Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/3795799.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire_-_George_R._R._Martin
  Relationship:
      Jon_Snow/Arya_Stark, Sansa_Stark/Gendry_Waters, Khal_Drogo/Daenerys
      Targaryen
  Character:
      Arya_Stark, Jon_Snow, Sansa_Stark, Daenerys_Targaryen, Bran_Stark, Ned
      Stark, Robb_Stark, Catelyn_Tully_Stark, Rhaegar_Targaryen, Gendry_Waters,
      Theon_Greyjoy, Robert_Baratheon, Cersei_Lannister, Myrcella_Baratheon,
      Margaery_Tyrell, Hodor
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-04-21 Updated: 2015-07-15 Chapters: 12/? Words: 86913
****** The Promise ******
by OnceUponAVirgo
Summary
     Surrounded by beauty all her life, Arya has felt like the true
     outcast within her own family and yet she grew accepting of it until
     she met two people who would change her life forever. When she was
     twelve a surprising visit from a cousin she had never heard of Jon
     and his aunt Dany would alter her destiny, or would it? Modern AU.
***** Chapter 1 *****
 


Nine years ago


The letter arrived one spring day much like every other here in the northern
wilderness of westeros. Normally Caitlin would have opened it since she liked
to take care of many of the household problems, but this one was not like
normal correspondance, no not at all. The red dragon sealing it was the first
clue, and with she knew that this was not for her, or at least for her to read
first. The inkling of the contents sat in her brain for most of the day as it
awaited the master of the house's attention. After so long, she wondered to
herself as her eyes drifted out the windows of the library towards the sweeping
mountains that surrounded winterfell.
The three headed dragon meant one thing, Rhaegar.
When dusk came and the sounds of the house were finally begninng to stir to
life after a day of school and work did she let her husband know of what
awaited him in the library.
"Cat, You recognized the sigil. I know you did.". He said lowly as his eyes
began to scour the letter before him, not bothering to look up but knew she
stood still as a statue, a testament to her upbringing that she did not seek to
distract him from the matter at hand.
"There has ever been only one family that has a dragon. I should not have to
say it out loud for me to know whom it belongs to. To a family across the
narrow sea in their own kingdom... Save having a small foothold still here in
westeros...". His wife whispered into the quiet room answering him quickly. Ned
chuckled at the nervousness that filtered through her voice. His grey eyes
glanced up at the woman with a quick smirk, trying hard to calm his bride of so
many years.
"Well, glad you still remember some families wouldn't be able to. The have not
taken their place among the many is a very long time. Looks like that may be
changing, and with it I fear trouble. At least for our king, which wouldn't be
against the normal these days.". Ned quipped lightly as he finished reading the
missive before handing it to his wife, allowing her to scan the contents as
well.
He knew that some of what was in the letter would be a jumble of words for his
wife not having been married more than a half a year when the troubles began.
Truth be told the trouble began years before the final conflict when he brought
the crown prince of westeros here to hunt.
"You have a nephew and neglected to mention him all this time, to me? To your
children? You know they would have loved to have blood around. Granted they do
have one cousin, but the poor boy breaks out in hives every time they are
around him. I don't trust our horde to hurt the little boy. He going to come to
claim Dragonstone again, is Ned hat wise?". Cailtin hesitated unsure how to
proceed without an argument occuring.
Ned frowned and glanced up quickly at his wife, dark eyes glinting with an
unknown emotion lingering there. He should have told her years ago about his
nephew, but his good brother told him that it was unsafe for those there to
know that a child had been made between the union of the dragon and wolf. At
least till the child was old enough to survive if he had to come here. He
should have told just her of course, but it was not his secret to share.
Dammit, this was becoming more of a hassle that he ever wanted, but now that it
was out in the open there was little he could do now.
"Cat, Perhaps I should have shared this with you years ago, hell I had promised
him that I would keep this to myself, mostly because of the safety of the
child. You don't really understand how precarious the balance was here sixteen,
almost seventeen years ago were. No, I mean.. Actually, nineteen years ago,
honestly. Before we were wed this began, and it still lingers in the mind of
the KIng.Well, now the children will know their cousin for they will be here
within days to spend time.".
Ned sighed again fearing the silence that came when Cat was upset at him, or
something he generally neglected to tell her, which was at times most of the
time. He wasn't forgetfull in the least, but more unaware that communication
was important to ladies, espically lady wives. It got him into trouble now and
then, but he know how to soothe her over.
"As for being wise, I don't know but what i do know is that it is their
birthright and therefor they can and can not use it at their will. I suppose
that Rhaegar felt it best to allow time before he wished to visit. I cannot
say, for he does not say on the paper but I am confident that when they do show
up we will know. His son, your nephew, Jon is a few months older than Robb and
Theon, so that should be good for them. Ah, also Rhaegar's sister Daenerys will
be joining us as well. She is Sansa's age, so that should work out well.".
"His sister is fourteen?". Cat quipped with an arched brow.
Ned shrugged at his wife with a chuckle, "Apparently she must be suprise child,
because from what I remember he had a brother whom died at an early age, and
then there was the daughter. Lyanna told me of the family when She came back
here before the marriage, but honestly I may have forgotten some of the story.
Either way, I think it will be nice for the children to meet them all.". He
glanced up to see his wife nodding in agreement.
 
===============================================================================




So it came to pass that early the next week, after having told the children of
the change in plans for their usual summer breaks from school that they would
be having guests. The brood, as cat liked to refer to them when they were wild
and unruly took it in stride, happy that it was not their younger cousin robert
whom seemed to always suffer from some malady or another. They all knew that it
was not his fault, but their aunt's who was never the most sane or caring to
any of them so they wrote her off. No, their mother told them that this was a
cousin that up until now they hadn't even known existed, but they were eager to
know. Family was the most important thing to them, even they didn't quite get
along with themselves most of time.
"Mother said to be in the front hall at noon, I wouldn't want to dissapoint
here after watching all the preparation that has been going on here in the last
week.". Robb muttered darly to his younger siblings at breakfast when it seemed
they were only together during the summer. His eyes fell upon arya quickly
knowinf full well she never listened when being given a direct order. "That
means you little wolf, you be here at noon. Mother was not playing, she wishes
us to make a good impression. This is important, get it, important!" he
exclaimed harshly belaying the importance of the day ahead. His little sister
sighed angrily before nodding her head slowly, not bothering to look up from
her plate.
"Yes, I heard you the first time. Noon, I got it. I'll be here, not like I have
much to do anyway. My fencing master will not be available for a few days.".
She thundered darkly looking up at her eldest brother with a scowl. "Bloody
olympic trials, anyway I wouldn't miss this anyway. I hear they train dragons.
Is that true?". she asked with a grin, grey eyes eager and wide.
Robb shrugged slightly as he ran one hand through his messy auburn curls as his
eyes met Sansa's with a frown. They knew trouble was brewing when Arya took
notice of anything remotely interesting.
"I do not know, but you will not pester the guests with those types of
questions, alright? I'd like to make some sort of good first impression. Family
that is royality, seems odd, but it is what it is. Now, make sure to have your
wolves in their pens before they arrive. We don't need them being upset, or
scared.". He said before he stood from the breakfast table and sauntered out.
The rest of the siblings looked at each other with a mixture of awe and
nervousness.
"Dragons?". Sansa asked after a time of silence.
Arya shrugged as she stole a piece of bacon from the trencher in front of her.
"S'what I heard that they have them, or train them. I'd love to see that. Is
that so bad to say?" she grumbled as her sister smacked her hand lightly.
"Let them at least get settled here before you ask questions, okay?". Sansa
said softly in her musical voice. Her blue eyes twinkled impishly as she
glanced back at Arya, "but, i too would want to know about dragons, I mean we
learned about them being a part of westeros in the dark ages. I bet it's just a
rumor.".
Arya grinned over at her sister happily, knowing that she was not the only one
interested in learning such things. At twelve, she was brimming with questions
and sometimes no one to answer them. This was one of the reasons she ended up
in trouble daily. She would ask them, and get the answer. If there were, she
would have to see them herself in person. She would!
"Alright, you three go prepare yourselves and make sure your rooms and
straightened. You know how mother is when she is in a snit.". Sansa commanded
primly standing from her chair and quickly making her exit. The room stood
quiet for several minutes before Bran turned to his sister and grinned.
"You will see the dragons, big and small. Don't be fooled by either for they
both have a way of ensnaring those they want. Eventually, You may become one
yourself, if your lucky.". He chanted softly, his blue eyes distant for a
second before they focused back into Arya with a sigh. "There are dragons out
there, and we will meet them today!".
 
===============================================================================
 




The commotion in the house was one of the things that had always comforted
Arya, but today was not one of the time she wished to stick around. Yes, she
knew her mother would be upset that she wasn't there right now to welcome the
visitors, but the day was nice. Which meant that she would rather be out
practicing her fencing and that was a priority in the twelve year olds eyes,
and who could be wrong about that? She was not a lady, or at least she was a
bad one according to Sansa. Yet, deep down she wanted to be one, but the
wildness that filtered in her blood wanted, no demanded that she do things her
way. So, she did what she did best.
Shouts filled the air from the direction of the castle and she had a feeling
that they were for her, but she ignored it all and stilled the movements she
was practicing.
“Stick them with the pointy end, stick them with the pointy end”. She mumbled
to herself quietly as she whirled around the yard, executing the steps her
dancing master taught her. The sensation of movement fired her blood and made
the wildness quiet enough for her to focus the steps that required her to hone
the skill. Wild, Wild wolf they called her but in reality she was not as wild
as they believed, she just happened to express herself different then the rest
of the pack. They all called her ugly, wit the exception of her father but she
knew that fathers always thought their children were beautiful. She accepted
the fact that Sansa was the one boys and men stopped on the street to look at
when they were out.
“One day, one day they will look at me like that.”. She thought out-loud, not
really knowing that she had yelled it as she moved letting the rapier's
movements flow like silk not knowing that someone had come upon her spot.
“Do you often yell out your thoughts as if no one hears them? I thought I was
one of the only ones who would do something like that.”. A husky voice
permeated her reverie causing the rapier to fly away from her nimble fingers
out towards the forest. “Oh, I apologize for startling you little wolf.”.
Arya spun on her heels to look towards the voice to admonish them that it
wasn't very smart to startle someone with a weapon in their hands, but words
failed her for the first time in a long time. Standing a few feet from her was
a small, silver haired girl calmly glancing at her with a grin.
“Goodness, you look so much like her...”. The girl whispered before taking a
hesitant step closer to Arya with a chuckle, “Your aunt, I mean. We have many
pictures and portraits of her in our castle. It's just startling to see someone
whom looks so much like her. Given most of your siblings look like your
mother... Actually, all of them do. Except you.”.
A soft chuckle drifted past her lips without even thinking as she turned to go
get her rapier before she forgot where it landed and finally took a good look
at the girl in front of her. The soft almost silver hair floated around her
face and down the small of her back, almost enveloping her in a cloud and soft
almost purple eyes twinkled as they regarded her back.
“I've only seen a few pictures of her, but I would say she was scads prettier
than I am. I'm Arya.”. She stated with a smile of her own, “But, you knew that
already I imagine. I'm sure they wondered where I was when you arrived, but you
will come to find that I march to the beat of my own.”.
“I'm Daenerys, but I suppose you know that too, I'd imagine. Call me Dany, it's
just easier sometimes. Your lady mother asked me to fetch you, oh and she also
said that if you wanted to really hide. You should have picked a better
location.”. The girl smirked and held out a small, pale hand for the other girl
to grasp. “I already know we will get on thick as thieves. Come, you have to
meet my dunderhead of a nephew.”.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
 
