Chapter 69

He should have left her a note. A letter, something. Jon regretted not going to her and telling her that he would be leaving Winterfell before dawn. Father had been explicit in his wishes that he and his brother go to the Wall and sort the mess that was Castle Black. It was a haze. Jon could not properly understand what had happened Behind the Wall. Uncle Benjen was dead, his body brought back to Castle Black. According to Edd Tollet Alliser Thorne and a few others had rioted against his uncle. They thought it would be easier to ambush him during a ranging mission. Their plan was to stop the party from reaching a wildling stronghold. They did, the men of the Night's Watch killed Benjen Stark. Edd, Pyp and Grenn fought Thorne and the other men who killed uncle Benjen. Edd explained that as they fought their fellow brothers the walkers came for them. Tollet and his men carried uncleBenjen's body to the Wall and burned him. They told their brothers about the ambush. Castle Black was divided until Tollet took charge. The men it seemed followed him. He sent a ranging party and hanged Thorne when they reached the Castle.

Jon, Robb and Tommen arrived to quasi mayhem. Tollet got enough votes to become the 999TH Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Maester Aemon received them. The man was frail at best. He looked upon the newcomers. "The Starks are back." The man said in whispers. "They bring Targaryens with them." He said.

Aegon looked genuinely happy. Robb had told the Crown Prince about maester Aemon and the fact that he was a Targaryen.

"Uncle." Aegon said and approached the ailing man.

The old maester smiled, "The blood of the dragon." He said and touched Aegon's face.

Aegon smiled brightly. "You are said to look like my great nephew. I never met the boy. I remember your grandfather. My brother's son. He was

Jon watched as maester Aemon spoke to Aegon about King Aerys. Robb and him left the Targaryens and went to meet Tommen at the pyre remains.

"Father should be here." His younger brother said.

Robb sighed, "uncle Benjen did not deserve this. His own brothers did this."

Jon nodded, "he was an honorable man. He never saw this treason coming."

"We need to collect the ashes. He should rest with aunt Lyanna in the crypts." Tommen said quickly.

He left to get Grenn. "He's never been good when grieving." Robb commented. "To this day he will not say Bran's name."

Jon frowned, "Bran is not dead."

"No one has seen him since he left." Robb pointed out.

"That does not mean he's dead." Jon continued.

His brother looked at him and said honestly, "Bran is dead."

Grey Wind and Ghost played nearby. "Let's get inside. We have to plan the ranging."

Jon did not want to speak about Bran anymore. Robb understood perfectly. "I think it would be best that I went with Prince Aegon." His brother offered.

"Father wanted to pair him with me." Jon said as she walked to the castle.

"Brother mine, you are not charismatic or friendly. I would be the better choice to guide Prince Aegon. You happen to lead the wildlings as well. Our prince is not ready to lead them yet. He barely inspires leadership within the Northerners. The wildlings will not follow him until he's proven worthy in battle." Robb said with a smile. "That is what I will tell father."

Jon nodded, "the free folk. Remember, they dislike being called wildlings"

"Once again you prove me correct." Robb smirked. "There is also the fact that you do not like the prince."

The walked to their quarters. "I don't know why you feel that way." Jon said offhandedly. Tommen must have been nearby. Shaggydog joined Greywind and Ghost near the hearth.

Robb grinned, "proud, honorable Jon Stark fancies our dragon queen. She's a beautiful woman. A little too strong perhaps but you like them strong."

Jon feigned indifference. He had to be very careful to not betray his emotions. Robb knew him too well and one false move would unravel his secret affair with Daenerys.

"As you said. She is beautiful but not meant for me." Jon implied.

Robb arched an eyebrow and punched his arm. "Of course, she's our queen and will marry Aegon. That much is certain. You desire her nonetheless."

Jon shrugged, "is this about you Robb? Do you want her? Are you seeking my approval to have a little tryst with her?" His heart hammered inside his chest.

