Jon did not want. However, it was Daenerys's decision. For we were only here to Represent the North and the Free Folk.

When the time came, we all got on the main ship called the Balerion. It was more massive than the others we have taken. Yet it provided everyone with a cabin. Gendry did not join, saying he would stay behind at Dragonstone to help in collecting more dragonglass. Jon and Ser Davos appreciated it. If Cersei saw Gendry, realizing who his father was, he would also be a threat to her. I had left Skadi behind to watch over Gendry, knowing if the Southerners saw her, they would consider all of us a threat.

In the following days, everyone prepared for the meeting. However, Daenerys did not join us, as she would be riding in on Drogon. This time, it was Jon, Ser Davos, Ser Jorah, Missandei, Lord Tyrion, Lord Varys, and Theon. Once more, Jon and Theon kept their distance. It's probably for the best.

The night before, I was in my cabin brushing my hair. When there was a knock on the door. I got up to answer it and saw that it was Jon. Stepping aside, I let him in.

"Everything all right?" I asked.

Jon took a deep breath, "I need to ask you something. Something you will not like."

I stared at him, wondering what he was asking.

"Don't wear your war paint," he requested.

I blinked a few times, "And?"

"I need you to let me speak during the armistice," he added.

I scowled at this.

"I know this is your war as it is mine, but Cersei will not listen to you," he tried to explain.

"Because I'm a wildling," I grumbled.

Jon took a deep breath, taking my hand, "Yes."

I took a deep breath, "Fine."

Jon nodded as he leaned in to press his forehead against my own. It has been hard for both of us to stay in control. Especially what happened on our journey back before Ser Davos interrupted us. Him this close, even now, all I wanted to do was shove him on the bed and take him. Not knowing if we will survive tomorrow. After a near-death experience once more, I just want to feel him. All of him.

Jon pressed his lips on my temple, "Get some rest."

I took another deep breath, "You too."

With nothing else to say, Jon left the room. Once the door closed, I rested my head on the wood, trying to control myself. For just a brief moment, I felt the need to claim him.

.o0o.

The following morning, I braided my hair, which was subtle, before putting on my basic layers: chainmail, leather vest, and bracers. I strapped Dark Sister to my side with my dirk, followed by my black fur cloak, hoping this was subtle enough.

I came on deck, making my way over to Jon and Ser Davos. Jon gave a small smile, appreciating that I did as he asked, including covering my neck. So far, no one has seen my maiden mark other than the two men in my company. We looked ahead, seeing King's Landing.

I've never seen King's Landing in person, only in visions, or in the realm that Bloodraven resided in until his death. So, seeing it in person felt strange. Along with a faint scent that riled my nose. If Tormund thought Winterfell smelled of pig's shit, then what would he call this city. But it was not only the Red Keep we saw, as hundreds of black ships filled the bay with sails of silver krakens that had a lone red eye.

Lord Tyrion came over, expressing an internal rage. It was mentioned that Lord Tyrion was once the Hand of the King as his father's proxy. His year as Hand, trying to control his nephew's spoiled behavior, ran the Capital of Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms at war with one another. It wasn't until the Battle of the Blackwater that things went wrong. He was forced to marry a child, accused of poisoning the King, and betrayed by all, including his lover. Most of all, killing his father. The scar on his face was a reminder of his humiliation.

He was returning to face his sister, who hated him passionately.

"How many people live here?" Jon asked.

"A million, give or take," Lord Tyrion answered.

"All of them crammed into that?" I asked, surprised. The Free Folk population was barely a tenth of it. "Why would anyone want to live that way?"

"There's more work in the city," Lord Tyrion explained. "And the brothels are far superior."

I scoffed at that.

Men, I thought bitterly.

After some time, our ship docked, and men in red armor waited for us. Their armors were not like the Northerners or the knights from the Vale of Arryn. Their armor was ornate, fancy to a point unnecessary, with lions on their pauldrons. The Hound came down from the deck with the crate strapped to his back. A wagon with a donkey was there. As the Hound set the crate on it. I felt my runes numb slightly, knowing the Wight was in there.

"This way," the Lannister Soldier said.

