*
The weather was nice and warm. The only wind Jon and his dragons felt was the air they were replacing by flying at such a speed. To Jon it seemed as if they had never flown so fast. But then, he often had the same notion when they flew over large distances. He hadn't needed to ask his dragons whether they minded making the trip all the way to Dragonstone only to have to fly back north in a matter of days. Rhaegal and Viserion enjoyed these long flights. They certainly liked testing their speed limit. But most of all they were thrilled by their current destination.
The sudden surge in his dragons' emotions alerted Jon that they had almost arrived before he actually saw Dragonstone shimmer in the distance with his own eyes. The hot air of the afternoon sun made it look like the island was a bit distorted. But it was Dragonstone all right. The happy screeches his dragons let out would certainly herald their arrival.
His dragons kept flying at top speed eager to get home. At the rate they were going, he imagined himself being catapulted over Rhaegal's head the moment the dragon needed to reduce speed drastically for the touchdown. Jon had to ask Rhaegal to take care with the landing. When they reached the cliff, Viserion provoked Rhaegal by tumbling playfully in the air while Rhaegal needed to keep steady so his human could safely reach the ground. Jon hardly had time to thank the green dragon and say his goodbyes before Rhaegal took off and joined his brother in the air finally able to express his joy without restrictions at being home once more.
When Jon turned his eyes away from his dragons' antics, he saw a large group descending the long winding stairway. Daenerys was already at the bottom running towards the cliff as fast as she could. Suddenly Jon felt the same delight as his dragons. Quickly realising that the further on the cliff they met up the longer it would take for the others to catch up, he stood his ground but smiled encouragingly at her.
She was out of breath when he finally could enclose her in his arms. "You're here. You're here." She murmured against his ear. "I was becoming worried. The raven you sent from Pyke gave us the impression you would be here a day earlier."
Jon didn't reply but took her head in both hands and kissed her.
"Aegon, they will see." She whispered, slightly out of breath when he finally released her mouth.
Jon just gazed into her purple eyes, their faces hovering only inches apart. He had yet to speak.
She only needed to lean in slightly and their lips would touch again. She felt her cheeks go warm at that thought. A sigh from contentment escaped her lips. She relished the fact that Jon was still holding her head in his hands and that his loving eyes were focussed solely on her. She admired the way his dark, almost black curls fell in soft waves over his forehead, swaying slightly with the wind that always blew a bit stronger out here on the cliffs.
Then her eyes wandered to his mouth again. It looked so sensual and soft, contrasting with the straight lines of the rest of his face. His lips glistened from the remnants of their passionate greeting and she touched hers with the tip of her tongue to savour the remaining taste he had left there. She didn't dare to speak again not wanting to ruin this precious moment before she absolutely had to. It would be broken soon enough by the approaching group.
Jon gave her a soft peck and released her face only to take both her hands in his and wove their fingers together. He finally spoke his first words. "I don't mind. I don't mind, Dany. It is not as if they don't already know. We just have to keep it a secret from the realm for now. I really don't mind that Ser Gerold and the rest know."
Dany's eyes were moist. If his letter had given her hope, this warm welcome and the resolve with which his words were spoken told her all she needed to know. She had never felt as happy as she did right this minute and saw he was also struggling to keep his composure. She closed her eyes for a moment and smelled the salty air, trying to commit every last detail of this precious encounter on the green cliffs of her home to memory. A memory she would hopefully get the chance to describe to their children and grandchildren when they asked her to tell them about her courtship with their father or grandfather, King Aegon the Sixth of his name.
She opened her eyes again when she heard the others were closing in. Even if she didn't want their moment to end, she had to be sensible because she knew who was coming to meet Prince Aegon. She took a step backwards. "Aegon, we have visitors. It would be best if you let go of me before they come close enough to see this as more than a greeting between kin."
Jon reluctantly took his eyes off her blushing face, looked over her shoulder and gently released her hands. Davos Seaworth and all four knights were approaching. Sam was a bit further behind with another group but Jon only had eyes for his loyal entourage that he had missed dearly.
Davos, despite being the eldest reached Jon first and embraced him. "Damned good to see you, son. You had me worried there for an instant."
"You have no idea how glad I am to see you, Davos. I can't count the times that I missed your presence and wise advice." Jon basked in the affection bestowed on him.
"Well, I am here now." Davos ended their embrace and took a step back to study the young man closely. "You look well. Strong. The others had me worried."
A guilty smile flitted over Jon's face. "In their defense, I was sick when last they saw me."
His awkward smile quickly changed in to a more honest one when he looked past Davos at the others, happy to be reunited with them all.
"Damned right you were!" Ser Gerold exclaimed. "Davos, give way. We want a chance to greet our Prince too."
His embrace was a bit shorter and Ser Oswell's even more. The knight seemed almost shy.
"My Prince."
Jon looked to his left knowing all too well who had spoken these two words. Ser Arthur stood there smiling broadly.
"Ser Arthur, you made it south as well." Jon turned his way and initiated their embrace. "I have been training hard. You will not be disappointed."
"That is the least of my worries, my Prince. I am glad to see you looking so well. I can't wait to hear what your plans are."