Robb laughed richly, "No, that is not something I wish to pursue. She's too serious, too self-centered. I prefer my women to cater to me. Besides our queen's beautiful violet gaze is not fixated on me. I have seen her look at you."

"Nonsense." Jon laughed.

Robb waggled his eyebrows, " I thought she wanted me at first but I tried to flirt, without success I may add. She just looked in my direction because you were near me. Let's face it, I'm more handsome than you. A far better lover but for some reason our dragon queen seems to like you."

Jon frowned, "I would never." Robb interrupted him. "All I'm saying is that you could bed her. I do not think she would be opposed to the idea. No one said you had to marry her. Of course you will not but you could have fun."

"You sound like an old woman gossiping." Jon teased him.

Robb shrugged. "I cannot help it if I have a keen and observant mind."

Jon guffawed loudly. "You are a bored man."

Robb became contemplative. He stopped at their shared solar. Castle black had individual alcoves for the men and shared spaces that served as common rooms or shared solars. The Starks usually took the east wing for themselves. Tommen, Robb, father and him shared a solar in the wing. There was an empty room which would be filled by Prince Aegon.

"I am. I miss her." Robb replied.

Jon knew he was talking about the nurse, Talisa. "You have a wonderful wife Robb."

His brother snorted, "I find her pleasing but there is no character. She is intent on being a perfect wife. I don't really know her."

Jon frowned, "you have a son with her. I daresay you know her well."

Robb frowned as well, "I don't and to be honest I do not care enough to know her at all. Margaery gave me a son whom I would die for. I hold her in high regard for that but I do not care for her."

Jon looked at his younger brother as asked him, "what would you do if you ever meet Talisa again?"

Robb stood from his chair and poured himself a glass of wine, "nothing. She was in love with Tommen. I will not be a replacement for him." Jon nodded. Robb was a better man that he was. He did not know what would have happened if Daenerys loved one of his brothers. Robb never brought Talisa up. Tommen never knew the nurse felt for him. His brother only has eyes for Cassana.

Jon never saw Robb mistreat Tommen in any way. They fought sometimes but they had always fought. Tommen and him were too different. Some would say Tommen resented Robb a bit. The younger man longed to see his wife and daughter while Robb could see his wife and child anytime he came back from a ranging.

"No matter big brother." Robb said as Tommen entered the shared quarters.

He carried a small wooden box. "Uncle Benjen's ashes." Jon said, a little shocked that it was real.

"They betrayed him. He gave up his life for this forsaken Wall." Tommen spat angrily.

Robb offered him wine. "Tollett is the new Lord Commander." Their younger brother continued.

"Father will take charge once he arrives." Jon spoke plainly.

Robb nodded, "have the other lords arrived?"

"Not yet, father will bring the Manderlys. Tollett had the stewards making arrangements." Tommen drank from his cup.

"Did you introduce our prince to maester Aemon?" Their little brother asked.

Robb nodded eagerly, "I did."

Tommen smirked, "good."

Jon drank more wine, "why are you smirking?"

"We have to keep our alliance with the Targaryens. It would be inappropriate for any of us to get close to the dragon queen. We don't have the girls anymore. Mother has done a good job but that fact remains that grandfather killed the new rulers' closest family. There is nothing we can do in that front. We can however befriend Prince Aegon." Tommen commented

Jon frowned, "we have sworn our alliance to them. That should be enough."

Tommen and Robb laughed, "you don't understand it yet." Tommen sat up on his chair and looked at him. "Think for a second, Robb has his lands in the Eyrie. I hold the Riverlands. You have Winterfell and uncle Tyrion holds the West. Our family rules and unites four of the seven kingdoms. We need to keep it that way."

"They Targaryens have promised to keep their word and leave our positions as Wardens." Jon knew firsthand that Daenerys would keep her word.

Tommen gulped some wine, "I used to think like you and father. I went to King's Landing. I lived in that rat and viper infested thrice dammed place that they call the Red Keep. I believe father and you still have that inherent belief that people are honorable. I admire you for that. I truly do but you are a fool if you think it will stop once we defeat the Others."

