Chapter 80

Jon was infuriated. He was seething by the time the feast was over. He had many cups of ale and wine. He left Robb with two girls. Jon would go to his room and sleep.

He was upset with Daenerys, his family and most of all himself. He hated the thought of Daenerys and Aegon. He climbed the steps to his quarters slowly. The young man did not expect to see the queen waiting for him.

"Where have you been?" She asked him immediately.

He glared at her and started to undress.

"Answer me." The woman demanded.

"Your grace should be in her quarters." He slurred a bit.

"You are drunk." She said exasperated.

"Your majesty is quite correct." He bowed to her and almost fell.

"Enough. What was that little demonstration early?" She asked him in a very commanding voice.

"I am confused." He said and tried to get into his bed.

"You know very well what I am referring to?" She continued and blocked his path to the bed.

The heir of Winterfell remained quiet. He put the sword aside and went to bed. He was surprised when Daenerys undressed as well. He was even more surprised when she got under the covers and kissed his back. She hugged him and slept. Jon was quiet but held her hand in his.

He woke up thirsty. There was a weight on his side. His head hurt. Jon looked to the side and found Daenerys fast asleep.

He gently removed his arm from underneath her. His tactic did not entirely work because the queen sighed deeply and was awake within seconds.

"Good morning." She said lightly.

Jon nodded and remained quiet. Daenerys stiffened by his side. They were silent for some minutes. She broke the silence; "What is it?" She asked.

Jon tried to remain calm. "What do you mean?"

Daenerys sat up. She wore her shift; her braid was half undone. "I mean what is it? Why did you have to play that horrible song?"

He frowned and sat up. He rested his body on the headrest. "It is merely a song."

"It is not to Aegon. Your grandfather ordered his mother and sister's dead. The mountain raped Elia Martell. It is a very sore spot for my nephew." She said.

Jon was angry and in physical pain from the previous night's exploits. "I did not order to play the song. It was my uncle and brother. And since when are you so concerned for Aegon's sake. You are not even sure that he is your blood."

Daenerys frowned. "He is my heir and my blood."

Jon stood up and put on his breeches. "Your children will be your heirs. He matters very little." He was tired of the squabbling.

Daenerys looked away. "You are petty."

Jon laughed and lashed out, "I am petty? I am leaving my people. My lands for you."

She looked hurt and then was cold. "I have not asked you to do so. You will trade the North for Westeros. You will rule next to me."

Jon tied a piece of leather into his hair and tried to not look at her. She stood up and went in front of him. "This is not you. This is your mother. She is trying to make a rift between us."

"Did you not see how she manipulated you last night? She reminded us at every moment of your work here. She is playing on your sense of loyalty to these lands. Lady Stark is sure you will leave me for these lands. She spoke of the North and all the work that needs to be done. Tell me you have noticed how little time you have spent in Winterfell. Your parents are plotting to have you away from me." She finally said.

Jon could not deny her accusations. He grew up with Cersei Lannister as a mother. Father would have never tasked him with so many duties back to back; not when there was Robb to spare and Tyrion to help. It was mother's planning through and through.

"They have a point." Jon finally said. "I cannot leave the North; not before the year is out."

Daenerys paled; "I see." They remained quiet. "Your mother has succeeded then." She tried to keep her face impassive but Jon knew her.

The anger was gone; it was replaced with fear. "I love you more than my own life. You could stay with me my love. We could be married in the Godswoods or the Sept if you so wish. We will live in Wolfhall until I have sorted the North." He stood in front of her and begged her.

The queen shook her head. "My people need me. I have fought for that throne. I will be back to it as soon as possible. I have been here too long."

Jon nodded, "My people need me as well. I may not be a king but I will have them thrive. I am responsible for them."

Daenerys looked away from him. "There is nothing more to say then."

Jon understood perfectly that she would not change her mind. "I have to leave for Wolfhall." He said and hastily dressed. He could not stand to see her. Jon was too hurt with her.