"You'll hear soon enough." Jon promised.
"The Princess?" Ser Arthur gave him a look that asked a lot more than those two words.
"Yeah." Jon's heartfelt expression betrayed the rest of his answer.
"Come here, my boy!" Ser Arthur was pushed aside and Jon almost lost his balance when one of the visitors pulled him towards his body.
"Prince Oberyn? What a nice surprise!" Jon noticed the others had retreated a bit to give the Dornish Prince enough space.
"See?" Prince Oberyn told to no one in particular with twinkling eyes when he released the Targaryen Prince from his exuberant embrace. "It was me he wanted to see all along. Young Tarly shouldn't have held me back."
He gestured to a woman standing close to Sam. "May I present my paramour, Ellaria Sand to you, my Prince?"
A tall exotic woman with slanted eyes that were accentuated with black eyeliner approached. She might not have been the most beautiful woman Jon had ever met but, her entire demeanour, the way she almost floated when she moved, the kind expression in her eyes and the well-chosen vibrant colours of her extravagant attire all enhanced her appearance and transformed her into an enchantress many men would desire. The woman oozed sensuality. Upon meeting her, Jon had no trouble believing most of Prince Oberyn's highhanded tales of their outrageous exploits were true, in particular the allusions to their unconventional sex life.
Jon bowed formally in response to her curtsy. "I am honoured to meet you, Ellaria Sand. Prince Oberyn's partner is most welcome here. I look forward to getting to know you better."
He noticed Oberyn and Ellaria share a quick look. Jon didn't know what Ellaria's meant. Prince Oberyn's look easily translated in 'See, I told you so.'
Ellaria Sand looked up at the sky. "Your dragons are magnificent, my Prince." She was not the only one who was observing the playful antics of Rhaegal and Viserion.
"On that note," Prince Oberyn gestured the others to approach. "May I present some friends from Dorne who will support you whatever my older brother may decide?"
"By all means." Jon smiled at Ellaria one last time and turned his attention to the men that Sam had finally given leave to approach.
"Lord Daeron Vaith, Lord of the Red Dunes and Lord Walter Wyl of the Boneway, Prince Aegon." Oberyn for once serious started the formal introductions of two new Dorne allies that had pledged to support the imminent Targaryen restoration.
After a short polite conversation the men made room for Ser Arthur to approach his Prince once more. This time he led a middle aged lady by the hand. "May I present my sister, the Lady Ashara Dayne, my Prince." The genuine smile on his Kingsguard's face belied the stately manner of the introduction
The lady curtsied and when she straightened her back once more, Jon immediately noticed the resemblance with her brother in her hesitant smile.
"I am honoured to meet you, Lady Dayne. I am sorry you were deprived of your brother's company for all those years. I owe Ser Arthur a great deal. He played an important part in making it possible that I am standing before you healthy and well and capable of defending myself. I consider myself in your debt." Jon bowed as a show of respect.
"You honour our house, my Prince. I am glad to get to know the person my brother dedicated his life to. I can already see that he spoke true even if he spoke little." With a playful reproaching look at her brother she stepped aside and gave the Prince time to greet the few visitors that were still patiently awaiting their turn.
Only after the formalities were behind them and the group guided by Princess Daenerys headed back to the castle, did Jon get a chance to greet Sam properly. After sharing a long embrace and expressing their joy at seeing the other in good health, Jon was the first to speak up again.
"Robb, Gendry and Edric send their warmest regards, Sam." He kept his voice down to keep their conversation private.
"I received letters from each one. They all said the same thing and I quote 'I have time to write now that Jon left us once again.' end of quote." Sam's tone was teasing.
Jon smiled impishly. "Can I help it that you are all dispersed across the realm? We really need to find a way to get everyone together again. We will succeed in it one day, Sam."
"How long are you here for, Jon?" Sam looked at Jon and it seemed that he was almost afraid of the answer.
Jon sighed. "A sennight, ten days at the most. I want to be back at least a fortnight before the dead arrive at the prearranged spot so I can help with the final preparations and be in time should they somehow arrive sooner for some reason or other."
"Ten days." Sam looked pensive. "As soon as Varys hears that, you may expect more delegations to arrive. Everyone that has rallied to our cause has been expressing the desire to meet you in person. You better be prepared for a small invasion. Especially Prince Oberyn will not be able to keep himself from boasting and gloating."
"Those are worries for another day. I hope we have a feast this evening. I feel like celebrating my homecoming. The dragons' mood has affected mine it seems."
"That must be a Targaryen thing then." Sam teased him some more. "The Princess' mood has changed considerably as well. If I compare the way she beams from ear to ear now to the worried look she wore this morning …"
Jon nudged his shoulders. "Be glad for us, Sam. That is what a loyal friend would be."
"I am glad for you and the Princess, Jon. I was praying that you would come to your senses any day now. If you had remained a stubborn fool for much longer, I might have given you a not so subtle nudge in the right direction or have called for a group intervention. You are one lucky fellow or a very smart one to fall for the woman most suitable to strengthen your claim."