Jon felt a little insulted when Robb stayed quiet and did not intervene. "I am not a fool."

Tommen looked at him and said "father almost died trying to put Gendry on the Iron Throne. He is an honorable man. You and him are the few remaining."

Jon glared at him, "what are you trying to imply?"

Tommen looked at Robb, "you have no children of your own yet. You think you know love but you haven't, not until a maester places your child on your arms. I would kill them all if it meant Myrcella would be happy and cared for. I hope it does not come to that. We have to build relationships with these Targaryens and make sure we keep them close."

Jon looked at his younger brothers and understood. Robb and Tommen approached him. They embraced him. "Everyone who isn't us is an enemy." Robb said. Jon remembered mother telling them that as they grew up. His siblings wanted him to be ready to fight Daenerys if need be. Only Daenerys was his.

"Prince Aegon likes Robb and me. Now, you have to make a bit of an effort. It is obvious you don't like him much." Tommen continued.

"Do as uncle Tyrion does. Try, but avoid him if he annoys you so much." His younger brother stated.

The heir to Winterfell did not speak as Robb and Tommen spoke of the plans to go Beyond the Wall. They retired early that night. His brothers spoke of political alliances. They spoke of future conflicts. Jon thought about Daenerys and the future. He grew disheartened. There was no future with her. There could not be. He closed his eyes and hoped to find sleep easily. He found no such thing. 

He drank some ale and slept because of the sheer tiredness he felt in his bones. Robb awoke him a few hours later. "Get up. We have to leave now."

Jon stood up. His brother briefed him. They were to lead the free folk and some of the Northern forces Beyond the Wall. Father sent a raven. He would join them there as would uncle Tyrion and the queen.

The elder Stark met with Tormund and left with them. His party was to go East and rescue as many of the free folk as possible. They would advance as far as three miles from Hardhome. Jon felt regret. He wrote a letter and left it with maester Aemon. "For the queen" he wrote and instructed the man to speak to no one of it. The older man nodded knowingly.

Robb, Tommen and Aegon would lead Northern forces as far as what was left of Craster's Keep. They would wait scout for more men and women. Tommen would lead the free folk back to The different castles along the Wall. Father stressed that they would all meet at Craster's Keep once all the elderly, women, children and those who could not fight were led back to the Wall. Father was to journey East when he arrived with his men. He would send reinforcements and divide his men. The queen was to stay in Castle Black as were her dragons.

He marched with Tormund by his side. They travelled carefully but as quickly as they could. It took them weeks to reach the encountering point. They rescued and herded as many people as they could. Many told them about the dead rising. Pyp commanded the free folk that could not fight. They travelled together as far west as they could. The ranger left with the new refugees. Jon was satisfied to see that many of the fee folk decided to follow Jon and Tormund to Craster's Keep. Father and his men never arrived. There were no ravens.

There were many cold nights. He did not dream of her however. It was as if now that he had her he was not allowed small mercies anymore. Jon focused on leading the men and women under his command. Jon befriended them. He broke bread with them and made sure the last man and woman ate. They travelled twice as long to go back because Jon refused to leave anyone who could be carried to safety. The many clans respected him. Tormund trusted him and vouched for him in the beginning, not after long the leaders of the clan invited him to discuss the journey and to review attack plans for the undead.

Jon held his men together. He often went hungry as did the other leaders so that their soldiers could have what was left of the food from the Wall and whatever little they could hunt. The Stark heir was overcome with joy when he could see the Craster's Keep. His heart jumped when he saw fire about a half a mile away from the main keep. She was here.

He dismounted his horse. Ghost was by his side immediately. Jon walked to a nearby fire. Grenn smiled at him and embraced him. "Your family is inside the main keep."

Jon nodded and walked to the main keep. They could only be in the main solar. He heard his father's voice and felt relief. He was safe.

"We will wait for Tommen to get back with the last of the men from the Wall. We will attack travel to the Fist of the First Men." Father said.