He visited the stables and then mounted a horse to leave. He would not take Rhaegal. She was not his.

Jon rode the horse for hours until suddenly. He was at the gates of his beloved Wolfhall. He remembered when he was younger and hated the Dreadfort. Mother had dispatched half of Winterfell's servants to Wolfhall. Jon had all of Bolton's possessions distributed among the soldiers and villagers. All the sigils were changed to Stark banners.

Jon entered the castle and was glad for the warmth. He went to his quarters and slept. He was weary and tired.

Jon woke up the next day and involved himself with work. He kept his mind busy. The people needed him. It was three days before he realized he had to go back to Winterfell. He decided to wait and a week became three weeks. If his calculations were correct. Daenerys and her party would leave in two weeks. The man did a lot of thinking. He advanced as much work as he could and came up with a compromise. He decided to leave for Winterfell when the maester told him about the storm. The man stocked the castle and made sure everyone was safe and warned before leaving for Winterfell. Jon thought about his idea. He would explain to Daenerys. The idea was that he would travel to King's Landing after six months. He would stay for a few weeks and then travel back to Wolfhall. He hoped to explain to Daenerys. Jon foresaw a lot of traveling during the first three years.

The heir to the North rode back to Winterfell. He arrived early in the afternoon. Jon visited his father's quarters.

"Good to see you. I would appreciate some notice when you leave for weeks." His father said with some snark.

Jon nodded gruffly. He hated being treated as a green boy.

"Your mother was worried sick." Father continued.

Jon sat in front of his father. "Mother knew perfectly well that I would leave for Wolfhall. She in fact would have rejoiced in my absence."

Father did not speak or contradicted him. "I have remained quiet and doubted that you would play her games but I see I was mistaken." Jon said while trying to infuse his voice with harsh disappointment.

His father lowered his head almost imperceptibly. "Your mother and I only want what is best for you."

Jon could not understand their reasoning. "You have to stop. I am miserable. I love the North. You know I feel responsible for the Free Folk as well. I am not about to shirk any of my responsibilities. You and mother have to stop the meddling." He said plainly.

It was very propitious when mother strode in. "Tyrion wanted to know if the Maester reached a conclusion?"

"Oh sweetling! You had me worried sick." She kissed his cheek.

Jon smiled at her and patted the chair next to his. "Sit mother. Father and I are having a lovely chat. It is important that you hear it as well."

Mother smiled and sat by him. She exchanged a look with father.

"I am not leaving with Daenerys." His mother tried to stop her reactions but she could not help but grab his hand and tell him; "sweetheart, it is for the best."

Jon was annoyed then. He removed his hand and then looked at them both. "I will travel later. You and father have opened my eyes. I do feel responsible for the North. I love these lands but as I have told you both. I love Daenerys a hundred times more.

"You barely know that woman." Mother continued.

"I have dreamed of her. I don't know if you understand. I don't know if you and father love each other so. I would burn Westeros to have her by my side."

Father frowned, "you are foolish; this is nothing but infatuation. It will pass. You are willing to trade it all for some sex."

Jon stood up. "It is not some sex. We have fought together. We lost a child. We might as well be bonded. I shan't have any more of your meddling." He turned to his mother, "especially from you Lady Stark. No more mentions if my eligibility, or my future as Warden of the North. You have Bran and Rickon. They will inherit Winterfell and Wolfhall if you so please. If not little Ned will have the rights. You have enough heirs to distribute the lands."

"It is your rightful claim. Bran is lost to us and Rickon is but a boy." Mother argued back.

"Father and you are strong. Surely you will see to Rickon's education. You have seen to mine and my siblings. You have done well mother. I have sensed your hand ever since you saw me and Daenerys by the pools. I have played the fool. I have tried to fool myself trying to excuse your excessive requests to help Tormund." He addressed them truthfully.

