Chapter 64

They travelled for two weeks. Daenerys and Aegon left Jorah and his men behind as soon as they were outside of King's Landing. They made stops only when Drogon or Viserion needed to stop for food. Aegon endured the trip, as did she. They reached Winterfell by early morning. Daenerys wore the same clothes she had left with; she berated herself for her lack of foresight. She should have not mounted the dragons. She felt colder than ever; her clothes were fine but thin as well Aegon shivered by her side. "We should have given Jorah and his men a head start." Daenerys could not help but agree. They were dirty, hungry and needed to sleep.

She squared her shoulders and looked at her nephew, "These are all of our lands." All they needed was the confidence to take them.

"Dracarys." She said and suddenly her children drew a line of fire in front of them. "Now they know we are here."

She waited for the flames to extinguish and walked with all the dignity she could muster. The queen tried to not feel the cold snow on her feet. Aegon followed her. She heard a distinctive, "open the gates," from inside the castle walls.

Daenerys entered the courtyard; Aegon two steps behind her and her dragons flew inside as well. They landed near her and Aegon. Daenerys came face to face with the men and women who were about in the courtyard.

"Your queen demands to speak with the Lord of Winterfell." Daenerys said clearly.

"Lord Stark is at the Wall." A man with chains around his neck said. This was the maester. She looked at him imperiously, "Lady Stark and her brother wait for you inside." The man continued. She noticed the man did not address her as queen.

She looked back and looked at her children, "my children need their rest." As if on cue her dragons burned a small pile of hay.

The maester looked at them, "the Godswoods are not far from here. They can rest there."

Daenerys spoke to her children, "Do not go far." Her children flew away.

Aegon walked next to her, "have you gone mad? The dragons are our only protection. They are the only reason why these people have not killed us yet."

Daenerys shook her head, "they will not do anything to us. They know Jorah and our men are not so far behind."

Aegon frowned, "Aunt, Jorah and his men are at least a month's journey away."

"Do not say a word unless I tell you otherwise Aegon." She whispered and entered the castle. She felt warmth and relief. Aegon must have felt warmth as well.

"The castle was built over hot springs to keep it warm." The maester said anecdotally.

Daenerys looked at the older man and was about to ask him where was the lady of the house when she saw her. Lady Stark walked down the stairs. She was tall, blonde, her hair was in a very elaborate braid. The woman was beautiful; in that moment, she understood why everyone called her the Light of the West. She was elegant, regal. The woman wore a grey gown. The lady had beautiful green eyes. Daenerys felt inadequate in her presence. She was dirty, probably smelled, and her hair was a mess. She did not feel queenly at all.

"We expected your visit months ago your grace." The woman said with a small smile. She curtsied.

"Forgive me. You must be exhausted. I will have my men see to your horses and your men." The woman spoke clearly.

Daenerys smiled politely, "My dragons will love your Godswoods I am sure. They are headed there as we speak. As for my men, they are not far and will be here perhaps in a week. What say you nephew?"

Aegon smiled brightly, "less than a week if our men keep the good pace." Lady Stark smiled tightly.

"I do not think we have been properly introduced." The lady continued. "Welcome to Winterfell. I am Lady Cersei Stark." The woman said once more with a smile. "Your graces, our castle and our men are yours."

Daenerys smiled, "Aegon and I need to rest."

"Of course, your quarters have been prepared for months." Lady Stark guided them to the third landing.

"Why then have you not replied to any of your queen's ravens?" Aegon retorted with some aggression.

Lady Stark looked at her, "my brother and I fretted over my lord husband's decision to keep quiet. Your graces, you must rest and then we must speak."

Daenerys looked at the woman and felt uneasy for the first time. "Aegon will sleep next to my quarters." Aegon nodded and settled in his quarters. "Sleep well dearest." She said and kissed his cheek. Her nephew kissed her back, "I rather we slept in the same quarters."