The two girls came into the house that was full of chaos but this was expected
here in winterfell. Who could hardly blame the starks for it when they had five
children and all of them either teenagers or on the brink of being one. The
staff didn't try to mention that the decibels that came from the mouths of
babes, but they loved them anyway these wolves. One look at the two girls and
Hodor, the butler pointed towards the great room with a frown on his face. That
alone make Arya hesitate before the girl beside her tugged on her arm pulling
her into the room with a soft laugh.
“Wolves do not hesitate.”. Dany mumbled softly, still chuckling under her
breath and Arya growled in response.
The two girls stopped short when the rest of the assembled group turned to look
at them. Catelyn eyed them wearily before she caught her husbands eye and
nodded towards their wayward daughter.
“Ah, Thank you Daenerys for finding her. She often refuses to listen to any of
my directives. Arya, come here and meet the rest of the party.”. Catelyn gave
her daughter a tight smile, the tully blue eyes darkly glittering offering a
warning to the wild girl.
Arya smiled towards Dany before she quickly made her way around the mounds of
luggage and wolves that crowded the room with their owners. Nymeria, her own
wolf looked up with a wolfish grin as her mistress came within feet of her
resting place. Her mother's iron grip was the first thing she felt as she
stilled before the two figures near the fireplace. Their eyes were on her, she
knew, but she kept her gaze down before she felt the impatient tap of her
mothers hand on hers.
“Forgive my daughter, If I had not birthed her I would say she was a wolfling
herself, much like her own pet. Rhaegar and Jon, this is my errant daughter
Arya. Arya, this is your good uncle Rhaegar and his son Jon. Since You already
met Daenerys, Rhaegar's sister.” Her mother motioned first to the tall man with
hair so like his sisters. Moonlight hair, arya thought to herself something
that was unlike she had ever seen before. She looked up finally before she
heard a soft sigh escape the elder mans lips.
“By the Gods, it's uncanny.”. The man whispered glancing down at the girl with
a soft, sad smile. “Catelyn, if she's anything like Ly you will have to chain
her to you when shes older.”.
Arya frowned up at her uncle with pale grey eyes flinty with anger. This wolf
would live like she wanted and be damned with everyone who wanted her to be
what they wanted. THIS was her life.
“Father, don't bate her. She looks ready to strike, or maul.”. The boy next to
Rhaegar japed, earning a snarl from the girl as well. Jon took a step back and
opened his hands in a defensive gesture. Arya quickly glanced up at the already
tall youth with a smirk. His hair so like hers was mussed about his face, and
eyes much like hers looked back. “Stand down little wolf,”. His voice was calm,
but laced with laughter.
“I am sorry Lady Arya, I meant nothing bad. You just remind me of her, that is
all. While I didn't know her at your age, I can imagine she was just as wild.”.
Rhaegar softly explained, violet eyes tinged with sadness.
“She was wilder,”. Came a voice from close to Arya's shoulder. She didn't have
to turn to know who it was. “That was not her fault, Father just didn't know
how to handle a motherless girl. Oh, us boys he did but he couldn't be what she
needed when she was my daughters age.”.
Arya was about to retort but from the back of the room came a loud noise, much
like a rattle and the children in the room glanced at each other with curious
glances. Nymeria whined softly stepping back from her place near Arya with a
look up at her. The rest of the wolves starting to move back from the pile of
luggage knowing something wasn't quite right.
“My baby!”. Dany exclaimed softly as she ran from her place near Arya to a
small covered looking cage as another whine could be heard from under. The
young girl laughed at the started expressions of the starks with a shake of her
head. “I couldn't leave him at home, he's so young.”. She explained with a
sheepish grin revealing the small cage held a very young dragon who at the
revealing huffed a small bellow of smoke up at his mother. Opening the little
door the dragon climbed onto her hand and quickly up into the silver curls near
her neck.
“A dragon!”. Bran breathed softly stepping forward as his blue eyes kept the
animal in his sights. “No wonder the wolves were cautious since the luggage
came in, they could sense something.”.
Dany nodded quickly with a little click of her tongue the dragon peeked it's
head from the hiding spot. “This is sunfyre, only about three weeks old so he
needed to come with me because at this age they aren't apt to adapt without a
trainer. He won't hurt you, they cannot breathe fire till they are about six
months old, and even then they have to be trained... no, not trained but
focused on what they do.”.
Ned had remembered being in the dragon pits in Valeria when he had visited his
sister in the years before her death and seeing the large beasts and their
trainers. His sister had told of learning to ride behind her husband on his
own, but he had never seen one so small. The scales were the palest he had ever
seen, most of the large ones he remembered were black, and green and even a red
but never this gold. Dragons were one of those animals that you always wanted
to see, but never wanted to be on the receiving end. Luckily, they were kept
tightly controlled and there were few left in the world.
“I remember the dragon pits,” Ned glanced at his good brother with a thoughtful
nod, “by Gods, those bastards were big, and yet this one is...” he glanced at
the little dragon who's golden eyes were on the direwolf at Arya's feet.
The sound of soft laughter caused all eyes to glance to the princess with a
curious look. She gently pried the little dragon from it's perch and held it in
her tiny hands, the animal protested quietly as valerian words were said to
relax.
“Sunfyre is but a baby, and isn't on par with the old ones that are in the
pits. These days there are only three large ones left, plus Jon's and this one.
His is older and is being trained to hold a rider now. We left him on
Dragonstone before we came here. Now, that one...”. She made a soft snort that
made her nephew glance towards her with a laugh of his own.
“Meleys is temperamental, I give you that but the dragon usually favors the
owner.”. Jon smirked as his eyes swung back to the small girl in front of him.
“Mayhaps we will take you to Dragonstone to see him and the other one that is
there now. I think little wolf would like that, see something of the world.
Yes?”. His eyes caught hers, so like each others.
Arya's heart began to beat heavier than it had ever done before as those eyes
so like hers, but more guarded glanced over her form. She had, of course, seen
men look at Sansa with looks such as this but never her. Not that she had
really paid attention before but this was different. He was different, she felt
deep in her bones and usually she was never wrong about things. Family. Home.
“I would love to see the world, at least what interests me.” Arya said proudly,
eyes gleaming as they looked from the boy back to the small dragon and the
princess who cradled it gently in her hands. “Does Sunfyre fly yet?”.
Daenerys shook her head with a little smile, petting the warm scales as the
animal made a sound much like a purr. “Not yet, I give another week or so and
he should be able to glide a little.”.
Hodor appeared in the doorway of the receiving hall with a soft cough towards
Catelyn and smiled. With a clap of her hands the servants began to collect the
luggage and cart it out to the rooms that were provided for the guests. Her own
children stood watching the dragon as it still watched each of the direwolves
that lay close to their owners.
“Uncle, I wasn't aware that you had direwolves... If I had known, I would have
brought my own. Would it be alright if mine came here? I didn't want to presume
like my aunt that I could. He's much like my cousins, and I rather don't like
to keep him from my side for long.”. Jon glanced at Ned for permission and when
Ned nodded his eyes finally lost some of the flint that it once carried, having
began to relax with people whom were virtually strangers to him with the
exception of Ned whom had visited several times in his sixteen summers.
“Of course, but where did you happen upon a direwolf and how would one fare in
such a different climate as Valeria?”. Ned questioned, clearly curious. The
question went unanswered as the children began to crowd around the two
teenagers in the party and began to pepper them with words not allowing his own
to be answered. The only one whom stood back was Arya with her dark eyes
glittering watching the young man intently. He wasn't sure what was going on in
his daughters head, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
 