"I don't think sense had anything to do with it. Luck? Yeah, luck and perhaps fate." Jon admitted.
"And blood, and magic." Sam whispered.
"Don't forget the Gods." Jon sighed happily. "I will send them my thanks each night when I pray. I am one lucky man."
***
Jon was content to be reunited with the knights that had raised him all those years. The only downside was that they all vied for his time. Ser Gerold had arranged guard duties rather unconventionally his first day. Before Jon went to sleep, all four of them had been on duty for a short period. Each one had his own set of questions they wanted to ask in private. Jon only needed to wait till the first sliver of opportunity presented itself for the questions to start.
While he was bathing, Ser Gerold who was guarding the entrance of the small antechamber had briefed him on the new security measures on Dragonstone now that there were new visitors expected to arrive daily. The houseguards had been doubled. Access was restricted in the wing that housed the royal quarters. The corridors leading to these rooms had guards posted in them day and night.
Ser Gerold asked his Prince to give him advance notice of his movements so he could arrange an escort of at a minimum two Kingsguards and when the circumstances asked for it a small contingent of houseguards to follow him around as well.
Jon had stepped out of the tub and was drying himself with a cloth when he agreed with Ser Gerold measures and made it clear that he understood the need for these heightened security measures and had been reassured that the Princess' security had been upgraded as well.
He was putting on the clothes that lay on the bed, the ones he had chosen earlier when Ser Gerold switched the subject. His Lord Commander asked to hear more details of how Sandor was doing in the North and expressed his concerns on the appointment of Lady Brienne to his Kingsguard.
Jon listened carefully even if his eyes were trained on his hands that were tightening the laces of his breeches. Until now, Jon had been able to withhold from engaging the services of a page, a squire or any other male servant. He was capable of seeing to his own needs, cherishing the solitude and privacy that this gave him. He was well aware that things might change the moment he became the King and lived at court.
"Don't get me wrong, my Prince. I admire her attitude. She is one of the most forthright, one of the most honourable persons I met and she is a very skilled fighter. It is just the logistical nightmare of having a woman live with us at the White Sword Tower. Apart from my room that is rather spacious, there are only six sparse sleeping cells all on the same floor and they are only used for sleeping. All other activities take place in the communal room."
"Ser Gerold, although I have never seen it with my own eyes, I have read a detailed description of the White Sword Tower. It doesn't feel right to have my loyal Kingsguards, who raised me and lived with me in close proximity for so long, living in such mediocre accommodations while I dwell in luxury. Furthermore, the Gods willing, I intend to have a large family that needs to be protected and I also intend to assign more responsibilities to the three, or four of you on top of your guard duties."
"My Prince?" This was not the response Ser Gerold had expected to receive.
"The four of you will be asked to play an active role in various meetings for one, and it won't do to have you stand guard by the door and keep silent when you do so. I plan to expand the Kingsguard. I want to differentiate between senior Kingsguard members and the newer recruits. My three senior Kingsguards will also be advisers to the King and ambassadors when I visit the other Kingdoms. I will have to talk with Ser Barristan and Princess Daenerys to see what he prefers to do. The newer members of the Kingsguard that you recruit and train will be more formal guards and will be given the more routine guarding duties. So I give you leave to go in search of another building either to house all of you or to add to the quarters you already call your own."
"But my Prince, the safety of your spouse and children is the responsibility of the Dragonguard. Their numbers can vary to suit the needs of the royal family. Surely you must have been taught about the Royal Guard having three divisions? The position of Kingsguard is very exclusive. There have never been more than seven White Cloaks."
Jon stopped searching for his sword belt and sat down on the bed. He seemed deep in thought. "To tell you the truth, I had forgotten about that. I did indeed learn about this when I was very young. I learned those terms by hard but didn't actual consider the true meaning behind the words at the time. In recent years, the subject never came up again."
He looked up at Ser Gerold. "You have plans in place already to reinstate the Royal Guard with its three divisions?"
"It has always been that way when a Targaryen ruled the Seven Kingdoms. Are you going to toss these traditions aside, my Prince?" Ser Gerold did his best to hide his dismay at the thought.
"I didn't, I mean." Jon swallowed. His earnest eyes looked at the slightly pained expression of his Lord Commander. "I only wanted to reward my three loyal protectors and make sure they know I am aware that they have more potential than just being loyal swords that keep me safe. I will need your council as well as your swords. What is your council in this regard, Ser Gerold?"
Ser Gerold stood rooted to his spot and replied formally. "I envisioned myself as the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard and as such I would be responsible to oversee the three separate divisions. I must confess I have already ordered a new white cloak edged in gold. That position entitles me to be a member of your small council."
Seeing his Prince nod, Ser Gerold felt encouraged to continue. "Either Ser Arthur or Ser Oswell could then be named as Commander of the Kingsguard also known as the White Cloaks. They are the first division of the Royal Guard, dedicated solely to the King's safety. Ser Barristan could be named Commander of the second division, the Dragonguard. If you recall from your lessons they are responsible for the safety of the Queen and royal children. These men are recognised by their cloaks of half red and half black with a white three headed dragon on the back and on the breast. As the Commander of the Dragonsguard, Ser Barristan's cloak would be edged in silver.
