Chapter 3

Jon approached Theon, his expression a mix of concern and empathy. "You alright?" he asked, extending a hand to help him up.

Theon slowly pushed himself up, his stunned expression gradually fading into a wry grin. "I'll live," he replied, accepting Jon's hand. "But next time, I will be the one who wins Snow."

Jon chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "We'll see about that," he retorted with a smirk, giving Theon a friendly pat on the back before turning to join Robb, leaving Theon to gather himself after their spirited duel.

Robb glanced at Jon with a raised eyebrow. "Impressive performance back there. How did you manage to improve so much in just one night?" he inquired, genuine curiosity in his tone.

Jon shot Robb a mischievous grin. "Oh, just some secret practice under the moonlight," he teased, his tone playful.

Rodrik Cassel, noticing the exchange, interjected with a raised eyebrow. "Secret practice, you say? Seems like you're hiding something, Jon," he remarked, his tone probing yet friendly.

Jon flashed Rodrik a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his head. "Well, you know, a bit of extra training never hurt anyone," he replied vaguely, hoping to divert any further scrutiny.

Rodrik's gaze remained fixed on Jon, his expression indicating that he wasn't entirely convinced. "Hmm, just be sure to keep your focus on your duties here at Winterfell," he advised, before turning his attention back to his own tasks.

Robb pulled Jon aside, a curious expression on his face. "Hey, Jon, I've been wondering... Have you been letting me win all this time?" he asked, a mixture of amusement and suspicion in his voice.

Jon chuckled nervously, trying to deflect the question. "Come on, Robb, you know I always give it my all," he said, attempting to change the subject.

Robb cuts him off, "You've never beaten me before, much less me and Theon together. Which makes me wonder if you has been letting me win all this time."

Jon's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by Robb's question. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond, before finally managing to stammer out, "I... I wouldn't say letting you win... more like... going easy on you?" His voice trailed off uncertainly, hoping his vague response would suffice.

Jon's heart raced as he struggled to find the right words, his gaze flickering between Robb's searching eyes and the ground beneath his feet. He knew Robb deserved honesty, yet the truth felt like a weight pressing down on him.

"I... I guess... maybe sometimes," Jon admitted reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't bring himself to meet Robb's eyes, a sense of shame creeping into his words. "I just didn't want to... I don't know... overshadow you, I suppose."

He fell silent, the admission hanging heavy in the air. Jon braced himself for Robb's reaction, his stomach churning with anxiety as he awaited his brother's response.

Robb's brow furrowed in thought as he considered Jon's revelation. A pang of empathy stirred within him as he recalled the subtle signs of his mother's insecurities over the years.

"Do you think... it has anything to do with my mother?" Robb asked softly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. He couldn't shake the feeling that his mother's expectations had cast a shadow over their relationship, influencing Jon's actions more than either of them realized.

Jon's gaze softened with understanding as he met Robb's eyes, recognizing the weight of his brother's words. He nodded slowly, a somber expression crossing his features.

"Yeah, maybe," Jon admitted quietly. "Your mother's expectations, her... concerns about me... they've always been there, lurking in the background." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I guess I've just been trying to... I don't know... tread lightly, I suppose."

The two brothers shared a moment of shared understanding, the unspoken complexities of their relationship laid bare between them.

"Jon, Robb," Vayon Poole's voice echoed through the training grounds of Winterfell, breaking the solemn moment between Jon and Robb. "Apologies for the interruption, but Lord Stark has summoned both of you to his solar," he announced, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.

Jon and Robb exchanged a quick glance before nodding in acknowledgment. With a shared sense of purpose, they followed Vayon Poole towards Lord Stark's solar, their earlier conversation lingering in their minds as they prepared to face whatever awaited them.

Jon and Robb entered Lord Stark's solar, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. As they approached, they found Ned Stark seated at his desk, his expression grave, while Catelyn Stark stood beside him, her features etched with concern.

"Father, Mother," Robb greeted them with a respectful nod, his demeanor serious.

Jon followed suit with a nod of his own, his gaze shifting between Ned and Catelyn, a sense of apprehension settling over him.

Ned took a moment to gather his thoughts, his expression pensive as he glanced between Robb, Jon, and Catelyn. He drew in a deep breath, steeling himself for the revelation he was about to make.

"Robb, Jon, Catelyn," Ned began, his voice steady but tinged with solemnity, "there's a secret that I've kept hidden for the past sixteen years. It's time you all knew the truth."

He paused, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air, before continuing, "It concerns Jon's parentage, and the true identity of his mother."

Ned's revelation sent a ripple of shock through the room, and he braced himself for the inevitable torrent of emotions that would follow his confession.