***** Chapter 2 *****
Four years ago
 
The city of Bravos loomed over the two companions as they found themselves
amidst the large crowd that was streaming into one of the many festivals that
were taking place during the uncloaking, a ten day celebration in the city.
Brightly colored men and women moved around in delightful masks hiding their
identity and both Arya and Dany were among them in costumes. For the last two
years this was what they had done, traveled all around the world and learned
about every culture that was known to man. It had been Dany's idea after
noticing how much Arya suffered to conform to the view's of her mother, whom
wanted her to be a proper lady much like her older sister but that wasn't ever
going to be. She was whom she was, and that suited her Dany thought. Rhaegar
wheedled the starks to allow Arya to travel with Dany, of course with some
guards and a tutor (who was more like the septa's of old). In the end they
agreed but with some catches that had to be adhered to, which they were because
the thought of freedom was just too much!
“I received an email from Sansa this morning. Seems that we have to head back
for a time to westeros for a few birthdays,”. Dany said softly to her companion
with a soft sigh. “In fact, the wording was.. if you don't come back then your
travels were to be put in suspension. I really don't think you want that
considering you will be entering the house of black and white soon do you?”.
She eyed the girl next to her with a grin.
Arya shrugged and glanced up towards the sky with the softest of sighs upon her
lips. Emotions began to surface one again that she has tried to suppress for
almost two years were beginning to nibble at her brain. Obsidian eyes were the
first memory that flashed before her eyes. No, don't think of him, never him.
The ache in her heart began to throb as she turned to look at her best friend
and nodded knowing she had to go back. Not that she had wanted to, but it was
time to see those she left behind before she started school here.
“She sent me one too, and I suppose we have to go. I really wanted to go to Lys
and see one of the pleasure houses. Not that we would have been able to get in
or anything, but you know.”. She grumbled softly, her slate eyes full of
mischief. “Just have someone tell me I'm beautiful for once,”. She whispered
after a few moments.
Dany heard the last part of her statement and snorted loudly, this was a common
occurrence with her friend. She wished with all her heart that she didn't feel
this way about herself, but she knew where it came from. She had heard some of
the taunts from those around Arya when they first came to stay at Winterfell
two years ago and was confounded to hear people tell her she was plain, and
ugly. Far from the truth, she thought to herself, Arya wasn't conventional like
her sister with the fire kissed hair and light tully eyes but she was like the
night. The night was dark and when the moon was high it gave a glow to all
those whom witnessed it. Arya was much like that, weather she knew it or not.
In the two years since since she had left her home the little girl was no
longer. In her place was a slightly taller girl, still on the cusp of
womanhood, whom now had curves and was starting to lose all the fat that had
shaped her long face. Dany supposed that one couldn't tell themselves that they
were beautiful to believe it, for others has to convince them they were. She
had told her friend time and time again, but one day someone would convince
her. That person, if she was a betting woman, was closer than Arya believed.
Two years ago it would have been improper for that conversation to really take
place, not like it still would be but perhaps... perhaps.
“We can visit during a break from school, not that I am really relishing going
back after all of this but it's time. You have to focus on that fencing that
got you into that place, which is exciting. I am not that far from there so you
know you can call, or text or video chat with me and I will drop whatever and
come to you. Besides, I'm sure you can scope me out some handsome men, so I can
hone my superior flirting skills on them.”. Dany teased with a little tickle at
her friends side.
Arya squirmed away from Dany, unaware that she had gotten precariously closer
to another group standing in a circle bumping into one of the men that stood
around one of the many fires in the campground. A shout went up from the man
she stumbled onto causing a chaos as they fell to the ground in a tangle of
arms and legs.
“Hey, watch where your going there little girl.”. A growling voice hissed in
her ear as she lay on the ground somewhat dazed. She growled up into the face
of the man who was sprawled over her, but not seeing anything but bright blue
eyes behind the mask. “Ah, not so much of a little girl are you little one, but
a very curvy lady. Forgive me, may I be of assistance to you?”. The husky voice
purred now into her ear as the body above her ground into her hips.
“Oi, You can get off of me stupid!”. She challenged as she began to push her
arms against his chest. “Now, if you would. Also, I'm no lady!”. She hissed
back as the man began to laugh at her attempts to dislodge his stance.
Dany had been looking the other way as she collision happened having watched as
a fire eater consumed the glorious flame but quickly turned to see her friend
under a man and gasped.
“Get up Sir!”. She commanded holding out a hand to her fallen friend, a look of
concern fleeting in her violet eyes as she watched the man grind against Arya.
“A, are you okay there?”
Arya sighed and looked up at the man as he continued to look down at her with
those dark blue eyes, his expression hooded behind the partial mask. When he
didn't respond she glanced up at the others standing over them, “Your companion
here seemes to be addled or drunk, not sure which but could you give him a hand
so that I may continue on my way?”. Her voice called out with a slight yelp as
one of the mans hands continued down her side to trying to cup one of her
breasts as she heard him mumble to himself, “Sweet one, come to my tents
tonight... I'll be gentle.”. Before she could respond the men helped their
fallen comrade up with a laugh.
“You alright there bull?”. One of the men asked quietly eyeing the big man
deferentially.
Dany heard the man talk and tilted her head with a little laugh upon her lips,
the one whom they called bull glanced at her with a frown. She knew whom this
way and was not surprised to see him at celebrations far from home, she
couldn't blame him with a father such as his and a mother who should have been
in charge of a viper pit than upon a throne.
“You okay A?”. She asked queerly her eyes still on the man blocking her friends
movements, her anger beginning to rise as she eyes the companions of the man.
“I.. I'm fine, but this big oaf won't move off of me. Get up stupid!”. She
growled again as the man laughed and finally pushed himself off of her with a
soft laugh. His eyes still lingering on hers as she rushed over to her friend,
hiding behind her.
Arya had a feeling she knew some of the men in the group after laughter began
to filter over to her as the one they called bull bowed towards Dany with a
mocking grin.
“You probably should have worn a hat, or something because only one woman that
I have ever known has hair the color of moonbeams or a mocking tongue like
Stormbringer. Far from the madding crowd are you? So, if your here then the one
behind you must be the little wolf, not so little anymore she's not.
Interesting, Come here little wolf.”. The man huskily commanded, holding out
one hand beckoning her.
Arya frowned and shook her head in confusion but kept her ground knowing that
it would be a mistake to be close to the man again. Not after his proposal that
only she had heard. Who is bull, she knew she had heard that nickname before.
Before she could answer Dany curtsied back towards the man in a mocking way
much like he just did to her. One of Dany's arms held her back as she moved to
keep Arya firmly behind her.
“She's not for you Prince, she never will be. I'm sure there is another whom
could quash your appetite, surely. Given there are so many around here and the
pleasure houses that dot the canals. If I can guess correctly whom is with
you...”. She glanced back at arya and with her eyes told her back up a few
steps before she moved closer to the man called bull. Violet eyes glancing to
each of the men before she began to laugh. “Robb didn't come with you? Nor my
nephew it seems. But, I spy Theon so that means you can get a fast lane ride to
the front, since he seems to have his ear to the ground when it comes to some
quick slap and tickle.”. She turned to glance back at the Prince and sighed as
she watched him take a step towards Arya. She whistled to get his attention and
waved one finger in the air as if she caught a naughty boy.
“Daenerys, You catty little bitch I heard you”. Came a voice in the group of
men which made her the girl laugh again, “I rest my case”.
The one called bull glanced at Dany with dark fathomless eyes, the anger
beginning to seep into every inch of his large frame. Raking his fingers
through tousled inky tresses he turned towards the other girl with a charming
grin, eyeing her. So, the little wolf wasn't a girl anymore but a woman with
curves hidden he thought to himself. No matter what her defender the Targaryen
princess threatened him with, he'd get her alone one time or another and
continue what he started tonight.
“What if I want her?”. The man ground out between clenched teeth towards Dany.
A soft sigh came from Dany's lips as she moved back towards her friend with a
piercing stare to the Crown Prince of Westeros. She knew that the prince had
quite a temper when it was provoked, and she also knew that for the most part
he was a gentleman but this was different, odd.
“Again, no. I will not have Arya used and brought back to her father with a
babe growing in her. We all know how potent the seed is in the Baratheon line,
don't we? No, that won't happen. She's still far too young for you anyway. Go
on prince, go have fun with the boys. We will be seeing you soon won't we?”.
She quipped as she began to lead a shell-shocked Arya away before her friend
roused from her stupor to accost the prince.
“Daenerys, You will not always be around the little wolf when she needs
protecting. Think of that will you? Just remember that in the back of your
head. I'll be seeing you around little wolf, yes I will.”. His raspy voice
taunted as his eyes flickered over Arya as he took a step closer to the two
females with a little laugh, “Just as an fyi there Daenerys, I actually do
practice safe sex, but now I'll make a point to not when I get the little one
here alone. Then perhaps she will belong to me. Won't she?”.
Arya glanced between her friend and the large prince with a growl of her own,
grey eyes finally beginning to come back into focus as she lunged at the
Baratheon barely missing him as Dany hauled her back against her own chest. The
older girls eyes glared up at the Stag Prince.
“Gendry, Stop the bullshit. There are plenty of highborn women whom throw
themselves at you, at the chance to have you. Although, I don't know why? Oh, I
know why. To be Queen eventually. Guess there are some perks.” She smiled up at
Him trying to look at serene as possible.
Gendry shrugged as his face began to relax at the banter. It would do no good
to argue with the dragon, because he learned that the dragons were are stubborn
as the lot of them were. He wanted the little wolf, not because he was told no
but because there was something there behind those silver eyes of hers. He knew
whom Daenerys spoke of when she implied she was for someone, but he chose to
ignore the inkling in his head over it all. Perhaps it was time for the stag to
win, perhaps.
 
===============================================================================
 
The loud cry of the dragon's drew him out of his reverie as the sight of the
two animals circled the bay below Dragonstone trying to catch some of the fish
from the water for a snack. Shadowed filled eyes glimmered as watched the two
still small, but numble animals climb back into the sky like rockets. Feet
scuffled behind him as a smile formed on his lips as the man he had been
waiting for finally emerged from wherever he had been in the castle.
“So where are they now?”. He asked before he even turned to look at the one
standing not three feet from him watching the spectacle in the air with him.
“Bravos, but they will be making for home on the morrow. Daenerys assured me
that they will be on a morning flight back to Winterfell, and then they will
stay for a few days before making their way to Kingslanding for the party. Why
did it have to be there?”. Sam, his best friend looked over his computer that
was always in his hands with a quick grin at Jon.
“You know why we all have to go to the party. It's partially for you so I would
venture to say it's probably imperative you do go. I know you don't
particularly like Kings Landing, but who does? At least you will be celebrating
with your friends. You're twenty-one, act like it old man. Besides, you know
all the spotlight will be on their precious crown prince and another crown.
I... uh should tell you something else that Dany mentioned in her email to me.”
Sam cut his eyes back to Jon, narrowing them watching the brooding dragon.
Jon knew something was bound to have happened to two teenage girls when they
were loosened upon the world far too early, but he had voiced his opinion when
they first started out and was overruled. He really didn't give them the full
reason why he hadn't wanted them to be out on their own, but he would keep that
to himself for now.
“What did Daenerys do now? Or was it the little wolf who caused a riot this
time?” He said wearily, tensing himself as he knew something was coming he
would not like. He could feel it in his bones.
“Amazingly this time it as not Dany, surprising as that is. No, she only gave
me a brief synopsis and promised to tell the whole story when she would see us
all, but...”. Sam trailed off noting the expression on his best friends face.
Something was not right here, he thought to himself but knew if he voiced that
Jon would just close off even more. Brooding prince, he mused with a little
snicker in his head. “Anyway, she tells me that last night they had went to one
of the celebrations in Braavos for the unmasking and.. uh... Well...”.
Jon growled low in his throat hearing where they had been. That was really not
the place for two girls to be attending, especially when everyone was masked
and unknown to each other. Trouble is what it was, and so it seems found them.
“Continue Sam, stop trying to stall.”. He ground out turning to look out over
the waters again, fingers gripping the balustrade tightly knuckles turning
white already with anger. Dammit, Arya what did you do now.
“Anyway, they were there for a while, she says, enjoying the carnival like
atmosphere when she mistakenly tickled Arya and being Arya jumped and sort of
crashed into a group of men.... um.. Actually, one in particular. Probably the
last person that she should have, but
shecrashedintothebullandnowhesgothismindfixedthathewantsher.”. Sam rushed the
last part trying to take a few steps back as Jon swung his dark head back
towards him with a hiss.
“The fuck you say?”. Jon yelled angrily, rounding on his friend. “What the fuck
was Gendry doing there, and what does he want?”.
“Daenerys said that Arya accidentally crashed into the bull after being tickled
and apparently he took some liberties with Arya as she was on the ground. When
Daenerys warned him off, well it did the opposite and now he's hellbent on
making a play for her. She warns that someone should be around the little wolf
at all times when in King's Landing, just as a precaution.”.
Jon's eyes narrowed dangerously as he listened to Sam explain what had occurred
in Braavos. Fuck, he thought again. He should have went with them like he was
going to but at the last moment something had come up here at Dragonstone and
he was unable to. His cousin Robb had to decline too, as he had a mountain of
homework due and knew if he didn't get top grades that there would be hell to
pay from his mother. Which meant he had a good idea who went with Gendry over
to the free cities, and some of those men encouraged bad behavior. He'd deal
with that in good time, espically if Theon was one of the group, that boy was a
waiting STD waiting to happen. Now Gendry wanted the little wolf for himself,
but that was not going to happen. Not if he had anything to do with it. For
fuck's sake she was only sixteen, and still a child or was she? He thought to
himself, trying to calm his own thoughts of her.
He knew damn well she wasn't still the small little girl that he had first met
four years ago. He knew then she was special, and he also knew she had harbored
a crush on him and followed him everywhere when he first came to Winterfell
those years ago. Arya, whom had stood out as the only one with the mark of the
north on her, the rest of the siblings taking after their mother. His father
told him that she had the promise of his own mother, that she had too been a
tomboy as a child and wild as the moors outside the castle that they were in.
His father knew how he felt about the girl even then, but he cautioned him to
be patient. Which, he was and would be for a few more years. But, the damn
Baratheon's and their pull to anything Stark seemed to change things.
“I'll call Dany in a bit then, fuck, Sam this isn't good at all.”. He muttered
more to himself but he knew the keen Sam heard him.
“Jon, for what it's worth... I'm more concerned about what wasn't written in
this email. I know Gendry isn't like his father, but this isn't good. Want me
to have a guard set for her room then?”. Sam glanced again at Jon who seemed to
be fighting in himself at the moment and wasn't even sure he heard him.
“Oh, I know what wasn't written in that email. Bloody gendry and his temper,
when he's on course for something nothing usually stops him. Yes, have a guard
at her room for the few days she's in that cesspool of a city. They are under
my command and as a foreign prince they do now have to follow any directive
given, save... well you know, certain things. So that should be fine. If I have
to speak to him about it, it won't be pretty and I honesty don't want to have
her know. Not, yet at least.”.
“Are you sure that is wise? I mean, Jon, shouldn't you tell her about how you
feel so that she knows? Not like you have to do anything about it now, but at
least there is something out there so that she knows...”.
“No, That one is as coltish as those bloody horses that Khal whom Dany is
entranced with. I can't have her start to hate me.”. He said softly, eyes
closed against the brisk wind that slid across the water below.
“She could never hate you Jon, she followed you around like a puppy for two
years.”. Sam still never understood the little wolf himself, she was brisk with
everyone but save a few. She was ever nice to him since he was a great friend
to her cousin, but the ones she disliked knew it.
 