I do not have a candidate for the position of Commander of the Household Guard yet. I will assume these responsibilities at first until I find someone suitable."
"I couldn't help but notice that the Houseguards on Dragonstone wear the black coats with a red three headed dragon on the back and breast as worn by the Targaryen royal houseguard." Jon remarked a pensive look on his face. "You have been building a Household guard but no Dragonguard as yet?"
"I wanted to speak to you about the appointment of Ser Barristan first. I am not sure what the man's ambitions are and wouldn't wish to disappoint you by antagonising him. Perhaps he is vying for the position of Commander of the Kingsguard."
"What about the choice between Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell?" Jon asked him perplexed. "I would have thought that was the more delicate decision."
"I wanted to talk to Ser Arthur first and offer the position to him. If he declines then Ser Oswell will be promoted. That is if you agree, my Prince."
Again Jon nodded looking grave. "It is all coming back to me now. Household guards can be promoted into the Dragonguard when a spot opens up. Dragonguards in turn can be promoted into the Kingsguard when there is a vacancy. I obviously overstepped. However, I can't go back on my word as far as the appointments of Lady Brienne of Tarth and Loras of House Tyrell are concerned. I explicitly promised them a knighthood and a position in my Kingsguard."
"I will honour your promise, my Prince. " Ser Gerold was quick to give his assent. "There have always been exceptions. Take the appointment of Ser Jaime for instance. He became a Kingsguard because of his fighting skills and pedigree when he was very young. Then of course Baratheon didn't have a formal Dragonguard."
Jon looked relieved now. "Can we postpone the other appointments until after the battle I am about to lead near Hardhome? Be assured, I will leave the ultimate decision to you and promise not to appoint any other members to your Kingsguard. If ever I am in that position again, I will recommend the men or women in question to you and won't interfere in your decision."
"You recommendations will always be considered most seriously, my Prince. You are certainly qualified enough to detect a good fighter. But always keep in mind their honour and loyalties are also very important qualifications to take into consideration."
"And you will see to it that the three of you will be available for advice and I can still ask Ser Arthur for example to attend a meeting or join me on a trip to another Kingdom and have him attend meetings there?" Jon had gotten up from the bed again and picked up his sword belt.
"We'll discuss such details after you return from the Wall, my Prince."
Jon put his sword belt around his waist and turned to Ser Gerold when he continued a serious expression on his face. "And the White Sword Tower can remain the home of the Kingsguard, with perhaps some alterations to accommodate the lady Brienne? Let me know if you need other lodgings."
"I will think on all you have proposed, my Prince. We'll revisit this conversation later. I promise to extend a warm welcome to the two new members. We will find a way to make it work and I will look into the accommodations. However I want to make it clear right now that the Kingsguard will never relinquish the White Sword Tower."
"But they might consider upgrading it a little?" Jon couldn't help but suggest with a tentative smile.
"They might at that." Ser Gerold relented and his serious face relaxed when he looked in the earnest eyes of his Prince. "It is a pleasure serving you my Prince, an honour and a pleasure."
Not long after, Ser Gerold had left him only for Ser Oswell to take up guard duty. Jon unpacked his small bag, sorted through his affairs left behind on Dragonstone and laid out a new doublet suitable to entertain his visitors during dinner that evening. Then Jon asked Ser Oswell to escort him to the location where Dragonstone's new heart tree had taken root. Ser Oswell informed him about the plans of planting more trees and building a small garden complete with surrounding stone wall to create a safe haven to pray sometime in the future. For now, the war efforts were taking precedent.
Jon nodded, and swallowed thickly before expressing the wish for a small crater to be dug as well. It would be nice to have an artificial pond close to the heart tree. While they strolled back to the castle, Ser Oswell wanted to hear about his sparring sessions, an account of Gendry's efforts and a detailed description of the arsenal of dragonglass weapons.
A bit later Ser Barristan took over guard duty and didn't beat about the bush. He immediately raised the topic of the Princess. The knight gently coaxed him to reveal how things stood between them. Jon sitting at the small table stopped reading the messages that lay before him and informed the old knight that aside from a major catastrophe, he considered the two of them betrothed. Ser Barristan then recommended that he should tell the Princess as much. Jon promised to use the first opportunity he could find to do just that. Ser Barristan left with a smile on his face only to have Ser Arthur take over his watch.
The talk with Ser Arthur had been the more emotional one. After broaching topics as the wellbeing of his friends including Sandor and his uncle Benjen, the knight had gotten Jon to talk about the prophecy and whether Jon now truly believed that he was at the center of it.
Jon who still had difficulty at times grasping the fact that simply by being born, he was entitled to a Kingship, ride dragons and was the predestined hero to lead the fight against the dead, had always refrained from discussing his role in the prophecy with anyone except for Lord Reed. But somehow Ser Arthur had gotten past his defenses that day and it had all come pouring out of him.
"I know it doesn't make sense, Ser Arthur, and I don't want to sound melodramatic, but despite the general consensus that I have embraced my birthright. I struggle with doubts every day."