Jon felt all eyes on him as he entered the solar. He saw her first. She wore a black northern dress. She looked cold. "My queen." He bowed. Daenerys did not lose her expressionless face.

"Your grace." He addressed Aegon who sat next to Robb. The Prince nodded in acknowledgement. Jon scanned the room and saw Jorah, and Edd Tollett. He recognized Greatjon Umber as well. He supposed father tasked him to lead a command on his own.

Father smiled at him. "How many fighters have you brought?"

"A hundred, a hundred and fifty of the free folk went back to the Wall. What is the plan?" He asked immediately.

Father pointed to a map and laid out the pieces. "Robb and Prince Aegon secured fifty good men and a hundred people went back to the Wall with Tommen. We head for the Fist once your brother and uncle arrive."

Daenerys spoke from her spot. "How long?"

Father looked at her, "two or three weeks but. We need food to feed the armies and for the last cache of wildfire to be placed."

"Ned, the wildfire may not be the best idea." Ser Mormont began.

"Tyrion's men are the most practiced men in wildfire setting. We have fought the white walkers for more than a year with it. I will use everything I have before we ride to battle." Father explained.

"There will be no need. Our dragons will make short work of these walkers." Prince Aegon said with a bored tone.

Jon frowned and noticed Robb's smirk. He would not give Robb the satisfaction of seeing his annoyance with the prince.

"Dragons are volatile creatures. Forgive me Prince Aegon but I rather have the wildfire in place." Father said tersely. Jon could have kissed him and patted his back.

"What will be our attack?" Jon asked and glanced at the maps spread over the table.

"Jorah will lead the unsullied on the east side. Prince Aegon will lead his men and some of the Northern forces through this side." Father showed him the paths next to Jorah's command forces. "Greatjon and the rest of the North will pass through here."

"What about our rear?" Jon asked.

"Tolled and the Night's watch." Father replied. "He needs some of your wildlings."

"Free folk." Jon corrected immediately.

Father smiled, "yes. As for your army and mine. We will be the vanguard. Robb and Tommen will ride as well."

Jon was about to ask about uncle Tyrion when he heard Daenerys, "the vanguard?" She questioned.

"Yes aunt. They advance first." Prince Aegon replied.

"I know what a vanguard is." She replied waspishly. "What I don't understand is why my Wardens go in the Vanguard?"

Father frowned, "a man leads his armies. My sons and I lead our men and ride together."

"It is irresponsible to do so."

Jon frowned as well, "we are of the North. These are our lands. The Starks have manned the Wall for thousands of years. We are of the North. We always ride first. House Stark houses no cravens. It is our duty to our men." He said.

Father nodded appreciatively. "My son is correct."

"Your grace about your dragons?" Jorah spoke after a tense moment.

Daenerys looked at his advisor, "I will command them once the battle starts."

"Will you be riding sweet aunt?" Prince Aegon asked her.

She looked away, "I will. I had a thought that you would ride as well."

"It would be an honor. I want to ride into battle first." Prince Aegon kissed her cheek.

"Your grace and her children will corner and fire upon the while Walker's armies." Father continued.

"As you wish." The queen responded and left the keep for her quarters Jon assumed.

He wanted to follow her. Jon knew he could not so he sat down in front of his father and reviewed the attack plans.

Aegon, Jorah, Robb and Greatjon left the solar. So it was father and him at last. "What about uncle Tyrion?"

"He will stay back with our queen." Father pointed out. "Your mother asked me to bring her baby brother back. I never thought those words would come out of her mouth." He said seriously.

Jon laughed. Father japed easily, "where will I be staying? I would kill for a good meal and some sleep."

His father grinned and hugged him, "I am proud of you."

Jon smiled, and hugged him back, "you should have sent a raven. I thought something happened."

Father and him walked out of the solar. "You will be with Robb and Tommen. The quarters to the left this solar."

Jon asked the burning question, "what about the queen?"