We complied as we followed the soldiers, yet the Dothraki surrounded us to ensure none of the soldiers got to us. They led our away from the city, taking the outer route of Rhaenys Hill, where the Dragonpit once stood. Still, the pungent stench filled the air. In the realm with Brynden, he never let it stink. But this, it's horrible. The others did not seem affected by it.

Jon noticed my attempt to mask my disgust.

Ser Davos chuckled, "You'll get used to it."

"White Harbor did not smell like this," I grumbled, low enough for only Jon and Ser Davos to hear.

Ser Davos smirked, shaking his head. "You are used to open air, not cities."

I blew a raspberry, then groaned under my breath, for I had become Tormund. Jon chuckled softly as if he knew what I was thinking. We made some distance as the stench lesson.

"Why did they build it?" Missandei asked.

"Dragons don't understand the difference between what is theirs and what isn't," Ser Jorah answered. "Land, livestock, children…Letting them roam free around a city was a problem."

"I imagine it was a sad joke at the end," Lord Tyrion murmured. "An entire arena for a few sickly creatures smaller than dogs. But in the beginning, when it was home to Balerion the Dread, it must have been the most dangerous place in the world."

"Maybe it still is," Ser Davos suggested.

More Lannisters came down a trail led by a man in the company of Lady Brienne and Podrick.

The man stepped forward, "Welcome, my lords."

The Dothraki stared at him, not understanding the common tongue. Missandei had to translate for them.

"Your friends arrived before you did. I've been sent to escort you all to the meeting," The man continued, gesturing the way as the Lannister soldiers turned to the side granting passage.

The Dothraki generals looked at Lord Tyrion before taking the lead. I glanced at Lord Tyrion, who was staring at Podrick and the man. I can only assume Lord Tyrion knew them. I glanced at Jon to be sure if it was safe, and he nodded. Ser Davos and I followed, keeping close to Jon.

Although, the man, for some reason, said loudly, "Come on! You can suck his magic cock later."

I snorted, and Jon shook his head.

"Do you know who that is?" I asked in Old Tongue.

"I do not," Jon answered. "No doubt he is a friend of Tyrion's."

The three men came forward, and the man from before took the lead. Curious, I listened to their conversation.

"Here we are. The heroes of Blackwater Bay." Lord Tyrion said to his old friends. "Strange place for a reunion."

"It is, my lord," Podrick agreed.

"I don't think I'm anyone's lord anymore, Podrick," Lord Tyrion said. "Save the titles for Ser Bronn of the Blackwater. "

"I'm sure your new queen will be happy to restore yours if she ends up on the throne." Ser Bronn sarcastically replied.

"You've been thinking about our new queen?" Lord Tyrion asked. "Perhaps you've been considering your allegiances. Remember my offer – whatever they're paying you, I'll pay double."

"And that would be double what now, exactly?" Lord Varys asked, listening to their conversation.

"Don't you worry about me? I'm doing all right. Looking after myself," Ser Bronn assured.

"Are you?" Lord Tyrion asked. "Helping me to arrange this meeting wasn't exactly looking after yourself, was it? You put yourself at risk."

"I put yourself at risk. Important difference." Ser Bronn said. "It's your head Queen Cersei's offered a bag of gold for, it's not mine. Now, thanks to me, she's got two traitors' heads coming right through her door. She can lop them both off as soon as she gets tired of the clever words that pour out of their pieholes. All thanks to Ser Bronn of the Fucking Blackwater. If that's not looking after myself, I don't know what is."

Lord Tyrion was quiet momentarily, then murmured, "It's good to see you again."

Ser Bronn looked at him with a slight smile, "Yeah, you, too."

We soon arrived at the Dragonpit. The Hound secured the donkey but noticed the numerous Lannister soldiers. "Anyone touches it, I'll kill you first."

The young Lannister soldiers gulped, glancing at the crate.

Afterward, we entered the Dragonpit. Once, a massive arena in which the dragons could reside had fallen into ruins. Memories of seeing it once glorious filled my head, only to find its skeletal remains. All thanks to the Dance of the Dragons. Even when it was used as a coronation spot for Aegon the Second during the Greens takeover, hundreds died from Meleys in helping her dragon rider, Princess Rhaenys, escape. Most of all, I remember Brynden telling me that he made this a place a graveyard during the Great Sickness. As he told me, he placed the corpses that died from the illness and set the bodies aflame with wildfire.