Daenerys smiled, "go rest. They need something from us. I can tell." Aegon went away very reluctantly. Lady Stark opened the doors to very warm quarters. "You would do well here. I will send handmaidens to draw you a bath. I have some dresses you may want to wear. I have to say some of them are quite old. They used to be mine before my pregnancies. My daughters are not quite your size. Arya never liked dresses and my Joanna's well those are from when she was still a child." The woman looked sad then.

"Thank you." Daenerys uttered before Lady Stark left her to her quarters.

Daenerys looked over to the window and surveyed the lands. She smiled when she saw her dragons. She could see them not very far from the courtyard. It looked like they did not stray too far away from the castle. She felt easier knowing that Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal were near her. "Your grace, lady Stark sent us to draw your bath." The woman squeaked fearfully.

Daenerys bathed. A girl named Jeyne washed and combed her hair. "Tell me, where are the lords of this castle?"

"The lords Stark are at the Wall defending it." Jeyne parroted and then stopped when she looked at the other girl.

"I brought all these. The young girl said in awe." Daenerys stepped out of the tub and had the girls help her dress in a silky nightgown. It was so soft; and it fit her perfectly.

"We will come later. Lady Stark ordered us to come back for you in time for dinner." The woman left after that.

Daenerys looked at the warm bed and the furs. She should have listened to Aegon and let him sleep in her quarters. She closed her eyes and slept. The queen dreamed of him, the man in the ice. He was closer. "I want you." He whispered; she could hear his yearning. "I want to be inside of you." He begged and sucked her tits.

Daenerys moaned, "I want you inside me. I want to feel you. Please come; I am waiting for you." She begged and then woke up. She could have cried for the unfairness of it all. She brought her hands to her core. Daenerys closed her eyes and tried to recapture the feeling of his mouth, of his beard, of his hands. She orgasmed thinking of him. It was a regular occurrence. She was frustrated because she wanted the man in her dreams. She used to dream of her man every other month right after the visions. It was thrilling at first. She used to think about the next time she would see him but ever since sailing to Westeros Daenerys dreamed of him every single night and there was no relief anymore. There was not any thrill just longing. She wanted him and he was nothing more than a trick of her mind. The handmaidens came back; Daenerys wanted a quick cleanse. "Draw me another bath." She demanded. The women obeyed and waited for Daenerys to let them dress her.

Daenerys looked at all the dresses. She had never worn westerosi dresses. She had worn Braavosi, dothraki and meereenese attires but never westerosi. She chose a blue dress. It was intricate and light at the same time. The handmaidens began to style her hair. "Your grace; we only know how to do Northern braids."

"Do your best work. I am your queen." Daenerys waited for the girls to finish.

Daenerys looked at her reflection and approved. She looked the part now; all she needed was her crown. She walked down to the dining hall. Some men opened the doors and she was surprised to see Aegon seated. "Aunt, we have been waiting for you." He looked uncomfortable and that thought oddly comforted her.

She made her way to the head of table and sat. "We have not been introduced." Daenerys said to the people around her. "This is Lord Tyrion Lannister, my baby brother. Lady Sansa Lannister, his wife is seated next to him and their child Jon sleeps, as does my youngest Rickon. Prince Aegon is seated next to my daughter in law lady Margaery; she is married to my second oldest Robb, their child Eddard sleeps as well." Lady Stark announced.

They had a tense dinner. Lady Sansa and Margaery looked ready to leave at the slightest opportunity. Lord Lannister and Lady Stark exchanged looks every so often. A handmaiden approached the table and addressed lady Margaery. She stood up promptly, "Where do you think you are going?" Aegon asked swiftly.

Lady Margaery looked down and spoke softly, "My son has woken up. He is not easily comforted. I have to attend to him your grace."

Aegon nodded, "you may leave." Tyrion Lannister frowned slightly but did not speak up.

Their dinner was finished. Lady Sansa retired to see to her child and her nephew as well. Daenerys noticed that lady Stark liked her sister in law better than her daughter in law. "Sansa, little bird could you make sure Rickon is aslept as well?"