"She asked for private quarters across the keep. She is closer to her dragons." Father replied.

"Now go. Rest, we have to train the free folk." Father clapped his back and let him go.

Jon went to the training yards before he went to his quarters. He found Tormund, "they are all settled Jon Stark. The crow gave them their spaces. Now I need to inform the clan leaders of what we are going to do." The red headed man said.

Jon nodded and walked with him. He would have to go to another council. This one was surprisingly easier. "We ride with my father's army. You need to be trained in the ways of Westerosi combat. I will lead you if that is what you want."

The chief clans slowly nodded. "We will follow you and only you Jon Stark. We are no kneelers." And so Jon Stark had the trust of the free folk.

Jon saw Robb talking to the spearwives and knew he would not sleep in their quarters that night. Jon shared mead and bread with the men and then retired to his quarters. He left early. He would take a bath and then visit his dragon queen. He was unsure of the welcome but nonetheless he could not fathom to not see her having her so close to him.

He opened the door his quarters and found her naked waiting for him.

Jon dropped his sword and went to her. He grinned and kissed her desperately. Daenerys kissed him back just as hard. "I missed you so much." She hugged him and tried to undo his armor and rid him of his clothes.

"I'm filthy." He said between kisses.

"You reek." She wrinkled his nose.

Jon wanted her, "get dressed, quickly."

She kissed him again. "I want you. It matters not."

Jon grabbed her face, "my queen has to get dressed. We are going some place."

She dressed in a black dress that she knew was his mothers. He'd seen her wear that one when one of the Glover children died. He led her through the keep and soon they were outside. Jon was careful to avoid the Northern houses encampments. They would of course tell father if they saw him with the Queen.

They moved quickly and were in the woods soon enough. "Jon, where are we going?"

"You'll see." He led her past her dragons.

Daenerys frowned when they stopped. Jon began to undress. "Why are you undressing?"

"These are spring pools." The cold air hit him harshly as he undressed and dove into the pool. He'd discovered this spot the second time he journeyed beyond the wall. Only Robb knew about it but he was not here and would not think of cleaning himself or taking a bath any time soon.

He felt better once he was in the water. He lived the pools. The ones at home were far bigger and nicer but this would do.

Daenerys undressed and shivered as she slowly dipped into the water. He did not attempt to yank her down. "Do it quickly. Your tits will freeze if you take any longer." 

She hurried and was by his side holding onto him. "It feels wonderful," she replied and massaged his scalp.

Jon kissed her gently, "this is nothing. The pools in Winterfell are bigger and the waters are cleaner. Mother used to take us when we were little. She liked the ones near the Godswoods. We learned to swim early on."

Daenerys kissed him. He dunked to wash his hair. She giggled and kissed him some more. "I wished we could have met when we were children. I wish I would have met you sooner Jon Stark."

Jon felt the same way. "How would we have met my queen?"

Daenerys helped wash the dirt away from his body. She looked uncertain for a few minutes and concentrated on washing his shoulders. "I wished we had some soaps."

Jon did not let go of the matter. "How do you picture our meeting? You can tell me anything Daenerys."

She smiled sadly, "Well. I have thought about it quite a bit to be honest. You were long gone Jon."

He smirked. She had missed him as well. "Tell me. How do we meet?"

She sighed and began speaking, "King's Landing is sacked. My father dies as do Elia Martell and her children. Rhaegar however is triumphant at the Trident. Robert Baratheon dies and so does the rebellion. Your aunt Lyanna becomes queen and asks my brother to forgive your father. Rhaegar does so and lets your mother wed your father and go North. He puts your grandfather and uncle through the sword for sacking and killing my family. Rhaegar becomes king. He sends for me at Dragonstone. Viserys is fostered somewhere in the Kingdoms away from court. He hated your family and all the traitors. He blamed them for killing father and mother."