===============================================================================
 
Arya sighed mostly to herself as the line of cars stopped in front of the red
keep where they would be staying for the duration of their visit to King's
landing. At the last second she tried to get out of attending after that
disastrous night in Braavos, but neither Danerys nor her parents would allow
her that right. Rage was building in her veins as the imagine of the large
prince loomed above her, taunting her with the open threat of taking her to
bed. That would not be happening now, or ever if she had her way. He made her
nervous, not in the way that happened when her eyes fell upon Jon. She didn't
know what it was but, it had always been there, eating away at her mind. The
shock of those few minutes upon that celebration had long since blow out, but
the anger and yes fear still lingered.
“Ar, Ar... are you okay?”. Dany glanced over at her pensive friend with a
frown. “Everything will be okay, You will have a guard at your door and I
wouldn't... let alone any of your family members... have something happen to
you... Unless you wanted it to.”. She said softly pressing her hand into the
other girls.
Arya nodded as she sighed softly looking up at the castle in front of them.
Soon she would be seventeen and back in the free cities where she could be
herself as she wanted to be. This lady business always made her fell as if she
was slowly drowning, but she put up with as much as she could handle to keep
her mother from nagging her. Why couldn't she be like Sansa, whom at nineteen
was in the prime of her life.
“Stop it.”. Dany muttered quietly as the door opened for them. “Don't let the
doubts get to you. Being a lady isn't all there is out there. You have your own
strength and who bloody cares about being a women these days. Be happy should
be enough, right. So, be happy.”. She pointed at Arya before stepping out of
the vehicle with a little laugh but stopped and poked her head back inside for
a second, “I should mention this, but I let Jon know what happened. So, ah,
don't be surprised if there isn't one fire breathing dragon around.”.
Arya stepped from the car, furiously glancing at her best friend with a look of
pleading. This was the last thing that she needed to worry about was Jon
knowing, why would he even care. He made it clear she was just a pest if a kid,
but if that was the case why did it bother her? Fools the lot of them, men, she
mused as her mother began to bark orders towards her children and then towards
the servants who began to take the numerous suitcases that were now lining the
driver.
“Who needed 4 suitcases for 3 days?”. She scoffed hearing Sansa's outraged huff
at her barb, of course it would be her sister. How did the world create two
sisters whom were different in all ways. Cosmic justice, indeed.
“For your information, I am going to go stay in the vale after this to check
out one of the spa's. Aunt Lysa recommended one that sounds fantastic and how
could I not resist.”. Sansa said quietly glancing at her sister with a little
smile before she leaned in to whisper, “Also, I want to see this marvelous
fighter there. His name is..”.
“Inside now if you please,” Her mother clapped her hands ushering her brood
into the castle proper. Arya sighed and caught up to Daenerys clasping her hand
to the other girls tightly.
“Thank you,”. She whispered softly for only dany to hear. The other girl nodded
knowing exactly why, even if she couldn't put it into words.
“One day you will know why I do the things I do for you, myself, this family
and mine. Be careful will you, I mean I know you can handle yourself in every
situation but I've seen him when he's determined to have his way. Then again,
I've seen a dragon when fully enraged as well, so you may be okay this weekend.
I told him because I felt it best to, weather you think this or not... he wants
you, but he fights within himself.”.
Arya shook her head and sighed, “No, he made it clear to me that it was only a
cousin's love, and that I was a pest. I get that, and I can live with that.”.
Before Dany could respond the majordomo arrived and began to utter commends to
the castle staff to help the guests to their rooms. The flurry of activity cut
off any attempt to speak but the girls knew that they would have something to
say later about what was on their minds.
 
===============================================================================
 
He stood in the shadows of a nearby arch in one of the many floors of the
castle as the Starks pulled up. He had dragged Sam with him the moment he spoke
to his aunt about the incident and got the full story about what really
occurred, and not some glossed over story that she knew she had written to Sam.
His fury knew no bounds after hearing that Gendry wanted what was his. HIS.
Well, what he wanted to be his, because with Arya she had to be the one to
choose, else she would run away like the wolf she was.
“Somehow I knew you would be here, watching.”. A voice rose from the shadows
but when the person finally stepped forward the shadow itself was quite small.
“I'm rather good at it. Some are brash and loud, I'm neither of those. I
learned to focus what I need to get things done. Best to leave that to the
bullies of the world.”. Jon replied to the dwarf who stood looking up at him
with hooded eyes.
“Bullshit boy, bullshit. You're good at hiding your feelings like the Targaryen
that You are, sure you don't look like a dragon but you are tightly wound like
Your father. Deep well that one is but I guess when You are taught to be King
from birth it has that effect. Myself, I was taught to just roll away when
someone came at me. Never learned much on that aspect, but that is neither here
no there. I heard about Braavos, can't say that I am shocked at my nephew's
antics, but, I would have thought Joffrey would be the idiot out carousing but
lo' and behold I hear it's the pride and joy.”. Tyrion quipped quietly as he
moved towards the arch to watch the Stark's himself.
“What do you want little lion?”. Jon said wearily, his eyes flickering back to
watch Arya as she emerged from the vehicle. His breath caught noticing how much
she had grown from their last meeting. Dear Gods, this was going to be harder
than he thought.
“I want nothing, or at least nothing you can provide. I came merely to offer
some advice to you. You can of course ignore what I have to say, some do.
However, I think you are smart enough to take what I have to say into
consideration. I have known you to be a thoughtful, if nor serious boy so here
goes. Don't hesitate to take what You want, but be prepared to fight for it,
but remember that the consequences can reverberate through time. That is not to
say that people never do take what they want, but they sometimes wait too long
to do so. Patience is only a virtue to the saints. Also, Gendry is tenacious
but you know that. I can't say he wants her because you do, those wolves just
have an effect on the stags. I would be prepared to fight for her, if that is
indeed what You want. Never known a dragon to back down.”. Tyrion grimaced up
at the man before taking a sip of his ever present wine, “Also, if you could
find a place for Joffrey to work in the dragon mines that would be splendid,
that shit needs to be humbled and his eyebrows being burned off would be a
start.”.
Jon laughed at the man beside him unable to keep silence it Tyrion's little
quips. He knew the man was telling him the truth, even at the expense of his
own nephew.
“Why would you want to help me, when it's your nephew that you are speaking
of?”.
Tyrion waved a hand lightly and sighed, “It's not that I don't love my niece
and nephews because I do but I leaned long ago that some actions could cause
more pain than need be. He needs to find someone whom won't cause him to burn
down a castle because she denies him, which she would because that girl won't
accept anything but on her own terms. He's like his father, but without a few
of the more undesirable traits, even so he IS their family motto. I worry that
he'll try something foolish, and it's not like he hasn't before, well nothing
like his brother. Anyway, the little wolf does not deserve to be treated
unfairly, truth be told I like her. Met her and your aunt in Quarth a few
months back and treated them to dinner a few times when I was there. She will
be a queen one day, but not here in westeros where her spirit would be broken
to be what others want her to be.”. Before Jon could reply the little man
waddled off laughing at the stunned look on the young dragon's face.
 
 
 
 
 