Lady Sansa nodded, "of course Lady Stark." The redheaded woman curtsied and left. An uncomfortable silence followed and was broken by Aegon.

"Where are Lord Stark and his sons?" He asked abruptly.

Tyrion Lannister spoke up, "They are at the Wall defending it. My sweet sister wanted your graces to be rested but we have to talk of important matters."

Aegon frowned, "we are. Where is your father? Your brother met the proper end. You are hiding your father and will be executed for treason."

Lady Stark drank her wine. "Where are my daughter and her children?" She counterasked.

Daenerys looked at lady Stark and replied, "She escaped to the Free Cities." The queen was sure Joanna Stark was safe and lady Stark knew her daughter was safe. She would speak to the older woman in private; without Aegon, who was so reckless.

"So you say. We have not seen them or my father. For all we know you executed them as you did Stannis." Tyrion continued.

"Maybe you can be his replacement. I will kill you; that would hurt the old lion." Aegon spat triumphantly, "His heir dead."

Lannister and lady Stark chuckled. Aegon growled; "my prince must not be offended." Lady Stark offered, "our father hates Tyrion. I daresay he would owe you a debt should you execute my brother."

"My sweet sister is correct. Tywin Lannister is not of concern. If you have come to the North in hopes of finding him and exacting revenge, then we must surely disappoint you. Our father has disappeared as has our Joanna and her children." Tyrion explained.

Daenerys looked at the siblings and evaluated them, "I do not understand your presence here. Your father has fled or is hidden; why then are you in the North? Your place is West."

Aegon drank his wine, "It is most strange that you are here, as is strange that the Riverlands and the Eyrie's wardens have congregated in the North as well. What is your purpose here? Must we assume you are starting a revolt; an ill-advised plan to overthrow my dearest aunt?"

"The crown faces bigger problems than claims to the throne or petty wars." Lannister said somberly.

Daenerys and Aegon frowned, "I do not like your manner of speaking Lord Lannister. I must confess I share some of my beloved nephew's concerns. I have sent raven upon raven waiting for responses. I had enough doubts as it was; the loyalty among your houses is not the best in Westeros. Lord Stark and the late Usurper's treason killed my father and oldest brother. Forgive me if I mistrust you. Your houses should be grateful I have allowed you to live this long; another less forgiving ruler would have executed you and your loved ones long ago."

Lady Stark spoke up, "my Ned has done nothing but to obey his king's commands at all times. We now need your help. My sons and husband are fighting for the North. They are fighting for all of us."

Daenerys knew about the wildlings and the threat of them to Westeros. The queen also remembered the letters Stannis received from the North. She waited until day Stark spoke once more. "Winter is coming and with it the long night. Tyrion and my sons are here because they are fighting the others, the undead."

Aegon laughed. "Preposterous. You want us to believe the dead are rising."

Lady Stark ignored her nephew and looked at her. "No one would have believed dragons would come back once more and yet here you are; you and three dragons of your own. Your grace would be good to listen to us." The older woman stated.

Daenerys spoke, "Your husband sent letters to King's Landing asking for men and help. He has been asking for help for almost three years now. Stannis sent men at first but he stopped about a year and a half ago."

Tyrion Lannister nodded, "Stannis did not believe my brother in law. He sent men to humor Joanna. He stopped once he knew about your arrival. He requested men then."

Daenerys looked at lady Stark who looked incredibly sad once more, "Your father answered the call. He sent his armies to protect King's Landing and we defeated the Baratheon and Lannister forces. The Stark banners were absent however. We thought the Starks were more loyal; it is enlightening to know how quickly your house abandons their kin."

Lady Stark's voice was eerily low, "your grace knows nothing of family. Our family stands together. We face bigger problems than deciding who gets to sit on the Southron throne. Wake up girl." The woman said harshly.

"Where are Joanna Baratheon and her children?" Daenerys asked once more.

Tyrion Lannister drank wine and answered, "We do not know; nor do we know where father is. What we know is that you killed Jaime and Stannis."