"The little mummer show you put during the last feast was the last straw. I was jealous and assume my responsibility for playing the song. All I needed was time away from here to think. My mind is resolved. Enough." He said and left his parents.

Jon hoped that his parents understood his meaning well enough. He now had to find Daenerys and undo whatever he had done.

He waited until dinner. Robb and Margaery greeted him amiably as did Aegon. "Rhaegal has been sad since you left." He said with an honest voice.

Jon nodded. They ate their dinner. Father looked at him but did not speak to him. Mother tried to be a gracious host but she was in her own world. She was surely thinking of their conversation. Uncle Tyrion and Sansa had opted to not come down for supper. Tyrek was fussy as was little Jon.

The Bear was in attendance as well. He spoke to mother and father in hushed tones. Jon drank from his ale. Daenerys was absent. He did not enquire about her but heard when Margaery remarked that she hoped that the queen felt better. She was sick then.

Jon retired after he ate half of a course. He felt mother's eyes on him. He did not go to his quarters. Jon went straight to her quarters. He knocked on the door and a handmaiden opened the door for him. He could hear retching sounds.

"The queen is indisposed. She is not taking visitors." The woman said. He recognized her. It was one of the Free Folk girls.

"Let me through." He said and pushed past her.

Daenerys threw up on a basin. She looked up. The dragon queen was white as a sheet. Jon addressed the other handmaiden. "Leave." He said authoritatively.

The woman looked at Daenerys. The queen nodded her head. She did not say much more because her head was down the basin once more.

Jon went by her side and held her hair back. She vomited until there was nothing more. Jon pushed the basin aside and grabbed a cold wet rag. He wiped her face and tears away.

He stood up and pulled her up gently. "I think that is the last of it." She said weakly.

Jon kissed her forehead. They were quiet until he undressed and went to bed with her.

"I missed you." He said very quietly.

"You left me." Daenerys replied.

"I needed time away to think." He replied honestly.

Daenerys stiffened. "You made yourself clear Lord Stark." She tried to move away from him. Jon held onto her.

"I think not." He muttered.

Daenerys turned to him. "You want to stay here. You chose your people and family over me. I have to make peace with that. I will not force you to be with me."

Jon frowned at her. "You jump to conclusions too quickly. I was upset with you, with myself, my family and this situation."

She was quiet and impassive. "You are correct my parents want to me to stay and rule over the North. I owe my people and I have to see to their welfare."

"You are only repeating my words. I must ask you to leave my chambers lord Stark." She stood up and wobbled away from the bed.

Jon sat up but did not attempt to go to her. "I will not go with you to King's Landing. I have to order my affairs. I believe I will have to travel back and forth for the first three years. I could take Rhaegal; it would be faster that way."

She seemed to relax. "I would prefer if you traveled with me right away." Daenerys turned to him.

"It cannot be." He said firmly.

Daenerys tried to look cold once more. Jon could see through her. She tried to look away to the window. Jon knew better; Daenerys asked him a question, "How long would it take you to be in King's Landing?"

"At least six months or a year." He said calmly as well.

She turned completely away from him and faced the window. It was time for Jon to stand up and tell her what he wanted. He turned her around gently. "Stay here a few more weeks." He needed her to stay longer.

"We already are. Drogon and Viserion are flying and have not been seen for the past three days. Rhaegal looks sick as well. I cannot leave my children in these lands. The maester also predicted a heavy snowstorm that will take place within two days. So you see, I am trapped in this castle until at least another two months or so the maester predicted." She sounded angry.

Jon deflected some of her anger. "Have you send words to King's Landing?"

She nodded. "I had hoped to send Aegon with Viserion or ride Rhaegal myself. She refuses to let me near her and her brothers are gone."

Jon would have to see his girl too. He felt heartened by the news. "Where do you think Viserion and Drogon are?"

She frowned, "your uncle thinks they are seeking shelter deeper in the Godswoods or maybe they have flown to King's Landing or Southern places. Dragons are not meant for this weather." Her voice broke a little.