He looked up as if to check if Ser Arthur was willing to hear him out. Ser Arthur left his position close to the door and sat opposite Jon, the table still littered with the scrolls that Jon had been sifting through between them.
"I have known since I was twelve that I have this destiny and I have learned to accept it for the most part. But there are times that I can't help feeling I am not worthy of it. And on top of that it now has become clear that I am indeed at the center of a prophecy that is thousands of years old. Why now, why me? What if I cannot live up to expectations?"
"I cannot begin to imagine the burden you carry with you, my Prince. I can only assure you that you are doing fine. You are not shying away from the responsibility. At the very least, be proud of that. You are embracing your destiny as best as you can. You will become a good King step by step, just as you've grown from baby to boy to man not overnight but over the course of seventeen years."
"But I am not perfect. I make mistakes just as everybody else. I have a problem with asking things of others. I worry about people giving things up, risking their lives because of me. Why do older, wiser, better men kneel before a younger man just because of his ancestry?"
"I can only answer for myself, my Prince. It is ingrained in me. It is the way of our society, the customs and mores we grew up with. The moment I became a Kingsguard, I swore to serve and protect the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms for the rest of my live. I consider serving you as the greatest honour that has been bestowed on me."
"And what if I had turned out to be a stupid boy who can't count to ten or a cruel tyrant who orders people killed for no reason? What if I turned out to be a reincarnation of the Mad King? Does the role you have chosen for yourself prevent you from thinking for yourself, from taking responsibility for your actions?"
Ser Arthur shifted in his chair into a better angle using the delay to formulate his answer. "If you were just a stupid boy, we would have given you sound advisers who could guide you or take over the duties you could not perform. The other two possibilities you describe, I honestly do not know how I would have acted. It is a difficult question you ask, my Prince. As knights we are sworn to protect our monarch but also have a duty to defend the weak. If these interests clash, I will need to assess the situation and all its circumstances and live with the decision I make for the rest of my life."
"I'll give you some specific circumstances." Jon immediately grasped the opening Ser Arthur had given him. "I am a Mad King and have hurt the people of my Kingdoms cruelly and without justification on multiple occasions. Now I sit on my throne while a rebellion is raging outside the walls I hide behind. I have ordered for explosive substances to be put in strategic parts of the city. A single order from me will cripple the invading army but will also most certainly kill almost the entire population of my capital. You are the Kingsguard on duty that day and can hear me yelling the command to ignite the fires that will cause a chain of explosions and will destroy the entire city killing all its innocent inhabitants. Will you stop me if the only way to do so is killing your King, the one that you have sworn to protect, by stabbing me in the back?"
Jon saw Ser Arthur's eyes grow wider while he talked. A frown had appeared on the knight's forehead. Suddenly it disappeared and he looked at Jon with understanding. "You are talking of Ser Jaime!"
Jon nodded. "And he was younger than I am now. I reckon that act destroyed the potential of the person he could have become. Instead of a famous knight like you, he became infamous and is called a Kingslayer. He was so unhappy that he sought emotional support from his twin and ended up fucking her and cuckolding the second King he served but could not esteem. Then circumstances drove him to almost murdering my cousin Bran in a fit of panic."
"I feel sorry for Jaime Lannister. I have, ever since Ser Gerold told me what had really happened in the throne room that fateful day. Still I can't help but think that I am missing your point here, my Prince. I do not think that what you are trying to accomplish here is making me feel sorry for Ser Jaime, I mean Jaime Lannister." Ser Arthur looked at Jon with a question in his eyes.
Jon smiled apologetically. "That is because I am making a mess of my question. The thing is, I have this birthright, this destiny and you all consider me worthy now. One misstep however, one wrong decision could throw me off the right path and I could become another Jaime Lannister or worse, another Mad King. That fear cripples me sometimes."
"I haven't witnessed any crippling yet, my Prince. Besides, you have all of us to fall back upon. To use your example, Jaime Lannister only had the dubious support of his evil egocentric sister."
"True, I have the support and advice of many. But still the final decision and final responsibility is mine. And I struggle to decide sometimes. Even knowing most of my flaws, I just can't get around them."
"The only flaw I see so far is you being too modest and taking too much on your shoulders." Ser Arthur reassured his Prince.
"I have many flaws. I am not a good strategist when it comes to putting soldiers in harm's way. I read of battles where a commander willingly sacrifices a significant part of his army to set a trap, lure the enemy a certain way. I do not know if I will ever be able to do that. I can't help feeling partly to blame for the rebellion caused by my parents' secret marriage and it makes me doubt the righteousness of my claim at times. The realm has already bled for me to be born. I also have this urge to earn everyone's approval and that influences and potentially delays my decision making. I can go on for some time still."
"Perhaps it is not me you should be talking to about all this. Davos, your uncle Benjen, Lord Reed are all better placed to help you out." Ser Arthur suggested. He was out of his depth and unsure how to respond to all he was hearing.
"They all would offer well-meant advice. I know most of what they will say already. Rationally I know all that. I know that they are mostly right and that I am often overthinking things. But even knowing all that, the emotions are there and I struggle with them all the same. Talking about this out loud makes these feelings easier to put aside somehow. I just need a sympathetic ear, someone who listens without giving a lecture full of excellent advice afterwards."