Aegon growled, "Jaime Lannister paid for his treason. The Starks will pay for theirs as well."

Lannister glared at Aegon, "Jaime killed the Mad King to protect King's Landing. He would have burned the whole Westeros if he meant he could be king of the ashes. As for your gallant father; he orchestrated the kidnapping and subsequent rape of Lyanna Stark. Your prince father started a war for a girl who was promised to another." He then looked at Daenerys, "Your father killed Rickard and Brandon Stark in front of court. He burned and hanged them respectively. Forgive me your graces but wars had been started for less."

Daenerys knew about her father and his madness. She had asked both Jorah and Barristan. The queen had been living in King's Landing close to a year and was aware of the very fragile trust that the commoners felt for her. They did not love her yet. The ladies and lords of Westeros were under her rule and she did not expect their devotion but she was surprised to not have the commoners' love. Joanna and the late Stannis had their respect if not their love. She looked at Aegon and thought about what would happen if she had her dragons burn Winterfell and have the North bend the knee to her.

"The North will not bend the knee for anyone that does not have Eddard Stark's seal of approval." Jorah's voice reminded her. "What would you have us do?" Daenerys asked lady Stark directly.

"Aunt, what are you doing? Will you seriously listen to this traitorous woman?"

Daenerys heard a growl and then looked at Tyrion Lannister. "You will not speak to my sister in those terms again. You forget yourself. You are not in King's Landing anymore. You are in the North, under the Stark's rule.

Aegon roused and unsheathed his sword, "You dare speak to your prince in that way? I should have you executed." Her nephew roared.

Lannister looked at the sword, "your men are not far away from here yet they are not here. I suggest you lower your sword and shut your mouth. Our men guard this castle; be smart. Let the adults speak." He growled once more.

Lady Stark took her brother's hand, "Tyrion enough." She said carefully. Tyrion looked at her and kissed her hand. "I will not let that boy disrespect you." Daenerys never had anyone defend her like that. Viserys did not care for her; never like that.

"Lady Stark, I apologize for my nephew. He is sometimes blinded by his desire for justice and wish for my welfare." Daenerys pushed her nephew to his chair.

"Your grace you have a great problem and need our men. We need more of your men. Our families will forgive what has been done to us if you forgive what has been done to yours. The Wall will not protect us from the dead. Every day my brother in law and my nephews stave them off but we are running out of time. Winter is almost upon us. We need more men and most important we need your dragons." Tyrion continued.

Daenerys listened to the happenings in the North, "We have white walkers attempting to cross over. We have had a few attack the communities near our castles." Tyrion explained. "Eddard and my nephews had been rescuing and transporting the free folk to northern strongholds. They have lessened the numbers of the undead but it is not enough."

Aegon snorted, "So what destroys these walkers?" Her nephew was still disrespectful to these people.

Lady Stark addressed her, "Fire, Valyrian swords and dragon glass. Tyrion brought wildfire and we have been using it to destroy more white walkers. We are running out of wildfire your grace."

"So you want my children." Daenerys completed.

"And your men; the unsullied if possible." Tyrion said with a smile.

"I want to see the Wall." Daenerys demanded.

Lord Lannister drank more wine, "We shall go in a fortnight; once your men are here."

Daenerys frowned; "my men are merely days away." Aegon frowned alongside her.

"I thought we agreed to stop these silly power games. We do not intend to harm you or your men. The North is ours and we know. Did you honestly think your men would pass through the Neck and Moat Cailin so easily?" Lady Stark announced a little annoyed.

Daenerys looked confused, "I have my children."

Lady Stark smiled, "the dragons and you are here and your men will be here as well because so we decide."

Daenerys did not like her tone once more. She remained quiet because she heard laughter. She turned and looked at a boy and the biggest wolf she had seen in her life. "MAMA," the boy yelled and ran to Lady Stark's skirts. The wolf growled and stalked into the hall. He barked at Aegon who drew his sword once more. The beast bared his teeth at her nephew.