***** Chapter 3 *****
Continuing from Chapter 2....
 
The queen wasn't happy at all, in fact if she could spit nails then someone
would be quite holy right about now. She didn't know whom she was more furious
with: Her children, pest of a brother of that her husband was having another
one of his tantrums about said children. One of her problems stood before her
sheepishly smiling down at her as if he didn't have a care in the world.
“Words can't express what I am feeling right now after that phone call from
castamere. What in the hell were you thinking this time, oh wait, you weren't.
Typical, right? I swear you do this one purpose don't you Joffery? This has to
stop, what in the hell were you doing in that type of club? I can see my
brother visiting there, but you?”. She bellowed, “You're only nineteen.”.
Her middle son sighed and waves a lazy hand as if to explain that he wouldn't
answer but he knew if he valued his life, he should at least come up with a
lie. He wasn't going to tell her that he followed a rather lovely stripper from
flea bottom out to this club. Nope, he wouldn't be saying that because he knew
she would ship him off to Casterly rock, or even worse to Storm's end. He could
handle His uncle Jamie, but not that blustery boring Stannis. Nope, that wasn't
going to happen.
“My pals wanted to see it, I dunno I just went along for the ride. Besides, I
wasn't the one whom got arrested. Bolton was the one whom started a damn fight,
he was wasted.”. He said defensively, covering his face as his mother began to
wallop him about.
“I told you to not hang around that boy, something isn't right with him. Well,
you got lucky you didn't get arrested else you'd be off to the wall for a
summer. I've had it with you and your brother who thinks he can get away with
anything. No more, I'm done. Now, if you don't mind send in your brother. Don't
go running off, get ready for the ball tonight. I'm not kidding, if you case
another ruckus like last time, it won't be for the summer. It'll be for a year.
Got it?”. Cersei pointed at the door and watches as Joffrey hissed at her
before sliding out in search of her first born son.
Cersei sighed into the room as she glanced out the window towards the large
gardens that graced the keep. She knew she was being punished for something
with these children of hers, it's not like she was any better at their age but
still she had a father who booked no shenanigans with her or her two siblings.
She tried, she knew very hard to be like him but stags were different than
lions. At least her daughter gave her no trouble, nor did tommen, yet. She knew
the time was coming with that one who was smarter than his siblings, and
probably her.
“Dammit, Dammit, Dammit.”. She muttered.
“You rang mother?”. Came a drawling voice from behind her. She spun to glare at
her oldest. “If I'm here to be scolded, you can just stop right now. I'm an
adult.”.
His mother snorted loudly and dropped herself onto a chair behind her desk
pointing to a chair.
“You may believe you're an adult, but you still have a long way to go to
understanding your an adult. Your uncle brought me news of a concerning nature.
Care to inform me about it?”.
Gendry waved off the chair and moved to stand in front of the terrace that
overlooked one of his mother's many gardens and sighed.
“I can only imagine what tales he has brought to you, given I don't believe I
have done anything remotely on the level as Joff has done. Then again, I don't
hang around with psychos. So, What have I done to incur your wrath and
apparently Father's since he's been blustering about how I need to keep my
hands to myself.”. He grumbled knowing full well what we did but why give
yourself away if it's not what she is on the warpath about. Anyway, he mused,
he hadn't done anything terribly wrong.
Cersei slammed her fist down upon the desk and pointed to the chair again, this
time her son relented and sat in front of her with a sigh. Her emerald eyes
flitted dangerously as she glared at her first born son, usually the one she
really never had much of a problem with. He was a natural at whatever task was
presented to him, but there was always one trait that bothered her since
puberty which was the way he attracted women to him like bees to honey. She
knew it wasn't like her husbands way, but she noticed how the highborn and
lowborn would chase after him. So far he was lucky to not have been trapped,
but he was still young.
“I know you were taught better then to accost ladies, weren't you? Yet, I've
heard your outlandish behavior the other night. Tell me, would you where it is
okay to do such things?”. Green eyes bore into the blue questioningly.
Dammit, who is feeding this woman all this Intel? He thought to himself as her
glared back at his mother. If she has heard then heaven knows whom else has
knowledge of this little fiasco. Not that he was ashamed of it at all, not in
the least. He wouldn't apologize for it either, because he meant every word he
said there to the two girls.
“I didn't accost her Mother, dear. Actually, if truth be told I was the one
accosted when Lady Arya slammed into me, which okay I don't think she meant to
do but how would that be construed that I did the accosting? I admit that I may
have stumbled and fell when she hurled into me. That was all that occurred.
Some words may have been parlayed towards the Valyrian princess after, but
other than that... I do not know what answer you are looking for.”. One dark
brow arched in open rebellion towards his mother.
He has dreamed about that incident since it happened and woke up every night
since hard, the feel of the stark girl's body beneath his was torture even for
the small time she had been there. All he had wanted to do then was drag her
back to his tent that he had on the grounds and have her. It should concern him
that he was not the only one whom was interested in her, in fact he knew that
sometime tonight he would have to face a friend who had all but claimed the
girl years ago, even if only to those he knew and not to said girl herself.
His eyes glanced back at his mother waiting to hear the rest of her rant,
knowing full well that she was not done. Her green eyes were narrowed at her
son.
“So, you didn't taunt the stark girl that you would catch her by herself and
ruin any chances she had in the future?”.
“A lot was said between myself and the dragon princess, and besides I highly
doubt that most of the highborn girls are even virgins these days. So how could
I ruin someone?” He said softly. He knew she was, and that made his cock twitch
thinking about being the first to have her. Fuck, this was worse than he
thought.
“I can't even begin to think where I went wrong with you. I want you to
apologize to her... tonight. Just think on this would you. In a few years you
will have to look for a wife so that You too can join the parents club and then
have to sit and listen to your children's bullshit. Let's hope that when that
time comes your wife can deal with you and your children. If they take after
you, well be prepared to be medicated.”. She smirked.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
The afternoon was a flurry for the inhabitants of the Red keep that day, for
the servants bustled around making last minute preparations for the Name Day
Celebrations that were taking place this evening. For not one, but three of
highborn son's were celebrating. So, instead of having three separate ones, the
families of two were footing the bill, and tonight would be a splendid time to
be had by all. The throne room had been chosen because it was naturally the
largest room in the keep and could hold close to thousand easily, and was
currently decorated with some of the most beautiful flowers from the south's
bounty. The queen had supervised much of work to ensure that everything would
be perfect, because she detested anything that didn't measure up to her
exacting standards.
As everything below in the keep was running smoothly so was the rooms above
that held as many people as it could, those that received an invitation to stay
were lucky for others had to find accommodations elsewhere. Earlier in the day
the families were shown to rooms large and small. One of those smaller rooms
held Arya which truth be told she didn't mind in the least. She disliked coming
her and then having to share beds because of the space constraint, but this
time she had her own room.
“Arya, did you set out the dress for tonight? Mother wanted me to make sure
that it's aired and to let you know that the maid would be in to fix your hair
at six sharp.” Sansa peeked into the room with a little grin, “Good, you did.
Now, I would suggest you get some rest before because we all know how you are
when you don't.”.
Arya scoffed towards her sister with what could only be called a very
unladylike like snort. “I think you have me confused with rickon, because I
have not needed a nap in many, many years sister dear. So, why don't you just
get to the point of why you have come here to pick my brain.”. She said simply,
glancing at her with a smirk.
Sansa turned towards the window fingers twisting among themselves as she smiled
back at her sister, “I was wrong, you know, when we were younger. You weren't
ugly, we all knew it but somehow it made you angry when we would say it. I know
that you suffered because you believed you were, but to me you weren't.. You
were the only one of us who was truly free. Mother knew it, which is why she
tried so very hard to make you into a lady when you were not made for that. I'm
sorry that you had to leave winterfell because you believed that.. that you
weren't worthy.”. Her sister sighed, shoulders drooping.
Arya glanced up quickly from the spot on the floor she was glancing at not
expecting to hear those words from her own sisters lips.
“I didn't leave because of that...”. She trailed off jumping from the bed to
touch her sister's back gently, “I left because... Well, I made a fool of
myself one day and had to separate myself from the problem.”.
Sansa glanced back into her sister's face noting that it was no longer the face
of the twelve year old with baby fat still rounding it, but one of a young
woman on the brink of adulthood. Gone was the slim almost stick figure but one
of curves, abet hidden under the layers of clothing but they were there all
right. Hair the color of night fluttered down the small of her back ending in
lazy curls that enhanced her face when flush against the pale skin.
“I know why you left, I mean...”. Sansa explained softly, biting down on her
lower lip as she began to speak, “What I said earlier is what mother tried to
explain to the boys when they asked, but I know why you left. I may be
scatterbrained sometimes, but I notice more than people let on. I heard the
boys talking a few nights after you left and they mentioned something about
Jon.”.
Arya stilled quickly lowering her gaze back to the pattern on the floor before
her sister could see the panic lingering there. Dammit, she thought to herself.
“I made a fool of myself, I know by chasing him all around that summer. I was
twelve, what else did I know? I mean father always told me to go after what I
wanted and well...”. She glanced up at the ceiling for several seconds before
leveling her gaze at her sister, “ One night I told him how I felt, as much as
a child could I guess and he laughed. I think it wasn't so much a laugh in my
mind these days, but more of a shock sound. I was mortified that I had opened
up my heart and was laughed at. So the next day I overheard him speaking to
Robb and Theon about it, the three of them laughing. Dany had already begun to
make plans to head back because of school and then I made a suggestion to our
parents and to Rhaegar about how the two of us with proper protection and
tutors could travel around and learn and they all thought it was a good idea.”.
Arya took a deep breath and glanced back down at the hands in front of her, “I
do not wish to be made a fool of again, by no man. I cannot help how I look, or
act and if they cannot accept me for me then they are not welcome to be near
me. Family, or no.”. She said with a growl.
Sansa's arms wrapped around her shoulders and quietly hummed as she rocked them
both, “You know he was not mocking you, I heard them speak that night and the
laughter wasn't about you. Jon was.... upset that you left when you did. I
wouldn't put him in the same boat as many of the other men around here, if I
were you. Now, enough of the sad times, I've come here to warn you about a few
things. Dany mentioned an incident with our crown prince, and his words for
you. Are you okay? Do I need to have lady maul him for you?”. Blue eyes
searched the gray intently.
Arya shook her head slowly trying to focus her thoughts after hearing Sansa's
story. Had she really been that foolish to believe that he would have mocked
her like the others? She had not seen nor spoken to him since so she couldn't
answer that. She would think on what she has been told and then perhaps she
would see him again. Her dreams had never left her of him, and that disturbed
her but not as much as him really thinking her a fool. Choices, Choices.
She glanced around the bedroom with a little sigh upon her lips that traveled
the whole room, rousing Sansa from her reverie. Arya knew she had to answer the
question but she wasn't sure how to answer without telling it all and causing
more problems. Some people had to know by now what went on, she was sure Dany
alerted those whom needed to be. Stupid, she knew because she wasn't concerned
about the bull. He may be large, and a royal but that didn't excuse his
behavior or his taunting and she would have her revenge someday, perhaps.
“Everything will be fine, sister. No mauling will be in order for anyone, save
Theon, but not from me. Dany has some words for that one when she catches him.
He called her a catty bitch, that one is going to be bow-strung by the dragon
if he doesn't watch it.”. Arya grinned in memory.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
He stood before the door with his hand raised to knock upon it but for some
reason he was delaying doing just that. It was not nerves, he knew, but some
deep down fear that this would be all for naught even if he tried to explain.
Before he could finish the train of thought the door opened suddenly and a
figure appeared before him jumping slightly as his eyes focused on the person.
Blue eyes widened before they glances back towards the room and found the
occupant wasn't paying attention, with a soft sigh of thankfulness the woman
closed the door quickly.
“You turn up in some interesting places don't You dear cousin?”. His voice
teased the woman before with with a laugh. Her eyes narrowed again slightly
showing on a small bit of annoyance before she beckoned him farther down the
hall.
“Better it was me, wouldn't you say? Of course, I don't think she would really
object to you seeing her, not really. She will be put out, I believe, but I
believe if you speak the truth to her it will appease her to an extent.”, Sansa
said simply, smiling up at her cousin. She had not seen him in so long and
marveled that he had grown even taller. She shook her head over her thoughts
and glanced down the hallway.
“Go on, you're clearly itching to get away from me and this situation. I can
handle the little wolf on my own.”. He whispered and winked.
“Don't be cocky Jon, you have not seen her in four years and she has changed.
Don't say I haven't warned you. Now, I must go get ready. I would warn you that
she was close to sleep when I left. Good luck.”. Sansa smiled nervously but
stopped as Jon grabbed her arm quickly.
“I wanted to wish you congratulations on your engagement, it came as a surprise
that you were to marry a Martell. I had thought that you always carried a torch
for Joffrey, or was that just a passing hope?”. He teased, a rare smile lifting
his lips. He knew they both remembered the time when she was in her early teens
and could only talk about how beautiful the boy was. None of the boys rather
liked the little shit, whom would try to follow his older brother and his
friends around when they were in King's landing.
The most unladylike snort emerged from his cousin as she began to laugh loudly,
eyes rolling as she sheepishly shook her head.
“Passing fancy really, I think I realized that he would never mature when I was
about fifteen. Actually, come to think of it that was the summer I met Quen.
Not that I realized at the time this would come to pass, but we became friends
then and when I went to university I met him again. Thank you on the words, the
wedding will not be for another year or so because I want to be done with
school. Anyway, off I go. Till tonight, and good luck”. She eyed the door she
had just left from before patting his hand gently and stepping into the shadows
of the hallway.
He listened to her footfalls move towards the other end of the hall and sighed,
eyes flickering in the light as they fell back on the door. His hand gently
pushed the door open breathing in a sigh of relief that it was well oiled and
moved silently as the room opened to his sight. She was laying on the bed
curled up in the middle much like the wolf that claimed her birthright. This
was not the small girl that had left those four years ago but a now taller
version of the original.
Closing the door behind him gently he moved with an animal's grace to a chair
across from the bed, knowing that if he had dared to settle on the bed she
would react like a startled deer and rush off. No, this was much better to
watch her as she slept. What do you dream about little wolf? He wondered as his
fingers itched to touch those glorious curls that fell around her face almost
obscuring the pale freckled skin from his view. She was definitely no longer a
little girl, he thought.
His eyes slid down the length of her body eyeing the curves that had formed
where there once had been none, but now fully bloomed. Had he been paying
attention to his surroundings better the sleepy gray eyes that focused on his
form would have alerted to the fact that the wolf had awoken feeling she wasn't
alone.
“I didn't realize I had issued an invitation for the Dragon prince to loiter in
my room when I was trying to rest. Why are you here?”. She sleepily grumbled
fingers gently brushing tendrils of hair from her face, gray eyes dangerously
glittering towards Jon.
“I wanted to talk to you little wolf. Why else would I be here with you.”. His
lips quirked slightly wanting to say more but knowing he should be careful, no,
honest.”Tell me what you think I said to you and about you that summer?”.
He watched silently as she stretched and sat up on the bed sleek as a cat. The
fabric of the shirt that she worn to rest it clung to the curves it hid but
didn't quite hide from his gaze. He almost groaned as she stretched slowly
shaking the sleep away as he imagined her against him. Calm down Jon, he
thought.
“I heard the boys teasing you about the fact that I followed you around like a
lovesick puppy and that you should tell me to get lost. Apparently, “she
stopped and made air quotes with a frown on her lips,eys lowered hiding the
emotion from him. “I was losing you the hot girls that were interested in you
since I tended to pop up at the most inopportune times. I probably did, but I
honestly didn't know that I had. I heard you laugh and say that you felt sorry
for me. When I heard that I felt as if you kicked me, I knew I was a bit of a
bother and that everyone called me what they did but I felt as if I lost a
friend then. You could have told me that I was being a bother you know, to me.
Not to them. I couldn't be there anymore. That broke me, not that I would admit
that then, I was furious. With you, with my brothers and theon, but mostly with
myself.”.
He hadn't even remembered standing from the chair but he was out of it and
before her as she finished her confession. Fingers tenderly pulling up her chin
so he could stare at her.
“Silly little wolf, you didn't hear the whole story then. I suspected you
didn't from the stories I have heard from different people. Did I say
explicitly that I didn't want you around. Did you hear those words directly
from my mouth? You wouldn't have, because I never would have said anything like
that, ever. Sure, You did follow me around, but I never minded because you were
a smart, abet brash little girl at the time and I enjoyed the time we spent
together. As for what they said, I wasn't interested in the girls that chased
me, still not for that matter. However, I wasn't going to tell them that I had
already found someone that I was going to wait for. You think they would have
understood? Those two, hardly. I am not like either of them if you hadn't
noticed.”.
Arya frowned down at his hands gripping hers and sighed deeply only catching
that he had found someone even then.
“You should have told me that you had found someone and I would have gladly
left you alone,”. She whispered sadly.
Jon's arms tightened around her upper arms as she heard the growl that filled
the room. Before she could fight to get away from him lips crashed down upon
hers angrily drawing her even closer to his hard body as he attempted to stop
her words.
“Arya,”. He growled against her lips, “Are you that dense? Did you not hear
everything I said, there was no one but YOU. I wasn't going to tell them that
the moment I saw you that I knew I was in trouble. No, I don't think they would
have understood that, honestly I don't think I did because you were young. I
wouldn't have admitted it to anyone anyway. It wasn't a romantic thing at the
time anyway, I just knew that you belonged to me and I was patient to allow you
to grow into the woman that I knew you would be, you are, you know. It's not
the time now for everything, you have to experience more before I think you can
fully understand it all. I just didn't want you to have anger over it.”.
He leaned in again with his lips against her's, only brushing them gently
trying to assure her of his words. When she began to relax slightly he did as
well, trying to not think of anything but being here with her.
Words formed against Arya's lips of questions she needed answered but they
wouldn't, no couldn't come out. She was lost in the sensation of him being so
near to her.
“Now things make sense...”. She spoke after several minutes of silence, “I'm
sure by now you've heard of what went on in Braavos a few days ago...”. He
nodded urging her to keep speaking. “Dany... alluded to you, I think.”.
He hadn't wanted to even bring up this conversation with her now, but it was
going to happen he thought. Oh, he would be having a little chat with his
friend about the incident, no doubt but now he had to squash that anger now.
“She's always known how I have felt. I never said it in so many words to her
about it, she's just known. She would tell you, or me that it was destiny, but
I think it's that she had a bit of foresight about these things.”. He shrugged
but held up a hand before she could speak, “Now, be honest with me. Are you
still shaken from the encounter?”.
“You are the first one to honestly ask me how I truly felt about it. Oh,
several have asked me if I was okay, but not how I felt. Truly, I'm fine. He's
always been a prat, now he's a big prat who thinks every woman wants him. I
don't, want him that is. His words don't scare me, but I think his actions made
me weary.”. She admitted honestly to herself, and to him.
Jon growled deep in his throat pulling her up against him as his lips captured
hers again. He pulled away and looked down at her, watching as her face tried
to process this, but was failing miserably.
“Everything will be okay, I should probably let you start to get ready for the
ball. Would it be alright if we speak again after? I think that after all this
time we need to talk that is. So no more misunderstandings are between us.”. He
had started to walk towards the door to leave, but glanced back with a smile
that all but melted a little of her hardened heart. She nodded slowly still
watching him as he opened the door and left quietly as he came.
 