He shushed her when the floodgates open. "Rhaegal has not eaten since you left. She refuses to let me near her."

He held her close, "We will go see her now." He said and fixed her hair back.

Jon helped her put on a heavy cloak and dressed in his leathers once more. They made their way into the Godswoods. He felt the cold seep into his clothes. Daenerys trembled by his side. They came to the clearing. Rhaegal seemed to be sleeping but then took a look at them and roared. Jon came near her.

The dragon moved toward him. "I missed you." He said and caressed her scaly head. "Your mother tells me you have not eaten." Daenerys was by his side and touched the dragon too. She let her. Daenerys cried some more.

Rhaegal blinked rapidly and then moved as if to fly. The great beast took flight. Daenerys looked up.

"She's going to the barn." He said. It was not long after when Rhaegal came back with a bloodied sheep. She swallowed the animal whole.

"She's eating. Let her find game on her own now." He said.

Daenerys nodded and walked with him. "She pined for you. She knew you left us. Why did you not take her with you?" Jon sighed.

"She is not mine to take." He replied.

"She is yours. Rhaegal has not let any man come near her. She almost fired at me last time I came to her."

He remained quiet. They walked slowly when he could not hold it any longer. "Will you accept the compromise."

"I will." She said simply.

They almost reached the castle when he asked her, "What will happen when I reach King's Landing and you have Aegon by your side?"

"He will not be by my side. You will be." She replied.

"Marry me then." He replied. Mother was not completely in the wrong. There needed to be balance in this relationship. He would give up his birthright. He needed assurance from Daenerys.

She looked at him and kissed him. "Tomorrow if you so wish."

The words came out of her mouth easily. It was done. She would wake the castle if he so wanted. She had been without him for three weeks. Daenerys thought he would stay in Wolfhall and that had almost killed her. She had been physically sick from his absence. Rhaegal had been sick without him too.

She was tired and immensely happy that he was back to her. Daenerys had been more reserved and openly stayed away from one Cersei Stark. She looked at Jon and made another snap decision. "Tomorrow if you so wish."

They made their way into the castle. Jon stayed with her in her quarters. He did not touch her. She would have not initiated anything either. Daenerys was tired. She slept on his chest.

Daenerys woke up to the usual nausea. She half crawled to the place where the basin was. She heaved and felt Jon push her hair back. The handmaidens came in and helped her as well. She could not stop retching and felt very weak.

She heard Jon shout at one of the girls. The next thing she recalled she was in her bed and maester Luwin was by her side.

"My queen." He said as he helped her to drink some tea. Jon was by her side.

"Since when have you had these spells." The older man asked.

Daenerys tried to recall. "Two or three weeks."

"My lord. It is best that you stepped away from the chambers. I will ask the queen some indelicate questions."

She took a leap of faith. "No. He stays." Jon kissed her hand and sat on her bed.

"Very well." The man understood well enough. Daenerys felt a thrill but also fear. She had to talk to Aegon. She would have preferred to speak to her nephew before there was gossip in Winterfell.

"When was the last time you had your courses?" The man asked her.

"I had some spotting last month." She recalled.

The man asked her once more. "When was the last time you had a full course your grace?"

Daenerys thought back and remembered "a few moons before that."

Jon looked worried, "We lost a babe before that."

The maester nodded, "I will touch your belly now your grace."

Daenerys nodded and soon the man felt around her lower belly. "Your breasts are swollen? Are they not your grace?" The man asked her without looking at her.

"They are." She said and then it made sense. She was stupid. It happened again. She was carrying.

"You are with child." He said and offered her a kind smile.

Jon laughed and she smiled gently. He kissed her forehead.

"When will the babe be born?" She asked. Daenerys touched her belly. There was no curvature. There had not been any belly with Aenys.

"It is hard to tell since your grace's courses are far too irregular. I would estimate you are approaching fourth month. There is a little bit of belly, not enough yet."

