Chapter 2

8 days ago

"Come in," Jon's voice said after Tyrion knocked on the door. Two guards stood in front of the door, both greeting Tyrion respectfully. Jon's Kingsguard wasn't complete yet, but Brienne was currently recruiting more suitable men.

"Your Grace," Tyrion greeted Jon as he entered the King's private chambers.

Jon was sitting at the desk, reading some papers. Ghost lay on the floor beside the desk, lifting his head to lazily observe Tyrion.

"Tyrion," Jon murmured, keeping his eyes on the papers. "What can I do for you?"

He sounded tired, and judging by his messy hair, he hadn't bathed for a while. Tyrion also noticed that Jon had been drinking.

"I have some news, Your Grace," Tyrion replied, keeping his voice free from emotion. "As we agreed, I have arranged food and shelter for the people who lost their homes during the battle, and I have instructed Bronn to arrange funds for rebuilding the destroyed parts of the city. Some people have already begun the work, and I suggest we provide them with lumber and other building materials."

"Yes," Jon murmured. "That sounds good. Anything else?"

"Actually, yes. I would like to ask if everything is alright?"

Jon tensed a bit before replying.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Forgive me, Your Grace, I was only wondering if there is anything I can do to help you."

Jon sighed and finally looked at Tyrion. He was even paler than usual and had dark circles under his eyes.

"Everything is fine, Tyrion. I haven't slept well, that's all."

"Perhaps you should get some rest then?"

"I don't have time," Jon sighed. "There are so many things I need to do…"

"Jon," Tyrion cut in. "You have me and the small council; we are here to help you. Even kings need their rest."

Jon was quiet for a long while before replying.

"I'm not sure if I can do this," he murmured.

"You can," Tyrion assured. "I know you can. I have seen how much your men respect you; you will be a good king."

"I never wanted to be a king."

"I know," Tyrion replied. "I'm afraid we all have our burdens to bear."

Jon nodded tiredly.

"Yes, you're right. And I believe I do need some rest."

"I believe so too. Sleep well, Jon; I shall see you later."

"Thank you. Oh, how is Lady Helena? I was outraged when I heard what had happened to her."

Tyrion pressed his lips together.

"She… She is recovering."

"I'm glad to hear that. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

"I will, thank you. I assume she is welcome to stay here?"

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't she be?"

Tyrion cleared his throat.

"Well…"

Jon frowned.

"You don't really believe that I would harm her, do you?"

"No, I don't, but she was a bit concerned. Her father didn't exactly treat his predecessor's family with kindness."

"Well, please let her know that she has nothing to fear. As long as I am the King, she will be safe here."

"Thank you, I will tell her."

Tyrion was lost in his thoughts as he left Jon's chamber. It was clear that Jon needed more support. He had charisma and he was an excellent military leader and a strategist, but he was also a bit…rough. That could cause problems with southern lords and ladies. Tyrion believed that Jon could easily get the commoners' support, but he also needed the nobles behind him.

The problem was that socializing wasn't one of Jon's strengths. He was more like the quiet and gloomy type. What he needed was a wife who would balance him. Someone who knew how to deal with the nobles. It had been clear from the beginning that Jon needed a queen, but so far Tyrion hadn't dared to bring that up. They were all still mourning for Daenerys, especially Jon.

Unfortunately, they had a kingdom to rule, they needed to put their personal problems aside. What the people needed right now was stability. Tyrion headed to the guest chamber where Helena was staying when the thought suddenly hit him. The answer was so obvious. Who would be a better queen for Jon than the daughter of the previous king?

No one could deny that Helena really was Robert's daughter. She was a Baratheon as well as a Lannister. Tyrion knocked gently on the guest chamber door before entering. Helena stood by the window, gazing outside. She was barefoot, dressed in a simple nightgown.

"Hello," Tyrion greeted her warmly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she replied softly. "I took a bath."

"That's good. Have you eaten?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Good, good." Tyrion paused, gesturing towards the sofa. "Please, come. I would like to have a word with you."

Helena looked slightly wary as she approached the sofa.

"Do you have bad news?" she asked cautiously.

"No, no, nothing like that. Please, sit."

She obeyed and sat down, looking at Tyrion cautiously.

"So," Tyrion began gently. "Have you ventured outside of this room yet?"

Helena nervously bit her lip, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I… I'm trying, uncle, but…"

"You can't stay cooped up here forever," Tyrion said kindly but firmly.

"I know. I just…"

Tyrion took her hand in his, offering reassurance. "Helena, look at me. You're strong; I know you can do this."

She nodded, a hint of determination in her eyes. "I'll try harder, I promise."

"Good girl. By the way, I spoke with the King," Tyrion continued. "He wanted you to know that you're more than welcome to stay here."

"Oh… That's kind of him, but…"

"But what?" Tyrion prompted gently.

She sighed softly. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do here."

"Well…" Tyrion began, choosing his words carefully. "There's something I would like to discuss with you. Something about your future."

"My future?"

"Yes. Our new king, Jon, is a good man," Tyrion explained. "But he lacks experience with courtly matters. He wasn't raised as a noble, so he'll need guidance and advice, especially when dealing with other nobles."

Helena nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I see. He'll need someone to help him navigate all of this."

"Exactly," Tyrion agreed. "And I believe you could be that person."

Helena looked surprised, her eyes widening in shock.

"What?"

"You, my dear, are a perfect queen for him. A daughter of a Baratheon and a Lannister. You can help him to reunite the people…"

"No."

"Helena…"

"No."

She clenched her fists; all color had left her cheeks. Tyrion observed her for a moment before continuing.

"Helena, what your mother did to you was horrible and I know you have suffered, but so has everyone else. I ask you to at least consider this; you could do so much good. You could help many people. People who have lost their homes, their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers…"

"I can't," she muttered. "I'm sorry, but I can't."

"What worries you? A marriage itself or marrying Jon? He is a good man, I assure you, he won't mistreat you…"

"No." She paused and stood up. "I'm sorry, uncle, but I can't."

Tyrion watched Helena as she moved by the window, her fists clenched in turmoil. He knew pushing her further would only make things worse. She needed time to digest everything he had proposed.

"Helena," Tyrion said softly, breaking the tense silence. "I understand this is a lot to take in. Take all the time you need."

She didn't turn around, her gaze fixed outside as if searching for answers in the courtyard below.

"I'm sorry, uncle," she murmured after a long moment. "I just… I need some time."

Tyrion nodded understandingly, even though she couldn't see him.

"Of course," he replied gently. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you whenever you're ready to talk."

He left her room quietly, leaving her to wrestle with her thoughts in solitude. Tyrion hoped she would find her way through this challenging decision, knowing that her future could play a pivotal role in the stability of the realm.