"I do not think that is a compliment exactly, you singling me out for this." Ser Arthur gave him a wan smile.
"It is. You are easy to talk to. And when you give advice, it is always done in such a way that it does not limit my options, or tries to steer me in a certain direction. Besides, we are often of the same opinion." Jon smiled and Ser Arthur now returned his smile with a bit of relief.
"It is interesting though that you left Eddard Stark out of the list of people to talk to about my dilemmas." Jon ventured.
"You know well enough why I did that. I'd prefer not to voice my reasons out loud." Ser Arthur voice sounded firm, even if his eyes betrayed some humour.
Both men stayed silent after that. Jon broke their contemplation when he asked in a much lighter tone. 'Want to hear who I beat while you were not with me?"
"I'd be more interested to learn who did beat you, my Prince." Ser Arthur countered in a teasing tone. "I look forward to putting myself on that short list once again."
"You can try. This is one area where I am losing my modesty and am not feeling guilty about it." Jon countered. "I look forward to sparring with you come morning."
A knock startled Ser Arthur who immediately got up and walked back to the door.
"Don't worry. It is just friendly old me wanting to see if the Prince has time to have a word." Jon heard Davos' voice tell Ser Arthur.
"Let him in, Ser Arthur. I am most willing to have a private talk with my Hand." Jon nodded at Ser Arthur and the knight took up his guard duty in the hallway after closing the door.
Jon had left the small table and stood near the fire place. If Davos wanted to talk, perhaps the softer chairs here would be more suitable. He turned his head and savoured the presence of his trusted adviser.
"I can't find the words to express how glad I am to have you back, Davos."
Davos chuckled. "Don't sweat it. I believed you the first time that you told me on the cliff. How are you doing, son?"
"Glad to be back here. I never realised I missed Dragonstone when I was in the North. But then I have been rather busy there. There never seems to be enough time. But if I have to be honest. I am also anxious and somewhat scared about what is to come."
"That is only natural. How is Robb Stark doing?"
Jon launched in a long explanation telling him about the Stark siblings, his uncle, his friends, Sandor and his new wife and Tormund having a new-born son. When Davos started to ask after the situation in the North, Jon suggested keeping that conversation for the debriefing that was to take place tomorrow morning immediately after the sparring session.
"Fair enough. Just the broad lines then." Davos agreed readily.
"By now I have the support of the North, the Riverlands, the Iron Islands, The Vale, part of the Crownlands and part of Dorne. We have an impressive fleet stationed here and two large dragons. The Reach is still on the fence but I am not too worried about them ever since Loras has agreed to become a member of my Kingsguard. The Stormlands, Euron Greyjoy and of course King Robert are certain to oppose us." Jon paused for breath.
"And reading the long list of Targaryen loyalists present in the capital and at the royal court of King Robert, the capital is ripe for the taking." Davos used the opportunity to pipe in.
"Exactly. I can't marry Euron Greyjoy and Prince Stannis won't give up House Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne just by me being a good husband to his daughter, I intend to adhere to my great-great-uncle's dying wish and marry Princess Daenerys."
"Good for you, son." Davos was pleased to see Jon blush.
"You really think so? I won't make a political mistake by not marrying Lady Margaery?" Even though it was phrased as a question, Jon's tone made it clear it was more of a statement and he just needed Davos to agree with him.
"The Tyrells don't deserve that honour. If you were to marry for political reasons, I would think it fairer that you rewarded a house that has helped our cause as opposed to one that is always looking to find the highest bidder. No Jon, if Eddard Stark can seal the betrothal between his heir and Lady Margaery, the Tyrells are being recompensed more than their due. You don't know how many chances they have turned down over the years. I won't say anything against the Lady Margaery as a person. I don't know her well enough for that, but her family, you owe them nothing."
"Am I understanding this right? Are you confirming that there is no need to delay our betrothal or keep it a secret?" Jon leaned forward as if that would make him hear Davos' reply that titbit sooner.
"You would make one pining Princess very happy. Might I suggest a joint coronation and wedding ceremony in the Grand Sept of Baelor?"
"Only if we marry before the old Gods in a Godswood at the latest the night before. Being married by a Septon in a grand ceremony is just a piece of theatre I am willing to play my part in to placate the followers of the Seven. I will consider myself married to Dany only after we have said our vows whilst kneeling in front of a heart tree before witnesses and having our union blessed by the Old Gods.
***
When Prince Aegon Targaryen entered the Great Hall that evening, walking side by side with Princess Daenerys all eyes turned to them. Sam had taken Jon's words to heart and had seen to it that a festive atmosphere ruled the Great Hall. Decorations had been pulled out from under the dust. Combined with the newly painted banners, Jon had never seen the Great Hall looking so grand and festive. The throne was hidden behind the large drapes with their sigil. The side walls were lined with double rows of tables. Jon noticed the visitors from Dorne were all seated at the front table lining the wall to his left. Amongst them were several new arrivals and Jon anticipated more introductions.