"You have to eat and rest. When did you miscarry the last babe?" He asked.

Jon shook his head, "we did not know. Daenerys bled. The babe was not formed very well. Father said it was a boy."

The maester nodded. "We have to take precautions. You have to nourish yourself. I do not like your look. I am of course assuming you will want to have the babe."

They responded in unison. "Yes."

"Very well. I will start some infusions for you."

"Maester Luwin. We would appreciate your silence for the time being. We have to break the news ourselves." Daenerys said with a grin.

Jon nodded as well. The maidens and the maester left. Jon came to her and kissed her deeply. He looked very happy and made her feel happy as well. She would not be fearful. This was their babe. He would grow strong within her. She would eat and rest. Daenerys would give him a healthy child.

"We have to act fast." He said and placed kisses all over her face.

"Yes." She said while laughing. They waited for breakfast. Jon thought it would be best if he went down to the great hearth by himself. "I have to go as well. I have to speak to Aegon as well."

They went down separately. Daenerys found Aegon with Robb.

"Dearest aunt." He smiled and offered his arm.

"Rhaegal is missing. It appears she took flight this early morning. That is surely a good sign."

Daenerys smiled, "It is."

"Lord Stark. May I have a moment with my nephew?" She asked pleasantly.

"Your grace." He bowed and left the room.

"It appears Jon returned." Aegon said with a small smile. "I think Rhaegal waited for him before going south."

"Yes." She finished. It was hard to speak to him. Daenerys knew that her nephew understood that they would not be married. They were not attracted to each other.

"Aegon, I am with child." She stated firmly.

Her nephew nodded. "Who is the father?"

"Jon Stark." She finished.

Aegon was calm. "It makes sense. Were you two involved before we set North of the Wall?"

Daenerys nodded, "we were."

"He rides Rhaegal. That should have been my first clue." He said with some bitterness.

The queen looked at him. "We are to marry."

Aegon looked at her and agreed. "You shall. I am to rule the Seven Kingdoms with you and so is Jon. We are the three-heads of the dragon. I am the prince that was promised."

Daenerys had heard the prophecy when they first met. She did not put any stock. "Our children are to rule."

She looked at him again. "My children with Jon will inherit the throne."

Aegon laughed. "My dearest aunt. I do not mean shared offspring."

Daenerys looked at him speculatively. "Very well if that is what you wish."

"It is. It will all depend on your firstborn and my firstborn. My son and your daughter will rule the Seven Kingdoms."

She was overcome with a sense of ease. Her nephew would not start a war.

"Aegon, I must say that you are taking this news very well." She remarked. Her sphere smiled.

"You and I were never in the cards. Jon and I will be known as princes. It matters very little if he sleeps with you. I have known that you would rule since I met you. My numbers are small aunt. I have learned to look to the future. I will not seat alone in that throne. I have always been a part of the three." He said.

Daenerys remembered uncle Aemon's words. "The three headed dragon will ride again." She whispered.

Aemon smiled. "Your daughter and my son will rule. It was destined. I only ask you that you introduce Jon and I in equality once we are in King's Landing."

"I shall. Jon is not covetous. He does not desire to rule." She assured him.

"I know that dearest aunt. We have had some misunderstandings. He may have thought that I was interested. He must know that I find you to be a beautiful woman but you are decidedly not my type. We look too alike." He said haughtily. It reminded her of when Viserys japed with her.

Daenerys laughed softly. They made their way to the great hearth. "When will you announce your marriage?"

"Tonight. Jon and I want to marry as soon as tomorrow if the weather allows it." Daenerys stated. "You will give me away." Daenerys felt happier and happier.

Aegon nodded. "I will be honored. We have to fashion you a Targaryen wedding robe. Think about that."

Daenerys laughed. They entered the hall and found half of the Starks seated. Jon was by Robb and Margaery's side.