 
***** Chapter 4 *****
The night of the ball....
 
 
Arya sighed for the tenth time in a matter of minutes as both her mother and
the maid that had been assigned to her fussed over her appearance. She still
didn't quite understand this whole prissy female thing, for someone whom would
dress as comfortably and quickly this was a whole new world for her. If she
could have hid until this ball, or whatever it was being touted as was done,
that would have been her best bet. However, her mother was used to her ways and
threatened to deny allowing her to go to her studies after this was over. That
would not do in her mind, she had earned this with her fencing and since they
only took in so many students she wasn't going to screw this up. So, here she
was allowing a stranger to gently braid her long hair into what looked like a
crown upon her head.
She opened her mouth to begin speaking but after spying her mother's visage in
the mirror, she stopped. It wouldn't bode well to spike her mother's already
rising ire anymore. Sometimes you have to pick your battles, she thought with
another sigh.
“Excellent, now just add some small touches of makeup and I think that will be
just beautiful. This little wolf has never needed makeup really, unlike my
elder daughter.” Catelyn smiled at the shy girl who nodded and looked over to
the vanity at the selection that was sitting in front of her.
“Now, Arya...”. Her mother began quietly, eyeing the girl with a skeptical
look, “She will help you into the gown and I want you to come strait to your
father and my room after so that we can all go down as a family. Do I make
myself clear?”.
Arya nodded her head quickly, eyes lowered in a fake submission but still
seething inside. She couldn't avoid it, she knew.
“Yes, Mother.”. She meekly whispered, gritting her teeth. If she really
admitted it to herself that the girl had done a good job, but it still made her
uncomfortable but nothing that she couldn't handle, right?
When her mother finally took her leave Arya turned to look at the girl with a
grin. She pointed to the chest near the bed and wriggled her eyebrows. “I was
worried that she would want to help me with the dress. Finally, let us really
get me dressed. Daenerys got this for me, and she said that it would enhance
what little curves I have.”. She told osha, her friend who had volunteered to
help her get read this evening. No one knew that she wasn't really a maid, but
she did a good job with Arya's hair before and knew how she really liked to do
things.
“Your mother is going to smother you as you sleep, you know this right?”. Osha
said with a snort, shrugging as she pulled out the corset with a laugh. “Dany
is going to either get you killed by your mother, humped by the royal prince
here... or...”. She stopped and sighed. “Or, the dragon is going to drag you
off and do unspeakable things to you.”.
Arya rolled her eyes and muttered a stupid at her friend. She wasn't doing this
really to impress anyone, but herself. She had heard the taunts all her life
and now she wanted to show them that she wasn't that anymore. Shaking her head
she eyed the the silver scrap of clothing with a little frown, curing her
friend once again but knowing that she was hardly wrong when it came to
clothing. She stood and let the robe fall from her now naked skin with a little
grin. Osha snorted behind her and quickly crossed the room to her friend.
“You may want to first head to the bathroom because this baby will make it very
uncomfortabe to do that later on, just a warning. Dany brought me one back from
your travels to Lys a few years ago, and well let's just say that when I took
the blasted contraption off my tits hurt for three days. Still, it had it's
benefits, your brother couldn't keep his eyes off the twins. Not that I would
ever allow that one near me, but I used him as a gauge before I tried it out on
that Botley fella I've had my eye on for a while now.”. Osha laughed loudly at
Arya's roll of the eyes. “What? He's got a magnificent ship, but he can be a
bit of a hothead. Still, there are compensations there, y'know?”.
Arya laughed remembering listening to her friend go on about the men she was
interested in. Osha had met the two girls when they began their travels in
westeros and seen her at a park up in skaagos training with a pike boy. Never
to shy away from jumping into a mix herself, arya introduced the two of them
and made a quick friend of the girl. As she trotted off the bathroom she
listened to Osha continue to speak about how she felt in the corset. So, I
guess it couldn't be that bad could it?
She was wrong, and now she felt like she was either going to faint or explode
both options seemed to be just as likely as Osha tightened the strings pulling
her body tight. As Osha stilled her ministrations Arya began to see what the
other girl has said was very, very true. What rose from the edge of the Corset
was a pair of very round and now very perfect looking breasts that has just the
right amount of wickedness to tempt anyone. As soon as the final lace was put
in place her friend stepped back and nodded in agreement before she handed Arya
the matching underwear, one brow arched in question.
“You have to wear these, I'm serious. I know your fondness for not wearing any
but... Consider this wolf. I'm being serious. When Dany told me what went on in
Braavos... I won't rehash it, but to be safe. Also, be a good little wolfie and
smile tonight would you? I'm serious, you are far too young to be so serious.
Besides, You want the dragon to drool over you don't you? Not that he wouldn't
anyway. Now, get into those knickers and don't forget the garter and all that.”
Osha chanted with a little snicker as she helped the girl finish her dressings.
 
