_ Why would someone I should know attack one of my allies? I go out to defeat enemies, but it seems I'm hosting some in my own home! - Daenerys shouts as she returns victorious from her first foray into battle in Westeros.
_ Your Majesty, Robb Stark poses no threat to your plans... He's hiding his identity because his army was killed in an ambush. His enemies are the same as ours and they believe he's dead... - Tyrion tries to soothe his queen's sense of betrayal, but the realization that her most trusted advisor may have kept a secret only increases the Targaryen's revolt.
_ So, my Hand was aware that we had two kings of the North here and didn't tell me anything? It seems you forgot the oath you took when accepting your post! - she intends to turn her back on her 'court', but is stopped by the unexpected speech of her master of whispers.
_ Sometimes, saying no or not saying everything is the greatest proof of loyalty a Hand can give to his King. – Varys argues.
_ How is that possible? This is no time for games, Varys
_ "I followed you to War twice, without a doubt, without a second thought. But I will not follow you now. The Robert I know would not fear the shadow of a child in its mother's womb. You are talking about killing a girl on the other side of the world, if we do that we will be no better than the Mad King".
_ Who said that? – asks the Mother of Dragons.
_ His father, Ned Stark, Hand of the King and against the entire Small Council when King Robert Baratheon was convinced that he should send assassins after Your Majesty when she was pregnant with Khal Drogo. He even gave up his position and was called a traitor by the king, his best friend. Your Majesty knows the atrocities your father, the Mad King, committed against Ned Stark's father and older brother... What happened to your sister, Lyanna, because of your brother, Rhaegar.
_ I know. – the queen changes her tone of voice and shows that she is completely surprised by Varys' revelations.
_ No little bird told me, I saw it, Your Majesty. And after the conversation with King Robert on his deathbed, the first thing Ned Stark did was to communicate that any plans against Your Majesty must be undone. And I can repeat everything using that bond that the princess so firmly claims prevents anyone from telling lies.
_ That would not be necessary, Khalesi. I practically see those words being said by Ned Stark. – Jorah Mormont testifies.
_ Do you really believe that, Jorah? Are you putting your word on the line to protect the son of the man who wanted your head? – he gestures positively – Bring the princess of Themyscira and this so-called King of the North, Robb Stark. I have some questions to ask, but I want to do this alone.
The guards step aside to comply with the queen's order, while the other members of the Council of the Mother of Dragons look at each other and simply agree with the demand. Alone, Daenerys rises from the throne of her ancestor, the so-called Conqueror, and reflects on the peculiar figure that seemed to have been Ned Stark.
Varys' words touched her deeply, especially because of the nobility in the actions of that man who had his family torn apart directly by her family. Still, he sought to preserve her in some way. Now, she felt compelled to return the gesture. Daenerys liked Diana at first sight and felt some admiration in Jon Snow's posture - even though the words used were untimely.
_ I want to ask you a few questions, Young Wolf. But would you like me to use the lasso that your traveling companion says is a guarantee of truth? - the northerner readily extends his hand so that Diana can hand him the Lasso of Truth and tie it around his right arm - How did the King of the North take and survive an arrow to the heart?
_ I did not survive, Your Majesty - he makes a point of taking off his heaviest coat and opening the shirt that hid the scar that covered much of his chest - I lost everything at the Red Wedding. My pregnant wife, my mother, my army, my allies and my most faithful battle companion, Grey Wind. A direwolf just like my brother's Ghost - the Mother of Dragons does not hide the hint of sadness at the loss of the stranger in front of her. She would lose part of who she is if she were separated from one of her children – The first thing I remember after this massacre is Diana's face and the feeling of no longer belonging to this world.
_ I myself removed Robb's body from the sea. His heart was not beating and he was no longer breathing. After hundreds of years, he was the first to reach Themyscira and only returned to this world by the will of the Gods.
_ Gods?! A prophetess of the Red God advised me to summon the King of the North and now the Gods would have sent another King back? If you are a chosen one of the gods, why did you allow your brother to be crowned king?
_ I never wanted and I no longer want any power. I lost everything and brought ruin to thousands of my people, if Winterfell returned to my family it is thanks to my sister, my brother and the princess. Announcing my return would prevent all this from happening and us from being here.
Honestly, Your Majesty, I simply want to make amends for some of the wrongs I have done and ensure that there is a world to leave to my people.
_ Your secret makes some sense. But the Young Wolf was one of the Five Kings in the great war, no? You have fought and desired the Iron Throne.
_ Yes, I was King in the North in the War of the Five Kings, but I never wanted to sit on the Iron Throne. I only wanted to free my father, rescue my sisters, and make the North independent once again. Even on the day I was crowned King in the North, the fight was never for the Red Keep... Or for any other kingdom in Westeros. And rest assured that this was never my brother's wish either.
_ The bond has not changed at any time, and I do not see you writhing in pain, as happened with my foolish advisor. I must assume, then, that you are being sincere, Robb Stark. – Diana confirms the Queen's perception – When I met your brother, I asked for forgiveness for the crimes my family committed against yours. Despite all these barbarities, your father tried in some way to intercede for me.
I did not know your father, but I would like to. Everyone who follows me and who knew Ned Stark assures that there was no more just man, but that he was not made to reign. And it seems he didn't raise his children for that either, at least not his firstborn. Now, I will need this lasso to say without suspicion what I intend to do before you - Robb hands over the lasso of truth and Daenerys repeats the gesture, wrapping part of it around his right arm.
_ I could never make up for the horrors my family caused yours. But I can do more than just ask for forgiveness. Your secret, Robb Stark, will be safe with me and mine until the day you want to change that. You and yours will always be welcome at Dragonstone or any other kingdom I rule. And I welcome you and the princess of Themyscira under my protection from this day until my last day. You no longer need to hide in the corners of my fortress, Young Wolf.
_ I am extremely grateful for your trust, Your Majesty. And believe me, I never wanted to cause any kind of friction between you and...
_ As for Theon Greyjoy, I only knew part of what happened between your families in the past and I won't blame you for reacting in such a way. But he is still my ally and I need him alive to rescue your sister. That's why he is already leaving Dragonstone for his new mission.
It was not yet a mutual declaration of alliance, it was not yet what each of them sought from each other. However, a huge step had been taken towards a future for the living in Westeros. A glimmer of future hope, a glimpse into the future.