When his eyes scanned the other tables and the ones on the right side of the Great Hall, he smiled. He could put a name to all the men and most of their family members. It was nice to see the inhabitants of Dragonstone and the Driftmark mingling. He nodded several greetings before reaching the high table, noticing Dany doing the same with a happy smile on her face.
Soft music could be heard coming from the left corner. Two young minstrels were sitting on a bench. One was playing a large harp that stood in front of him. The other was plucking strings on a strange looking instrument having a pear-shaped body and a long neck. The sweet, gentle tones coming from this musical instrument complimented the sound of the harp beautifully.
As soon as Jon and Daenerys were seated, a line of servants entered carrying plates with deliciously smelling meat and freshly baked bread. Pitchers of wine were present in abundance. Jon leaned a bit forward so he could look past Davos to Sam and mouthed a sincere thank you. Sam nodded his head, smiling broadly.
It had all been arranged to perfection. Everyone who witnessed the royal couple take their seats at the high table received the message loud and clear. You couldn't miss the large banners of the three headed dragon hanging behind them. A trueborn King and Princess of House Targaryen, aided by two living dragons would soon be staking its claim to the Iron Throne. And by the way they had entered it was clear that the Seven Kingdoms would not only have a new Targaryen King but also a new Queen with the blood of old Valyria. At least half of the Lords present were disappointed that their hopes to bind their house to House Targaryen in marriage were thwarted. Still the majority was looking forward to witnessing the beginning of the promising reign of the young King and his future Queen.
When most of the food had been consumed, Jon and Dany agreed to do the rounds. Dany moved over to the Dornish delegation, Jon sat down at a table on the opposite side where two families, one from the Driftmark and the other from Dragonstone were arguing who was the better acquainted with the Targaryen Prince. Jon joined their banter and challenged them to prove to him who had first voiced his suspicions regarding his origins out loud. This promptly started another friendly rivalry with the houses on Dragonstone arguing that the inhabitants of the Driftmark had an unfair advantage there.
Jon then silenced them all by telling a few stories of growing up on the small island. Soon more people drifted to his table and Jon found himself telling the story of raising two tiny dragons to a wide audience forming a circle around the table where he was seated.
When he fell silent, Prince Oberyn, who had wormed his way to a spot close to the Targaryen Prince started entertaining everyone with a colourful tale of his first encounter with Prince Aegon and boasted how he had immediately recognised the fighting style of his dear friend, the famous Sword of the Morning and that way had known something had been up from the very first moment.
A bit later, Princess Daenerys also joined that side of the room when most of the Dornish delegation expressed their wish to hear the stories Jon was telling. The chair next to Jon was immediately vacated and offered to her by a young carpenter that had helped transform the figurehead of their flagship. Jon took her hand in his and put it on his lap while they listened to the exaggerated tales of the Dornish Prince.
Jon then interrupted him and took over the story revealing how a younger version of himself had tricked the Dornish Prince in teaching him the basics of fighting with a longspear. Prince Oberyn intruded several times to add an exaggerated detail. Noble Lords and smallfolk alike were spellbound. Jon spent a lovely evening basking in the company of friends and allies, grateful that everyone accepted him and happy that he and Dany could enjoy each other's company with neither censure from their environment nor tension between the two of them.
His mind wandered a bit when Prince Oberyn told an elaborate story Jon had already heard at least twice during the time they had been together in Castle Black. He gently moved his thumb over Daenerys' hand that he was still holding in his lap and he thought back to their stolen moment right before supper.
Jon had asked Dany to wait for him to pick her up so he could be her escort to dinner. When he had knocked on her door it had been a bit early still. It hadn't been Dany who had opened the door but instead it had been Irri, her handmaiden that had greeted him with a shy smile. Jon had returned the greeting and taken the opportunity to express his gratitude that she had been willing to travel to another continent to keep her friend company. Irri had blushed and invited him inside telling him her mistress had been awaiting him eagerly.
Dany had been standing inside the room nervously wringing her hands but he saw the hope in her eyes when she lifted them to his face. Aside from his behaviour since arriving, his scroll must have arrived almost a sennight ago and he had understood that she was eager for him to explain the hints in his letter. Jon hadn't wasted any time.
Careful not to disturb her elaborate hairdo, he had taken her in his arms and had given her a gently kiss. "Tomorrow I formally announce to the small council my intent to marry you. That is if you will still have me."
He heard a small shriek coming from Irri who had remained by the door. Dany gave her a significant look and Irri smiled encouragingly at her and left the room.
Dany in the meantime had taken a small step back and had looked at him her eyes suspiciously moist. "Is that your way of asking me? Not the most romantic proposal, Aegon." She had used a teasing tone even if there had been a tremor in her voice.
Jon had grabbed both her hands, his dark Stark eyes looking warmly at hers with clear intent. "Let me try to do this right then." He had taken a deep breath. "Dearest, loveliest Dany, I would do anything to have you by my side day and night. It has been so hard these last few moons, knowing you exist in this world and not being able to stake my claim for the realm to see. I love you with every fibre of my being and I can't imagine a life where you are not beside me. Be my Queen and help me with the daunting task before us. Rule the Seven Kingdoms together with me. Warm my bed and give me heirs. Please promise you will marry me, my beloved."