As Jon's mind whirled with confusion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dissonance. In the original story, Ned Stark had taken the secret of Jon's parentage to his grave, never revealing the truth to anyone. The sudden revelation now left Jon grappling with a myriad of questions and doubts.

"Why now?" Jon wondered silently, his thoughts racing as he tried to make sense of the situation. "What could have prompted Father to reveal this secret after all these years?"

His mind flickered back to memories of his past life, where he had absorbed every detail of the story of Westeros. But now, finding himself in the midst of a narrative deviation, Jon couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that washed over him.

As Ned's words continued to echo in the room, Jon's determination to uncover the truth behind this unexpected turn of events only intensified. He knew that unraveling the mystery of his parentage would inevitably lead him down a path fraught with danger and intrigue, but he was prepared to face whatever lay ahead in search of the answers he sought.

Meanwhile, Ned's voice filled the solemn silence of the solar as he began to recount the events of Robert's Rebellion, his words carrying the weight of truth and revelation.

Ned began, his voice steady, "The rebellion that brought down the Targaryen dynasty was built on a lie. My sister, Lyanna, was not kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen as the world believes. She went with him willingly."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room as Ned's words sank in, and Jon's heart quickened with a mixture of shock and anticipation. He leaned in, his attention fully captured by Ned's recounting of the long-buried secrets of the past.

Ned continued, his voice steady but tinged with emotion as he delved deeper into the tangled web of deceit and betrayal that had shaped the course of history.

"In truth," Ned confessed, "Lyanna and Rhaegar were in love. They had married in secret, and Lyanna bore Rhaegar a son."

Jon's breath caught in his throat as the weight of Ned's revelation settled over him. The truth of his parentage was finally laid bare, confirming the suspicions that had lingered in the depths of his mind for so long.

As Ned's narrative unfolded, Jon listened intently, his mind racing with a tumult of emotions. The reality of his identity, once shrouded in mystery, now stood before him in stark clarity, forever altering the course of his destiny.

Ned's words hung heavy in the air, casting a profound silence over the room as the gravity of his revelation settled upon them all.

"As for Jon," Ned continued, his gaze resting on Jon with a mixture of sadness and resolve, "he is not my bastard son, but my nephew. His true name is Daemon Targaryen."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the room, and Jon felt as though the ground had shifted beneath his feet. Everything he had known about himself, his identity, his place in the world, had been upended in an instant.

Yet, amid the chaos of his emotions, Jon found a sense of clarity and purpose. He was no longer a mere bastard of the North, but a trueborn son of two noble houses, a living testament to the union of ice and fire.

Catelyn's chest tightened with a mixture of anguish and betrayal as she struggled to come to terms with the truth that had been hidden from her for so long. She felt a tumult of emotions raging within her, torn between the love she bore for her family and the sense of injustice at being kept in the dark.

"Ned..." Her voice wavered, choked with emotion as she turned to him, her eyes pleading for answers. "I understand the need to protect Jon, but to keep such a secret from me... How could you?" Her words trembled with hurt, her heart heavy with the weight of years spent in ignorance.

Ned met her gaze with a profound sorrow etched in his features, his own pain mirrored in the depths of his eyes. "Catelyn, I never meant to deceive you," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "I made a promise to my sister, Lyanna, to protect her son at all costs. For that, I am truly sorry."

Robb stood nearby, his heart heavy with the weight of the revelations unfolding before him. He turned to Jon, his expression a mixture of shock and uncertainty. "Jon... Daemon," he murmured, struggling to find the right words amidst the storm of emotions raging within him.

Jon met Robb's gaze with understanding, sensing the turmoil his brother was grappling with. "Robb," he said softly, reaching out a hand in a gesture of solidarity. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we're still brothers, bound by blood and loyalty."

Robb's eyes widened in realization as the implications of Jon's true identity dawned on him. A mixture of awe and apprehension flooded his senses as he looked at Jon, now Daemon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.

"Jon," Robb murmured, his voice tinged with reverence and a hint of fear. "You're not just my brother. You're... you're the heir to the Iron Throne."

The weight of Robb's words hung heavy in the air, casting a profound silence over the room as the magnitude of Jon's heritage settled upon them all. In that moment, Robb understood the enormity of the destiny that lay before Jon, and the challenges that would accompany his claim to the greatest seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms.

Ned rose from his seat, his expression solemn as he crossed the room to where a chest lay nestled in the corner. With a steady hand, he lifted the lid, revealing a trove of documents and artifacts carefully preserved within.

"Jon," Ned said softly, gesturing for him to approach. "This chest contains the proof of your birth, along with letters from your mother, Lyanna."