===============================================================================
 
The moment she stepped into her parents sitting room the chatter stopped, all
eyes turned to look at her expecting to see the normal Arya but instead they
were stunned at the figure in front of them. Then again, they had never seen
her look more elegant in the silver gown that clung to her figure revealing
curves that many of them had not thought she had, ever. Catelyn blinked at her
youngest daughter before giving her a soft, radiant smile. Her father and
siblings that were attending gave her a little grin each, which made her feel
better about the choice of dress.
“Arya, Goodness girl you do clean up rather well... You're usually covered in
dirt and being chased by the devil himself.”. Robb drawled as he came forward
to wink at her. She laughed and rolled her eyes towards him.
“You do realize that I am not twelve anymore and that was the last time I was
covered in dirt. These days I'm usually covered in sweat from training, right?
You hardly spoken to me in years, granted I know it's hard to stop partying and
all. But, Happy Birthday brother.”. She smiled ever so sweetly up at her tall
brother and laughed, patting him on the shoulder gently as her mother began to
shoo them out of the room.
“Where has Dany gone off too?”. She asked quickly not seeing her friend
anywhere near. Her mother glanced back at her with a chuckle.
“Rhaegar decided to attend after all, so she went to accompany both of her men
into the ball. I was surprised that He chose to, given... well, anyway you all
behave. I mean it.”. She said to the three siblings that stood behind her with
sheepish grins.
She nodded to herself knowing that she had to do this regardless if she
detested these sorts of things. Her mother knew it but she was equally sure
that her father had voiced the same opinion as hers, once upon a time. Being
the dutiful daughter, at least right now, she followed her brother and sister
down the curving steps that lead towards the throne room where the ball was
being held.
Arya could feel eyes upon her the moment her feet touched the floor at the foot
of the steps, refusing to look up till she heard the dulcet tones of Dany
quietly whispering to her brother. Taking a deep breath she glanced up and over
to where they stood, seeing them both look at her with identical smiles. Dany
motioned her over so that she could speak with her before they were announced.
“Give it to her, now brother.”. Dany motioned to the small box in Rhaegar's
hands, violet eyes glittering with excitement as she smiled up at her brother.
Rhaegar sighed down at his sibling with an air of annoyance but he turned to
look at Arya with a soft, welcoming smile. “Little wolf, every day you look
more and more like your aunt. She would have enjoyed your antics, mostly
because I believe she pulled just as many as you have. When I first met her I
had something commissioned because I knew that in the end she would be mine,
and I think it's fitting that You wear it.”. He said in his soft, but firm
voice the smile that fluttered against his lips so like his son's that it made
her heart flutter slightly but she kept still watching the box. “Please wear
this tonight, she would have wanted someone to.. to cherish it as much as she
did.”.
The box opened slowly in Rhaegar's hands revealing a delicate circlet that had
a wolf's head with ruby eyes, the silver still gleaming after all these years
away in a box. Large gray eyes glanced up at her uncle with an arched brow. He
laughed slowly and took it from the box and gently placed it upon her brow
adjusting it slightly as it settled against her skin.
“I was not able to give her the crown that she was born for, but she treasured
this and would love that someone has it now. The wolf blood is wild and not
wholly without a purpose she told me many times. I wish she had been able to
crowned with me, but fate is often fickle and cruel without meaning to be.
Luckily, She gifted me with a gift that I can never thank her for.”. He leaned
forward and pressed a kiss to Arya's forehead leaning in to whisper to into her
ear something else only for her ears. Arya's eyes widened as she sighed softly,
nodding in agreement as her eyes sought out Dany's seeing her nod as well
knowing what her brother had said.
She turned to glance at her Father knowing he had stopped to watch the
conversation. His eyes were dark as they took in what had just occurred, “She
loved that, you know. She often would wear it when she should have been wearing
the one that bore her as a royal princess.”. He smiled at his good brother and
motioned for Arya to follow. Her eyes gleamed as she dutifully followed, but
she glanced over her shoulder at the two dragons standing close together. She
would be on her guard tonight, like her uncle had whispered because not
everyone was what they seemed here in the capitol. No, indeed they were not.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
He stepped from the shadows as soon he watched the Stark's move into Hall,
their names being introduced much like each of the families whom came to
celebrate with the rest of the elite from Westeros. His father glanced up in
time to see Him sidle up close to his aunt, tickling her gently as she swatted
his arm lightly.
“Do you avoid on purpose?”. Daenerys glanced up at him with a smirk upon her
lips. Her hair had been tamed down tonight into a sleek amethyst colored snood
that matched her eyes and the dress that clung to her figure.
“No, I had some business to attend to before I could come down. Why should I
want to avoid family?”. He glanced at his father, looking towards the box that
Rhaegar was holding. When his father didn't answer he shrugged.
He knew what his father had done without even having been told, sometimes they
were like that. The bond had been that thick between them because of them both
losing the person they loved, even if he hadn't known his own mother it was the
memory of her living within him. His father had done everything he could to
raise him in both her memory and that of how she grew up. Rhaegar made sure
that stories told to him in the years they had been married were told to their
only son, it had been important to Lyanna so it became important to her two
men. The only regret came that it took him years to feel able to send him to
the family in the north of westeros. He had made up for it however and let his
son grow into what he was now.
“Remember what we spoke about earlier, not that I have to warn you about
anything. You are much more adept at certain things that I am, to be sure.
Just, Just..”. Rhaegar sighed and nodded before the doors opened again and he
motioned for his sister and son to enter before him.
“I always do father, and now I have more to worry about, but I've never stepped
down from a challenge.”. Jon said quietly as he held out his arm for his aunt
to take.
“We all will be, for more than just us.”. Dany said with a smile up at him,
violet eyes darkly twinkling, “Protect.”. She whispered as she glanced ahead as
their names were announced into the room, trumpets proclaiming royalty were
arriving.
His lips turned up into a cold smile as those dark eyes glanced around the
large room dominated by many of the ruling families here in Westeros. They of
course came to see the three who's name days were quickly upon them. Men, to be
certain, whom were of the age to be wedded to some of these women. He knew what
was going on in some of the elder women's brains, their nubile daughters would
make fine princesses and perhaps one day queens. This was life for him, but,
for the most part he chose to ignore most of them since it mattered little to
him this mating dance. Jon knew that he didn't have to abide with the customs
here since he was of a foreign land prince, but he was affable and therefor
played the game. If he wanted to keep dragonstone for his children, then he had
to play. For somewhere in his mind he would be tied still to this land when he
had her for wife.
“Presenting King Rhaegar Targaryen of Valyria and their royal highnessess Crown
Prince Jon Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone and Princess Daenerys Targaryen.”,
One of the knights that were assigned to the hall called out as they stepped
forward eyes lingering over their countenance as the trio stepped in front of
the throne.
“We welcome you back to the red keep and westeros, I know it's been many years
since you have graced this place with you presence Rhaegar,”. The king of
westeros intoned, his voice frosty as it usually was in regards to the man in
front of him.
“Thank you for the welcome Robert. Indeed it has been many years since I have
been here. Thank you as well Cersei for the welcome, and for including my son
in the celebrations.”. His father's voice was warm and melodious and filled the
overflowing room.
The queen smiled gently and nodded as her eyes glanced at her husband before
returning to the room, “Think nothing of it, we thought that since their name
days as well as Robb Stark, future lord of winterfell's was close as well this
would be a grand celebration. Now, with pleasantried all done, musicians please
begin.”. She clapped her hands and music began to flow into the room from their
hidden nest high above the floor.
Jon felt his aunt's hand on his arm as she whispered to him, “Give her five
minutes and she will have trapped you to meet the princess. You are a juicy
prospect for the fine maidens here, such as they are maidens that is. I'm sure
you are used to all of this by now. I'm sure you can handle yourself, but to be
sure I will watch out for Arya either way. She is unused to courtly life, but
she will learn. Remember what we spoke of earlier.”. She smiled up at him
before moving off towards in a cloud of her familiar lavender scent. His eyes
turned to scan the room watching the first couples begin to dance others chose
to do the rounds and see those they had not seen in a long time. He was greeted
by many whom he had met over the years here, and on other shores.
“Your Highness, excuse me but the queen would like a word with you,”. One of
the knights spoke close to him, breaking his reverie with an apologetic smile
motioning towards the dais in which sat the royal family, with the exception of
the two sons whom were off in attendance of some fair lady, no doubt. Jon
almost snorted when he thought about Joffrey, most likely he was off fucking
some woman in a shadowed hall. He shook his head at the image and nodded to the
knight moving forward with a smile and gave a courtly bow to the Queen, noting
that the King had decided to find the bar for a drink.
“Prince Jon, the last time you were here you didn't meet my daughter. She was
away at school. May I introduce you to Princess Marcella. Cella, this is one of
your brother's friends and the Crown Prince of Valyria. He is cousins of the
Starks.” She explained to the girl, no woman sitting on a small chair near the
throne. Jon smiled at the princess watching as she blushed gently and looked
up, green eyes twinkling.
“Gendry has spoken about you so much that I feel as if I know you as well.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” her honeyed voice purred as he leaned over
to kiss the hand she offered, blushing even more. “We will have to dance later,
yes?”.
He nodded as his lips curved into one of his rare smiles, the icy gray eyes
that seen much lightened considerably. “I shall hold you to that Princess.”.
“Call me Cella, if you would. No need for titles between us since we are
equals, no.”. She simply stated, waving off all pretense.
“Of course, Cella. I am Jon then,”. He acquiesced, nodding to her. “I shall
come find you sometime this evening for the promised dance then.”. He bowed to
the Queen and her daughter and made his way away from the dais and towards his
family whom mingled with others on the other side of the room.
To the casual observer they would have thought he was flirting with the
princess but, to those whom knew him that was not the case at all. He was all
courtly when he had to be because from a young age it was instilled in him just
what it meant to be a future king. He could claim to be that and all it
entailed, but in truth he wasn't really listening to what they said but watched
their actions. That was something he was taught from his father's spy master,
and it proved to be useful when needed. The queen was up to something, other
than trying to get her child married off, to be sure. He just couldn't put his
finger on what it was, yet.
People began to greet him as he moved towards those he considered family.
Eddard turned and arched a brow towards the dais, not even having to speak to
get the question across to him. Dark eyes much like his own had seen the
interlude and wondered.
“You know what You seen Uncle.”. He said in a low tone trying to not arouse
those whom would hear the interlude. Jon was about to say something else but
the crowd near parted and his aunt and her ever constant companion strolled
closer.
His breath stopped in his throat with just the first glance in her direction.
Arya stood laughing with Daenerys at ease unlike most of the people here in the
throne room. Dressed in lustrous gown that clung to her curves like a second
skin, allowing every male to take notice that the once brazen tomboy was now a
woman. Gazing down the length of the dress his eyes lingered on the fantastic
swell of her breasts above the strapless gown's bodice.
“Stop eyefucking my sister.”. Robb growled into his ear causing Jon to jump and
issue a growl back at the wolf.
“Easier said than done.”. Jon winced at his words. “Best be on your guard Wolf,
for the mothers are out waiting to snag them a big catch.”.
Robb snorted loudly causing several women to glance his way, eyeing him boldly
for a moment as they went back to gossiping amongst each other. “Sometimes when
they do that I feel naked, as if they are assessing me.”.
Jon laughed softly towards his cousin, but his eyes watched as Arya swayed
closer to where they stood, her eyes lowered but he could feel them on Him.
“They are assessing you, or your wealth. Take your pick, but just remember you
can pick whom you want to take for wife, when you are ready. Don't let anyone
trap you, and don't get in a position to be trapped.”.
Before Robb could answer she stood in front of him and his senses took over,
the ever present scent of the winter rose clung to her skin as she laughed
softly at him.
“Pick up your chin, it's starting to drag upon the ground.”. She quipped with
another giggle leaning in to wrap her arms around him gently but before she
could move off he tightened his arms.
“Whatever is on under that dress, you best keep it. I'd like to see what it
looks like,”. He growled against her ear, “have you received any marriage
requests yet from the overly pretentious men here?”.
Arya stilled in his arms and sighed, “No, but I fear it's because the bull
seems to be glaring at anyone whom comes close to me. Honestly, I don't fancy
staying.”. She whispered back. Jon's head dipped in a silent nod of agreement.
“I feel the same way little wolf, but we must because this is what we do. Now,
behave. I'll come for you later,”. He told her as he pulled away from her
embrace lest they have people trying to figure out. His father had cautioned
anyone knowing his true feelings yet, just to figure out what was going on
here.
As soon as he began to circulate around the room he began to relax until he
came upon Gendry, whom had been watching the dancers with a bored look upon his
face. Those bright blue eyes that always seemed to be calculating one thing or
another focused on Jon the moment he came into view. He could almost see the
hesitation in them but it was soon wiped out to be replaced by a smug smile.
Jon almost smirked but he knew that the stag couldn't ever compete with a
dragon, or a wolf. Let him play his games, but if he touched one hair on her
head, well a fallen stag was dinner right?
When he came up upon Gendry the prince eyed him wearily, “I see she got to you,
didn't she? She's biding her time to have Robb up on the dais to show off her
only daughter. She'd much prefer a crown to none at all, but she wants Cella to
rival her. I would much like her to marry someone I know than an unknown. So,
take her off my hands would you?”. Gendry smoothly spoke, trying to keep the
pleading out of his voice.
Jon swung his gaze away from his friend towards the dancers and laughed
harshly, “You would like that wouldn't you. Would clear a way for you wouldn't
it? However, it wouldn't matter because she wouldn't want you. Even if I wasn't
in the way, and you would ask why. It isn't because of me, it's because the
Stag and the wolf aren't made for one another. You are my friend, but if you
attempt to do anything you threatened to do.. Well, You won't like my answer.
If you are so keen on a stark, You may want to do some magic to get Lady Sansa
to sway your way. She's not as much of a wolf more of her mother's blood. She
would be a good queen to your king.”.
Gendry smartly stood next to Jon for several minutes just enjoying the solitude
between the men. His eyes not missing much of the action that was taking place
in front of them.
“Shouldn't the Lady herself be the one to tell a suitor to back off, and not
another suitor?”. Gendry asked cautiously, not looking at anyone in particular.
“You know I'm no suitor. There won't ever be that for us. I know it sounds
weird to say that, but it is what it is. She is tempting, but she's still needs
time to accept everything. However, your little stunt made me have to step up
faster than I wished, because she is a wolf and they tend to be a little
coltish.”. Jon explained, “I would hate to lose your friendship, I really
would.”.
Gendry wisely nodded, but didn't say anything for a while knowing that he
should agree but, still there was a small part of him that wanted to tame the
wolf. He wanted to do something his father had tried to do with another wolf,
but ended up with a lion whom was more claws and teeth than a purring cat.
Still, Jon's words had some merit, since he had never have the little wolf
perhaps he should see if Sansa was as tempting. If not, well he would have to
work slowly to see if the little wolf wanted a stag, instead of the dragon.
“Perhaps, I should take your advice after all.”. Gendry spoke as his eyes
turned to look at the woman in question. Her auburn curls spilled down her back
in glorious waves down towards her hips, large breasts that were encased in
light blue gown that made her eyes glow in the dim light of the hall. She would
do, he thought, but she had an intended so maybe just maybe he would sway her.
He leaned against one of the pillar that dominated the room shaking his head.
Jon turned from his friend to see Dany standing near his elbo with a look of
anger turned towards Gendry, piercing him with her violet eyes. Quickly he
grasped her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor away from the temptation
of violence.
“Relax, I think took care of the situation, but with him one never knows. He
plays the fool a lot but he's far ore crafty than most people know. I have seen
him sucker people into doing what he wants, but he most often than not
underestimates me.”. He whispered into her ear as they began to dance in time
to the music. “The queen also is trying to foist off her daughter onto me as
well.”. He heard her laugh softly at the admission.
“The nubile young princess presented to the dragon prince. I bet her father has
no idea, because I doubt he would ever consent. Not that it would ever be an
option.”. She countered back, the amusement in her voice apparent. She glanced
over his shoulder and frowned seeing Gendry approach Arya for a dance. “He is a
bold one, he's asked her to dance. Don't you dare tense up and cause a scene.”.
She whispered as her turned her to watch.
Across the room Arya eyed the Prince wearily and nodded as her took her hand
gently pulling her onto the floor, carefully wrapping his hands in hers. She
had not wanted to, but she knew that this was something that would be watched
and if she wanted to escape without incident she would do this. His eusiyes
glanced down at her as their bodies moved closer in time to the music, swaying
slightly.
“Little wolf, look at me.”. His breath was hot against her cheek causing her to
glance up quickly spearing him with her silver eyes. “Much better, I know you
are not in the least shy. So, you must be nervous.”. His voice was like velvet
against skin as those white teeth widened into a cocky smile. When she snorted
he began to laugh, his chest shaking with amusement. “I riled the wolf, good. I
want you all fire and ice for me, are all starks such as this?”.
She glared up at him with her fathomless eyes for several seconds, fingers
still in his itching to find the nearest weapon and use it against him. He must
have sensed her rage building because he quieted his laughter and pulled her
closer against his muscled body trapping her there unable to move. If people
turned their eyes towards them it would only seem as if they were dancing
fairly well, but she could feel him rubbing up against her. One would be stupid
to not notice that his cock began to twitch and press against her stomach
lightly, had she been a little taller it would have easily slid along other
parts of her body like he wanted to.
“Do you enjoy this?”. He whispered into her ear again, “Tell me you do, and
I'll come visit your chamber tonight little wolf. I will treat you well, I
promise.”. His voice purring deep in his chest.
She broke from the spell he was trying to weave into her mind, eyes widening as
she glanced across the room spying the two dragons watching closely. One's face
wide with shock and the other was rapidly beginning to resemble the dragon's
that they so deftly trained. She had to get away from this man before something
occurred, something that she didn't wish to happen in front of all these
people, even if she didn't care about most of them.
“Prince Gendry, if you wish to father children in the future you may want to
reconsider how you handle me. I am quite capable of rendering you sterile if
you wish. Before that we need to come to some sort of agreement here about our
future paths, because it's beginning to be clear you don't quite understand
when I say that I am not interested in a liaison with you. However, even if I
did this rough wooing would never be how I would want it to go.”. Her voice
stilled to an icy hiss, her eyes flickering over towards where they had been
watching a second ago seeing Jon begin to move forward but was stopped by
Dany's hands gently stopping him as she motioned towards her friend. “There are
many women here whom would be glad to have you shower romantic attention upon
them. I, myself, am not one of them nor have I ever been. You are a friend to
my brother and to Jon, so therefor a friend of mine but if you continue, I
cannot say what will become of that in all parties minds.”.
Arya gently pressed her palms against his chest and pushed ever so lightly
against him. She watched as his eyes lightened again returning to the bright
blue that was enchanting to most females, this one however began to wonder
about him. He nodded his head in agreement and took a deep breath before he
glanced down at her. She took a deep breath herself watching out of the corner
of her eye as Jon slipped through the crowds towards one of the hallways that
led out among the many gardens of the castle.
“You are bold little girl, perhaps someone should lock you up lest you really
do carry out your threats.”. He growled low in his throat, “But, what they say
is true about you. At least you speak the truth when You do talk, most of the
women here would jump at the chance to have me. They chase, and I find that I
have a great distaste for that. Perhaps that is why I find you so enchanting,
or could be that we Baratheon's just crave the wolf blood. So, I'll apologize
for now. For just this moment, I won't apologize for how I feel about you, or
what I want to do to you. Because, I want to do so many, many things to and
with you. Perhaps one day you will stop running and I'll catch you. If not,
well fate is fickle.” He grumbled as he escorted her to the edge of the dance
floor and with a bow turned to find another partner and her in peace, for once.
 