He had paused and had held his breath when he had seen two tears rolling down her cheeks. He had released her hands so his were free to gently wipe these tiny wet pearls away. "Don't cry, Dany. Just say yes and we can smile at each other for the rest of our lives."
"You're sure, Aegon? No sudden setback, no declaration of war will incite you to rescind your word or worse live beside me with regret, with guilt?"
He had enveloped her in his arms and pulled her body against him, gently guiding her head against his chest. "Forgive me for not deciding this sooner. But don't doubt me now, don't doubt my word. I did not make this decision lightly but I made it taking everything into account and am now absolutely convinced it is the best option for the realm as well as for you and me."
He had put his hand under her chin and guided her head slowly upwards so she had been able to read the honesty and absence of doubt in his eyes.
"I solemnly swear I will never regret this decision. Not only are you the only woman I could ever love, you strengthen my claim to the throne. Our children will have your pure Valyrian blood and you have already proved that you have what it takes to become a good Queen. You will provide me with council, support me and together we will strive to make the Seven Kingdoms a place where nobles and smallfolk can live in peace and prosperity. You are the one for me, Dany. I am so lucky that the love of my heart and the right Queen for Westeros is one and the same person: you, you are … everything. You are it."
He had felt her tremble in his arms and his left hand had stroked her back in a soothing manner. Moments later he had heard her sigh of contentment before she had spoken.
"Yes, of course I will marry you. Yes, yes and yes. And there is nothing to forgive, Aegon. You were right not to make a hasty decision."
She hadn't been able to elaborate because he had tilted her chin a bit higher and had kissed her reverently, still taking care not to ruin her braids."
"Then we are betrothed, my dear. No formal announcements yet, except to the members of our small council tomorrow but that is all. We will marry after the Iron Throne is ours."
"Ours," She had sighed and had snuggled closer to him not caring that her dress got a bit wrinkled.
"Ours," he had affirmed. "Now I do not know about you but I am starting to feel hungry. Besides, I reckon we have a Great Hall filled with people that are expecting us."
Ser Barristan who had stood outside Dany's door had nodded at them when they had left her room and had followed them to the Great Hall. He had tried to keep his face blank befitting a Kingsguard following the royals he was protecting. But those who knew him well would have seen by his relaxed features and the light in his eyes that the old knight was very happy that moment. He had been ever since Irri had left the room and he had heard his Prince proposing to Princess Daenerys before the door closed behind her handmaiden.
"Our Prince can affirm that that is true. Isn't that right?" Jon startled out of his reverie when Prince Oberyn nudged his shoulder. "Hey Prince Aegon, were you wool-gathering?"
Prince Oberyn noticed the entwined hands on Jon's lap. "I see. You are forgiven, my Prince. Nothing but a beautiful lady to make dreamers out of the fiercest warriors. How skilled have you gotten with a longspear, Prince Aegon? " He challenged the Targaryen Prince.
"Not as skilled as I would like, but I welcome the challenge and will oblige you if afterwards you agree to let me take on your longspear with my sword and shield for at least one bout." Jon didn't hesitate to grasp the opportunity to spar with the elusive Dornish Prince.
"Just let me sleep on that for a sennight or so." Prince Oberyn's playfully sidestepped Jon's familiar request once again. "I'll get back to you on that. For now, I will try to get up early enough to watch you train. Ser Arthur told me it is quite the sight."
"I try." Jon said smiling and teased. "At least I will be more productive than you the coming days."
"But I already have my reputation, young one. You are just beginning to build your legacy. Come to me for advice anytime you want. I am a fountain of wisdom," he boasted grinning from ear to ear.
Prince Oberyn filled his cup with red Dornish wine and lifted it, loudly calling for silence.
"Let us all drink to the health of Aegon Targaryen, sixth of his name, rightful heir to the Iron Throne and soon to be the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. All hail Aegon Targaryen, long may he reign!"
"Long may he reign, long may he reign."
***
The next morning, Jon saw Dany only fleetingly when they broke their fast together very early in the Great Hall. Only Ser Barristan, Ser Arthur and Irri were present. Dany and Jon left the table after she promised to take a walk with him after supper that evening. Dany was set to go to the Driftmark for most of the day.
Jon and Ser Arthur headed for the training yard where Ser Oswell joined them soon after. Next up would be a small council meeting and the afternoon was reserved for private audiences. The noble families would all get chance to speak with the Prince without the entire court present.
Jon performed his training complete with muscle building exercises that had become a routine now. Ser Arthur who observed them for the first time was pleased with his enhanced strength but cautioned him when he observed the intensity of some of the routines Jon was performing.
"Careful not to strain your muscles, my Prince. Your body is still developing. Your joints and ligaments have trouble enough adjusting to your grow spurt. I would advise you not to run around with that much weight. Spare your knees for now. In a year or two you will be less vulnerable to injuries."
A while later, Ser Gerold came out and asked them stop the session for today and join them in the room with the painted table as soon as they had freshened up.
***