Inside the ruins, on a stone platform, were three shaded canopies representing the Crown's Lannister colors of crimson red trimmed in gold. The center canopy was supported by fancy designs that I believe are called filigree. There were four chairs, one larger, signifying the rulers' place. On one side were banners of House Stark, while on the other side was House Targaryen. All around the ruins were the Lannister soldiers, standing there with the lion shield while the banners of golden lions of a red field hung about.

Ser Bronn gestured where people should sit. I followed Jon as we made our way to the canopy for House Stark. The only indication was the Stark Banner.

Ser Bronn approached Podrick, patting his back, "Come on, Pod. Let's you and me have a drink while the fancy folks talk, eh?"

Podrick stared at Lady Brienne for her consent. Lady Brienne nodded, and both men soon left.

Silence engrossed the ruins, and I heard nothing but the wind and the birds. I glanced at the birds, wondering if I should warg to see if any threats had arisen, other than the soldiers who wrapped around in the inner pit. Jon rested a hand on my shoulder, shaking his head. I sighed but nodded, for I hated waiting in enemy territory.

Footsteps could be heard, along with the sound of heavy armor. At the entrance, a party entered, led by a woman in a black subtle but vast skirt gown. She had fair skin, short golden blonde hair, and green eyes like emeralds. She could have been once beautiful, yet the years have not been kind to her. Next to her was a man who strongly resembled the queen, wearing the same armor as the soldiers, only with golden accents. I can assume they were Queen Cersei and Ser Jaime Lannister. They were followed by a willowy man in Maester's robes, except no chains. And another man, dressed in dark attire, with an eyepatch over his eye and blue-tinted lips. Accompanying them is the Queensguard, all in black armor. The one leading was massive as if giants' blood could be in his veins. He must be the Mountain.

Everyone in the queen's company had a stare. The man with the eyepatch smirked at Theon at the Targaryen Canopy. Ser Jaime attempted to ignore Lady Brienne. Meanwhile, the Queen glared at Lord Tyrion with much hate.

We all took our seats, as Jon sat center with Ser Davos on his right and I on his left. Lady Brienne took the seat next to me. Suddenly, the Hound left his spot, making his way to the Crown's canopy, though The Mountain stepped forward, protecting his queen. The Hound merely stood in front of the Mountain.

"Remember me?" The Hound asked.

The Mountain remained silent.

"Yeah, you do. You're even fucking uglier than I am now. What did they do to you?" The Hound asked. "Doesn't matter. That's not how it ends for you, brother. You know who's coming for you. You've always known."

The Hound left to retrieve the crate while the Mountain returned to his post to guard his queen.

"Where is she?" Queen Cersei asked.

"She'll be here soon," Lord Tyrion promised.

"Didn't travel with you?" Queen Cersei asked.

Lord Tyrion paused, "No."

Queen Cersei heaved a sigh and glanced to the North. Her eyes scowled at us until I realized she was glaring at Lady Brienne, who was staring at Ser Jaime, who returned the stare. That must be a story to hear later.

Suddenly, the sound of screeching caught everyone's attention. The majority of everyone, except for Queen Cersei, stood up and spotted the two dragons flying in the sky. Seeing Drogon and Rhaegal. They soar around the Dragonpit until Drogon lands at the entrance up on the walls while Rhaegal continues to fly overhead. Drogon gave a roar before he climbed down, revealing his rider. Daenerys is in an elaborate dark coat with her hair pulled back. Once on the platform, she stopped to stare at Cersei before making her way to the Targaryen canopy and taking her seat. Everyone did as well. Meanwhile Drogon took off, to join Rhaegal in the sky.

"We've been here for some time," Queen Cersei said.

"My apologies," Daenerys replied calmly.

Queen Cersei's lips tightened, wanting to counter back, but she didn't.

Daenerys gestured to Lord Tyrion as he nodded, beginning the armistice.