Jon's heart raced as he stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly as he reached out to touch the aged parchment within. With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, he began to sift through the contents, his breath catching in his throat as he laid eyes on the words penned by his long-lost mother.

Jon unfolded the weathered parchment, his heart pounding with anticipation as he read the words penned by his mother, Lyanna Stark. The delicate script danced across the page, carrying with it the weight of a mother's love and longing.

"My dearest son,

As I write these words, my heart aches with the knowledge that I may never hold you in my arms, may never watch you grow into the man you were meant to be. But know this, my sweet Daemon: you are loved beyond measure, cherished more deeply than words can express.

I wish I could shield you from the trials and tribulations that await you, but fate has woven a different path for us. Your father and I made choices that have shaped the course of our lives, choices born of love and sacrifice.

Though we may be separated by time and distance, know that you are never far from my thoughts, my prayers. May the gods watch over you and guide you on your journey, my son, and may you find the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

With all my love,

Your mother, Lyanna"

Tears pricked at Jon's eyes as he traced the words on the page, feeling the warmth of his mother's love enveloping him like a comforting embrace. In that moment, he knew that he carried within him the legacy of two noble houses, bound by the enduring bonds of family and the unbreakable ties of love.

Ned turned to Jon, his gaze searching yet filled with a quiet pride. "Jon, now that you know the truth of your heritage, the choice of what to do next lies with you," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "What is it that you wish to do?"

Jon took a moment to gather his thoughts, the weight of Ned's question settling upon him like a heavy cloak. He glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of his family members—Catelyn, Robb, and Ned—all awaiting his decision.

As Jon Smith, who found himself transmigrated into Jon Snow's body, grappled with the weight of Ned's revelation, he felt a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through him. Despite his intimate knowledge of the canon story, he found himself unsure of how to navigate this new reality.

On one hand, he recognized the significance of his true identity as Daemon Targaryen and the potential power and influence that came with it. But on the other hand, he understood the complexities and dangers of pursuing the Iron Throne, especially given the turbulent political landscape of Westeros.

As he pondered his options, Jon couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders. He knew that whatever decision he made would have far-reaching consequences not only for himself but for those he held dear.

In the end, Jon resolved to tread carefully, to gather more information and assess the situation before making any hasty decisions. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to navigate it with wisdom and caution, drawing upon his knowledge of the canon story to guide him as best he could.

With the knowledge of Jon Arryn's imminent death and the eventual demise of Robert Baratheon, Jon understood the futility of trying to sway Ned's allegiance in the face of such inevitable events. Instead, he focused on the broader picture, considering the long-term implications of his actions and decisions.

Realizing that Ned's loyalty to Robert and Jon Arryn would soon be tested by their deaths, Jon knew that his best course of action lay in establishing his own power base and alliances, independent of the current political landscape. He resolved to use his knowledge of future events to his advantage, leveraging his position as Aegon Targaryen to forge alliances and strengthen his claim to the Iron Throne in the aftermath of Robert's demise.

With this strategic mindset, Jon began to formulate a plan, carefully considering his next steps and the alliances he would need to secure in order to achieve his ultimate goal. He understood that the game of thrones was a dangerous one, but he was determined to play it with skill and cunning, drawing upon his knowledge of the future to shape the destiny of Westeros according to his own design.

Jon stood before Ned, his gaze steady as he prepared to share his decision. "Father," he began, his voice measured yet resolute, "I have given careful thought to the matter, and I have decided not to challenge Robert Baratheon's claim to the throne."

Ned's brow furrowed in surprise, his eyes searching Jon's face for any hint of doubt.

"Jon, are you certain?" Robb asks him, his tone laced with concern. "As Daemon on Targaryen, you have a rightful claim to the Iron Throne. Your birthright cannot be ignored."

Jon nodded, his conviction unwavering as he explained his reasoning. "I understand the implications of my lineage, Robb," he replied, his voice steady. "But challenging Robert's claim would put Father in an impossible position. I cannot ask him to choose between me and his best friend."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle between them before continuing. "Instead, I will focus on serving House Stark and the realm with honor and loyalty," Jon declared.

Ned regarded Jon with a mixture of pride and gratitude, his features softened by the depth of Jon's sacrifice. "Your selflessness is truly commendable, Jon," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "Know that I will support you in whatever path you choose, and that I am proud to call you my son."

With Ned's support secured, Jon felt a sense of peace settle over him. Though the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, he knew that he had made the right decision for both himself and his family. And with Ned's guidance and support, he was ready to face whatever trials lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that he was not alone.

With his family's unwavering support behind him, Jon knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers. But he also knew that he was not alone—that together, they would face whatever trials lay ahead, bound by the ties of blood and the strength of their shared heritage.

—

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