He gave her the biggest smile. Daenerys knew it was time for them to announce their plans that night. She greeted everyone and then sat next to Sansa opposite to Jon. Lord Stark and Lady Stark carried on with a conversation.

They ate amiably. Jon looked at her and she knew that it was time to do it. He stood up and spoke up. "The queen and I have an announcement to make."

They all looked at them in askance. Daenerys made sure to look at Lord Stark and Lady Stark.

Robb grinned. He must have known. "Jon and I will marry by the end of this week or whenever my cloak is ready."

Aegon stood up. Lord Stark looked nervous but it all disappeared when her nephew spoke. "I will walk my dearest aunt to Jon. Perhaps lady Lannister can confection the cloak. Let me congratulate you Jon." He said and walked to hug Jon.

Daenerys could not stop but look triumphantly at Lady Stark. The dragon queen felt smug and happy with the latest developments. They had all taught that Aegon would be slighted and bitter about her marriage to Jon. It was not the case.

Jon looked surprised to be on the end of affection from Aegon. Her nephew whispered something and then Jon grinned good naturedly.

"Congratulations my queen." Sansa smiled, "I will of course set to work this moment.

Daenerys nodded, "I would love for it to be ready by the end of this week."

They all congratulated them as did Lord and Lady Stark. They looked worried. Daenerys could not care less. She was over the moon.

Jon came to her side and kissed her hand gently. It seemed that they all knew. Her bear congratulated sadly but he seemed resigned.

She was at ease and it did not bother her. She was ready to retire and Jon escorted her to her quarters. No one questioned them. Jon kissed her softly. "My parents have requested my presence."

Daenerys felt her belly fill with dread. "I want to go with you." She said.

"I do not want them to upset you." He said and smiled once again. "You have made me the happiest man alive."

"I want to tell you what Aegon said to me and I want to know what he said to you." Daenerys said before he left her.

"He called me the third head of the dragon and a prince." Jon said.

Daenerys laughed. "He is under the impression that we are three head of a dragon. My uncle Aemon told me about the prince that was promised and an era of prosperity that would follow once the three headed dragon ruled over Westeros once more."

Jon frowned, "I don't believe in prophecies."

Daenerys shrugged. "It matters not."

"I don't understand his reaction." Her future husband stated honestly.

Daenerys was going to agree with him but then thought about Aegon. She felt the need to defend him. "He has never been attracted to me. My nephew has always known that I would not be with him."

"We agreed to rule together. One of our heirs would then take the Iron Throne when I died." She explained.

"He never thought that you would marry. Does he know that you are carrying my child?" Jon asked worried again.

"He does. Aegon took the news very calmly. He said that It would come down to our firstborns. My nephew believes that his firstborn son will marry our firstborn daughter and they will sit on the Iron Throne." Daenerys finished.

Jon nodded. "What if our child does not like Aegon's child?" He asked

Daenerys kissed him. "I will do my best to find Aegon a beautiful wife. A sweet woman who will give him a lovely child that our son will love."

Jon laughed, "you have it all planned out, don't you?"

"I do." She kissed his cheek.

"I am happy. I am immensely happy." She laughed.

"So will I style myself as prince?" He asked her.

"You will. You will be my prince husband. You and Aegon will be my trusted advisors. She kissed him lovingly. "Come back soon."

He kissed her some more and left with a smile. She undressed and waited anxiously.

Jon fulfilled his promise. He was back in no time. The candles still burned bright.

He was tense. "What did they say?"

"They cannot do anything. Mother is worried that Aegon is being duplicitous. She is against our union and so is father." He said and sighed.

"Did you tell them about the babe?" She asked and snuggled to him when he joined her.

"I did. Mother was surprised. Father scolded me for not being careful." He said and placed a hand over her belly.

"I do not want to speak of them any longer. I have made my decision. We will be married in the Godswoods and the Sept." He said and kissed her neck. He caressed her belly. Daenerys smiled. She slept very easy that night and all the following nights. They would never have to worry about Aegon.