Lord Tyrion got off his seat, taking the center of the platform, "We are all facing a unique –"

"Theon!" The man with the eyepatch interrupted, assuming he was Euron Greyjoy. "I have your sister. If you don't submit to me here, now . . . I'll kill her."

Lord Tyrion was confused, "I think we ought to begin with larger concerns."

"Then why are you talking?" Euron replied coldly, standing up and walking over to Lord Tyrion. "You're the smallest concern here."

Lord Tyrion turned to Theon, "Do you remember when we discussed dwarf jokes?"

"He wasn't even good," Theon jabbed.

"He explained it at the end but never explained. It always ruins it." Lord Tyrion said.

"We don't even let your kind live in the Iron Islands, you know," Euron murmured. "We kill you at birth. An act of mercy for the parents."

"Perhaps you ought to sit down," Ser Jaime said bitterly.

"Why?" Euron challenged.

"Sit down or leave," Queen Cersei ordered.

The Mountain stepped forward. All eyes were on Euron to see what he would do. Instead of responding sarcastically, he stepped back, returning to his seat.

Lord Tyrion started his speech again, "We are a group of people who do not like one another. As this recent demonstration has shown. We have suffered at each other's hands. We have lost people we love at each other's hands. If all we wanted was more of the same, this gathering would be unnecessary. We are entirely capable of waging war against each other without meeting face-to-face."

"So, instead, we should settle our differences and live together in harmony for the rest of our days?" Queen Cersei asked sarcastically.

"We all know that will never happen," Lord Tyrion answered.

"Then why are we here?" Queen Cersei asked.

Jon stood up to stand beside Lord Tyrion, "This isn't about living in harmony. It's just about living. The same thing is coming for all of us. A general you can't negotiate with, an army that doesn't leave corpses behind on the battlefield. Lord Tyrion tells me a million people live in this city. They're about to become a million more soldiers in the Army of the Dead."

"I imagine for most of them, it would be an improvement," Queen Cersei murmured.

Jon scowled as he stepped forward, "This is serious. I wouldn't be here if it weren't."

"I don't think it's serious at all; I think it's another bad joke," Queen Cersei replied, turning her attention to Daenerys. "If my brother Jaime has informed me correctly, you're asking us for a truce."

"Yes. That's all," Daenerys confirmed.

"That's all?" Queen Cersei repeated with a bitter sneer. "Pull back my armies and stand down while you go on your monster hunt. Or while you solidify and expand your position. It's hard for me to know which it is with my armies pulled back. Until you return and march on my capital with four times the men."

"Your capital will be safe until the northern threat is dealt with," Daenerys promised. "You have my word."

"The word of a would-be usurper." Queen Cersei challenged.

"There is no conversation that will erase the last fifty years," Lord Tyrion inserted. "We have something to show you."

Not long after, the rune to indicate a wight has nearly throbbed. I looked at the entrance, seeing the Hound coming in with the crate strapped to his back. Once on the platform, he set the crate down and carefully removed the lid. The Hound stared at the Wight, who must be dormant at the moment. Knowing what was inside the crate, I waited, as did everyone else. The Hound, growing impatient, kicked the container over, revealing the Wight as a rotten decay corpse.

Suddenly, it shrieked, standing up and running towards Queen Cersei. The woman gasped, pushing back in her seat, as her guards rushed in to protect her. The Wight was all decomposed, muscle practically gone or leathery, with bone and skull exposed. The Hound grabbed the chain, preventing the Wight from attacking the queen. However, the creature continued to reach out with its rotten hands, a mere foot from Queen Cersei's face, and she sat there petrified.

The Hound yanked on the chain, pulling the Wight back. It turned around, charging at him, who yanked at it again, getting its attention. The Wight shrieked, lunging at The Hound, who drew his sword. Just as its skeleton hand lashed out, The Hound cut the corpse in half from the torso. The upper body crawled, trying to get its target, while the lower half kicked about. Once close enough to The Hound, reaching its arm out, he cut it off. It showed no sign of pain while the hand still flexed.