Jon stiffened a bit. "I did not want to speak about it." She said and he held her. "Tell me please." He said

Daenerys continued, "Rhaegar and your aunt have children. Three, four, I don't care. She however longs to visit the North so we do. I forgot to mention, your aunt loves me. She does not have any girls of her own. We journey North and a marriage contract is set. I am to stay in Winterfell and marry you."

"So you are my child bride then." He chuckled.

Daenerys giggled, "Yes, I don't like you much at first and you don't either. We are children but I grow up here. Your mother teaches me to be a lady and prepares me for you. I marry you and we rule when your father passes."

He kissed her softly, "We could stay here. Just the two of us." Jon kissed the side of her neck. He kept kissing and wanting more. The pool was too small and it grew cold unlike the ones in Winterfell.

"Dress my love." He whispered and climbed out of the pool. He dressed quickly and helped her out of the pool. It was too cold.

"My quarters are closer." She said and was careful to not let anyone see her with him.

Jon kissed her and undressed her quickly. They were on her bed and he was inside her within seconds it seemed. "I missed you so." She whimpered and held onto him as he rode her.

Jon looked at her violet eyes and felt home. He was home inside of her. Jon moved a hand to tweak her nipples and found them erect, begging for him to lick them. He did so until she yanked at his hair. "Kiss me."

He did so. Jon kissed and thrust into her. He felt the tightening in his balls. She was tight around him and so responsive to his touch. Jon wanted to plant his seed so deep within her. He wanted her and for a minute he pictured her tale. Her being completely his, a new Lady Stark. Jon grabbed at her released inside her. She whimpered and moved her head to the side. He felt animalistic, like he always did when he had her. Jon looked at the side of her neck and bit her. She moaned and tightened too.

Jon was coming down from all the pleasure she gave him and he noticed the tears. His Daenerys cried silently, "Danny, why are you crying?" He moved and held her to him.

She sobbed a little. Jon held her until she calmed down. "What is it?" he asked and moved her blonde hair away from her face.

"You are in the vanguard." She said in explanation.

Jon smiled, "I have always been in the vanguard. This is not my first battle Danny."

She smiled back a little, "Why does Danny sound so good coming out of your mouth?"

He shrugged, "I prefer to call you Daenerys but the moment called for Danny."

Daenerys wiped her tears, "I don't care what you call me."

Jon covered them with the furs. He smelled her hair and kissed her cheek. "I never want to see you cry Daenerys. Never."

Daenerys kissed his chin. "Promise you will take care of yourself. That you will not be foolish and get wounded."

He nodded, "promise the same." Daenerys nodded and kissed him once more.

Jon was content with her next to him. They slept for a bit. He felt cold and realized the fire had gone out. He had to leave before dawn break.

He turned and woke Daenerys. "I have to go now."

She opened her eyes and smiled, "stay a bit longer." She wiggled and brought a leg over his hips.

He groaned. "You know I cannot." Jon stood up and tried to dress.

Daenerys stood up naked in all her beauty. Her hair was a blond mess that fell like silk. She kissed his lips. "Are you sure you want to leave me?"

He tilted her chin up, "I never want to leave your side."

She smiled, and it was as if the sun shone above him. "Don't leave then. Stay with me." Daenerys kissed his neck and chest. She rained kissed and then the unthinkable happened. She was on her knees in front of him. Daenerys unlaced his breeches. Jon's heart leaped to his throat. She looked up so innocently.

"You don't have to." He stammered but Daenerys smirked. "I want to taste you. I have been very remiss."

Daenerys touched him and lowered his breeches. He felt the contact of her tongue on his skin and moaned. She played with him. Daenerys engulfed him and sucked him. He almost fell when she hummed and touched herself. She bobbed her head back and forth until Jon thought he could not take it anymore. Daenerys played with her little button. He pushed her hair back. "I'm close Daenerys." She paid him no mind and sucked harder. Jon shoot in her mouth. He felt dizzy and fell to the bed. Daenerys kissed him. "Stay longer."

Jon smiled and rolled them until he was above her, "until you fall asleep." So they fell asleep together once more.