Chapter 2 - Part 1

294 A.C. (After Conquest)

Jon Snow stood outside Lord Eddard Stark's solar, his nerves palpable. He had requested this meeting, knowing full well the difficulties it would entail. Yet he felt a driving urge to reveal the truth of his parentage, in preparation for the arrival of Daphne, who would no doubt shake the North's political foundations to their core.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked upon the door. The moment was upon him, and Jon steeled himself, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. With each passing moment, he felt his resolve grow stronger, determined to set the stage for what was to come.

"Enter," Lord Stark's voice called out, his tone calm and collected.

Jon opened the door and stepped inside. Lord Stark was sitting at his desk, looking up at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Jon, what is this about?" he asked.

Jon stood before Lord Eddard Stark, his heart heavy with the truth he carried. He hesitated, searching for the right words to begin.

"My lord," he said, "I have come to tell you of my parentage. I have learned the truth through a dream, a dream of my birth. I saw my mother, Lyanna, holding me tenderly. I saw her speak to you, saw your tears fall."

"And I heard her last words," Jon continued, his voice choking on a strangled sob. "Promise me, Ned. Promise me." The pain of that memory was as raw now as it was all those years ago, a wound that time could not heal. The weight of that loss was a constant ache, a reminder of all that had been taken from him.

Lord Stark's face registered shock, his eyes growing wide with disbelief. He rose from his seat, and approached Jon, his hand reaching out to rest upon the younger man's shoulder.

The lord stood there in silence, his mind whirling with emotion. He struggled to gather his thoughts, to find the right words to say. And then, with a voice filled with regret, he spoke. "I am sorry, Jon. I should have told you the truth a long time ago. Forgive me." The weight of his words was heavy, a testament to the guilt he carried within.

"Why did you keep this from me?" Jon asked, his voice trembling with emotion. He knew why, for there were too many risks to his very life if the truth got out, but he had to hear his father/uncle's reason nonetheless.

"I did it to protect you," Lord Stark said, his voice choked with guilt, confirming Jon's own reasoning for the lie. "Rhaegar Targaryen was responsible for the deaths of many, including my own brother and father. I could not let you be associated with him. More death would follow our family and I was not strong enough to prevent it. Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn and Tywin Lannister would not stop until the threat you presents could be permanently averted."

Jon for a split second wanted to lash out that it was a lie, that Eddard just didn't want to antagonize his own friend and foster father, but he knew the truth. Eddard Stark did love him like a son and he did not hesitate to take a hit to his own honor if it meant his family would be safe from the flames of war. Jon also had no doubts about how his father/uncle would call his banners in his defense if the situation got dire.

"I understand that, my lord, but I now know that I have a claim to the Iron Throne." Jon said with determination, making Lord Stark flinch. He is unsettled, good, he could now pledge his case. "But I am willing to pretend I did not know this fact if I could be legitimized and raised to nobility. That way even if the truth would get out one day, the Seven Kingdoms would be assured there would be no risk for rebellion, for I would be using a new name and would have forsaken every claim I might have once had."

The die was cast, Jon hoped his gamble would pay off. His backup plans were not nearly as bloodless as this one.

Lord Stark nodded, understanding the reasoning and reluctantly agreeing with a nod. "I promise you this, I will petition King Robert Baratheon for the leave to legitimize you so you could be named the head of a branch family of the Starks, ensuring that your claim to the North would only come after all your siblings'."

Jon looked at Lord Stark with gratitude, relief washing over him that things were proceeding as he had hoped. But he knew that his wife would not be satisfied with just his lord's words.

"My lord," Jon said, his voice filled with determination. "I am grateful for your kind words, but I also wish to have a place to call home for my future family. I would be honored to rule over Moat Cailin, if it would please you. I feel that I could do great things as its lord, and I promise to serve you and House Stark with all my heart." The passion in his voice was palpable, a testament to his unwavering resolve and unwavering loyalty.

Lord Stark pondered the request, his mind weighing the implications.

"I can agree to your request," he said, "but on one condition. You must start to attend Robb's lessons on rulership and maintain your dedication to your other studies. Maester Luwin speaks highly of your intellect, and I will not have you slackening in your studies just because you are destined to be a lord in the future." The lord's words were stern, a reflection of his commitment to Jon's growth and development.

Jon inclined his head, offering a deep bow in agreement. "My lord, I understand and accept your condition. I am eager to learn and become a better ruler. I give you my word, on my honor, that I will make you proud."

"Excellent," Lord Stark said, his voice filled with pride. "We shall make the necessary arrangements and announce it at the next harvest festival. The lords will hear of your appointment, and we shall see you flourish as a leader." And with those words, he pulled Jon into a warm and fatherly embrace, a symbol of his love and support.

Jon hugged him back, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. He had always known that Lord Stark loved him, but to have his true parentage acknowledged, and a chance for a legitimate status and rulership was overwhelming.

The two of them stood there for a long moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Lord Stark pulled away, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"We will talk more about this later," he said. "But for now, know that you are always welcome in this house, and in my heart."

Jon nodded, feeling a sense of belonging that he had never felt before. He left Lord Stark's solar, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He finally put the matter of his true parentage to rest and now could move forward into the future with a new identity, new responsibilities, a chance to become a ruler and, with luck, share everything with Daphne.

—————Peverell—————