"Lan, down boy." Lady Stark said from her spot. The wolf stood down and then slumped down at lady Stark's feet. They were all quiet; Daenerys noticed the child once again. The boy was on the other woman's lap, "I thought Papa was here." He said with a frown and then looked at her. He had brownish hair, pale skin. She could tell by his hands.

"Who are you?" The boy asked her with beautiful grey eyes. He was a very handsome boy.

"Insolent child." Aegon whispered and left the hall.

Lannister waddled away from his chair as soon as Aegon left. "My wife and child await. Your grace." Lannister bowed at her and then kissed his sister. He also kissed the boy on his forehead. The boy kept looking at her. Daenerys did not want to leave, not yet.

Daenerys looked at him and answered, "I am your queen."

The boy laughed, "you are not. My Joanna is queen." He said seriously.

Lady Stark smiled sadly once more; "Our Joanna is not queen anymore my love." Rickon nodded. "I am Rickon. You are prettier than my brother's wife and aunt Sansa." He grinned.

Daenerys smiled. "Thank you Rickon." The boy nodded, "Go to bed Rickon. Take Lan with you." Lady Stark said with a smile and kissed Rickon on his forehead.

Daenerys could not help but laugh when the little boy kissed his mother on the nose. "Papa will be here soon." The boy giggled and wandered off with his wolf behind him.

Lady Stark smiled happily, as she saw him go, "My youngest, I almost died when I birthed him. He looks a lot like my husband and my two oldest. He is the wildest of them all."

"He is a handsome boy." Daenerys said honestly.

Lady Stark looked proud, "all of my children are."

Daenerys wanted to ask her once more; "why did your husband not answer the call?"

The other woman stood up and offered her arm. Daenerys did not hesitate and linked her arm with the older woman's. "I will not insult your intelligence your grace. The men are gone and we do not have to prove that we are stronger or bigger. You very well know that our fights are fought differently. The Starks do not do well in the South. Ned almost lost his life the last time he attempted to be involved in Southron affairs."

Daenerys could not believe her ears; "everyone says the Starks protect each other. Your husband rode to war for his sister. He helped the usurper's bastard's son and then secured a marriage for your daughter as queen. Why did I not see one Stark banner in King's Landing?"

Lady Stark sighed; "he made a decision. It was either send our troops to perish in the South or protect the realm against the white walkers. I daresay he made the correct decision."

Daenerys was no stranger to sacrifices. She had given her body to Drogo, married strangers, left people she cared about and killed those who were too stubborn to join her cause. The woman however could not understand Lady Stark's aloofness in the matter of Joanna Baratheon and her children. "Your daughter is safe. You know that to be true; otherwise you would not be so cordial."

Lady Stark nodded, "Joanna is physically safe, as are Steffon and Shireen."

Daenerys felt easier knowing that they were safe. "Your father escaped with them."

"He did." Lady Stark laughter tinkled. "My father is not a very good man. He was never affectionate to my brothers or me. He procured me a marriage and sent me North to strengthen his position as Warden of the West and friend of the crown. Father however has a soft spot for his granddaughters. He seems to genuinely care for Arya and Joanna."

"And so they are safe and away." Daenerys finished.

Lady Stark nodded once more. "They are. I doubt father will ever come back to Westeros. He understood that Ned would not send any men to King's Landing. Father's plan was to rescue Joanna, the children and Jaime if that was possible."

"The kingslayer died." Daenerys stated once more.

The older woman looked sad again, "he was my twin. Jaime was once my everything; at least he died fighting. My brother was always good at fighting and defending people." Daenerys bit her tongue.

"It is getting rather late and I have to see to Rickon." Lady Stark ended their conversation. "Let me show you to your quarters your grace." Daenerys was glad because she would have never found them herself.

They parted ways. Daenerys glanced at the furs and then heard a knock on her door. "Come in." The handmaidens helped her out of her dress. She dismissed them as soon as they braided her hair for sleep. Daenerys closed her eyes and awaited for the new challenges of the upcoming day. She wished Missandei were by her side. The other girl was her constant companion.