All eyes were on Queen Cersei. Everyone watching her comprehended what just happened. That in front of her was a Wight. Something the Southerners considered as mere myths. Only to see the monsters that have been terrorizing my people for generations. The unchained Maester stood up as he collected the hand that was still moving. Jon came over, and the unchained maester gave the hand to him. Ser Davos came over, using a flint to light a torch, giving it to Jon.

"We can destroy them by burning them," Jon explained, lighting the hand on fire, which resulted in the Wight screaming in agony. He dropped the hand, pulling out a dragonglass dagger. "And we can destroy them with dragonglass. If we don't win this fight, then that is the fate of every person in the world."

Jon walked over to the Wight, grabbing it by its arm and lifting it into the air. In one strike, he stabbed it in the monster's chest. It shrieked one last time until finally becoming what it indeed was—a corpse.

"There is only one war that matters – the Great War," Jon said, looking into the queen's eyes. "And it is here."

Queen Cersei was still shocked by this as she stared at Daenerys.

"I didn't believe it until I saw them," Daenerys said. "I saw them all."

"How many?" Ser Jaime asked, still baffled.

"A hundred thousand, at least," Daenerys answered.

Half of my people, I wanted to say, but kept my mouth shut.

Euron stood up, walking over to the corpse and examining it. "Can they swim?"

"No," Jon confirmed.

"Good," Euron said. "I'm taking the Iron Fleet back to the Iron Islands."

"What are you talking about?" Queen Cersei asked.

"I've been around the world. I've seen everything, things you couldn't imagine, and this…this is the only thing I've ever seen that terrifies me." Euron explained, his eyes wide from the adrenaline of shock. He came over to Daenerys. "I'm going back to my island. You should go back to yours. When winter's over, we'll be the only ones left alive."

Daenerys replied with a smirk. After saying that, Euron left the Dragonpit, abandoning his alliance with House Lannister.

A coward without honor, I thought.

"He's right to be afraid. And a coward to run. If those things come for us, there will be no kingdoms to rule. Everything we suffered will have been for nothing. Everything we lost will have been for nothing." Queen Cersei said stiffly. "The Crown accepts your truce. Until the dead are defeated, they are the true enemy."

I watched as Daenerys nodded while Jon sighed in relief. I felt the same relief, yet hearing about the Queen, I felt like there was more to the alliance.

"In return, the King in the North will extend this truce," Queen Cersei continued. "He will remain in the North where he belongs. He will not take up arms against the Lannisters. He will not choose sides."

"Just the King in the North?" Daenerys asked. "Not me?"

Queen Cersei chuckled sharply, "I would never ask it of you. You would never agree to it. And if you did, I would trust you even less than I do now. I ask it only of Ned Stark's son. I know Ned Stark's son will be true to his word."

Jon paused, contemplating the decision that Cersei Lannister had offered him. An offer of neutral ground. Followed by Cersei Lannister confirming the North's independence. They are a separate kingdom, not to be ruled under her reign. She even addressed Jon as King. So why was he hesitating? The War between the Queens is not his own or the North's.

One that keeps the North out of the war between the Targaryens and the Lannisters. It was an easy decision, focus on his people and stay out of it. Not taking part in the war in who sits on the Iron Throne. As much as House Stark holds a vendetta against the Lannisters, will Jon Snow choose between vengeance or security. He stared at Cersei before staring at me with an apologetic look, then at Daenerys before addressing the Queen.

"I am true to my word. Or I try to be," Jon said. "That is why I cannot give you what you ask. I cannot serve two queens. And I have already pledged an alliance to House Targaryen."

My eyes widened. The anger stirred inside me, yet I remained, fisting my hands under my cloak as I kept my word to be silent. Was this the reason why he did not want me to speak? For I would object to this decision. Many lives are going to be lost in the Great War, and he will force the survivors to fight in another.

I was not expecting that, nor did anyone else. While it is honorable that he is telling the truth, his decision to refuse Queen Cersei's offer and explain the reason why he has forfeited the truce.

The Queen scowled as she said, "Then there is nothing left to discuss. " She stood up. "The dead will come north first. Enjoy dealing with them. We will deal with whatever is left of you."

With nothing else to say, she stormed off with her council.

As we lost an ally to help us.

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