===============================================================================
 
She took a deep breath trying to still her rapidly beating heart after the
encounter with the bull. Perhaps now he would leave her in peace, but she
wouldn't believe that till she seen it with her own eyes. Quickly she moved
along among the people whom were milling about, her feet whispering against the
stone floor as she made her way to the hallway they had disappeared into hoping
that everything would be alright. The shadows danced with the candle light that
bathed the area in dim light, the music drifted in the air as she began to move
as quick as her heels would allow out into the air of the night.
Arya heard her name being called softly from near the door as she slipped out
into the dark of the night in the garden. Whipping her head around to see Dany
standing close to the wall, eyes full of concern as she nodded her head off
towards the imposing rose garden they intent clear. Not a word needed to be
said between the friends as she whispered a brief prayer to the Gods, thought
she knew that it was not up to them but fate.
She pushed forward almost meekly, unsure about what she would see when she came
upon him. Sometimes his temper rivaled those animals that were so clearly
beloved by his family. While the ice tempered her without question many times
when she could have easily exploded, the fire in his veins made him burn, far
too brightly at times. When this would happen it was best to leave him to it,
for you can burn in the flames if you aren't careful.
Arya's eyes narrowed listening for the sound of footsteps but heard just the
faint strain of another song in the far away hall, and perhaps soft laughter of
those enjoying this, but she wasn't one of them. In fact, at this moment all
she wanted to do was go somewhere she loved and be around those she chose. As
soon as the girl rounded the corner she spied him pacing around the edge of the
garden's sea wall, the sound of the water below lapping against the rocks
creating a roar that echoed off the land surrounding it. His eyes raised
locking with her as soon as she stepped closer to where he stood, fists balled
tightly as if he wanted to use them immediately which caused her to take a step
back away.
“You should go, I am not fit to speak to right now. In fact, I should have left
long ago.”. Jon snarled, his lips thinned into sneer.
Arya shook her head at him and began to move closer to where he was pacing
again, her arms fell to her sides but she continued to move regardless of his
words.
“Go, please.”. He managed to whisper just before she stood within his grasp,
sliding her palms up his arms trying to send him some of her calm before he
melted.
“No, I won't. I can't...”. She began but was stopped as his lips crashed
against her much like the water below them upon the sea wall. His tongue
brutally swiping at her lips demanding entrance before those arms of his
wrapped around her whole body pulling her taunt against his. If he had been a
real dragon she was sure that nothing would be left of her but ash from the
heat that his body was producing against the material of the dress.
“Mine” he snarled, eyes dark pools of anger and desire that trailed her whole
body. “You will always be mine...”. His lips crashed against hers again, this
time taking her very breath as he began to devour her. A moment of panic
drifted down on her subconscious that he was angry at her, but she did nothing
wrong.
“I'm sorry,” Arya mouthed against his unsure what she had done to displease him
so, but it soon was replaced by anger that so much was being withheld from her
to not know.
“Mine”, he repeated softer against her ear before pushing her against a wall
that provided some shadow, his hands pushing down the bodice of the strapless
dress revealing the corset and the twin globes that were now bare for him to
take in. Quickly her nipples puckered in the cool air standing out proudly as
her hands began to try to cover herself back up frantically but her swatted
away by his.
“Mine,”. He repeated again almost in a whisper, the anger beginning to fade
from his face, replaced by a lust so hot that it took away her breath in an
instant.
 “You are mine.”. He repeated this time he looked at her with an intensity that
she had never seen nor known before. “say it, Arya.”. He hotly demanded hands
grabbing her upper arms and beginning to shake her lightly watching as her
breasts began to wiggle in their silken prison.
“I am yours,”. She whimpered trying not to struggle against his hands which
felt like iron against her skin.
His eyes closed in relief hearing her words reach that part of his brain that
so needed affirmation, but he didn't let her go. The moment he noticed Gendry's
hands on her body he list control of both the situation and his own emotions.
Had Daenerys not been close this may have ended differently in which case there
would have been mad ramifications and that would have hurt both her and
everything that he had worked for. He couldn't lose all of this now, not ever.
He felt her tremble in his arms as her words began to sink into his heart.
“There is no going back now,”. His words came out in a husky rush before they
descended upon one of her rose tipped breasts tugging on the hardened nipple
with his teeth. She gasped arching her back against the intrusion against the
sensitive buds.
“Please...”. She managed to exhale squirming her body closer to his. He pulled
back and chuckled darkly watching the emotions stir within her face.
He had to stop now or someone would eventually come upon them, even with Dany
standing guard. Gently he pulled up the bodice of the gown covering her breasts
with a sad sigh.
“We had to stop little wolf, else I would have taken you here. Not that I don't
want you but...”. He stopped talking as he heard voices nearby moving on
another path but didn't seem to be close enough to encounter them. “I don't
think this is either a safe place, or a fitting scene for virginity lost.
Besides, being quiet isn't one of your strong points.”. Leaning down to drop a
kiss along her neck. “Besides, you owe me a dance. Let me go back first as to
not arouse suspicions, I'll let Dany know to wait for you.”. He dropped a kiss
upon her lips and quickly disappeared into the garden.
 
===============================================================================
 
It took her several minutes to collect her thoughts from the myriad of images
that were collecting against her closed eyelids. She turned and stood against
the railing watching the water dance below the ledge of the garden, it's dark
waters rolling with the time of the tide. Sometimes she couldn't understand
Jon, but she knew him well enough to not have to spend that much time trying to
understand what was going on in his head. Jealously flared easily in him when
it came to her, she realized and where it should concern her it didn't. She had
those moments when women would come to him and fawn over every little word but
she knew it wasn't real, they never cared to see him for what he was.
“Arya, are you okay?”. Dany appeared out of the darkness with a concerned look
upon her lovely face, fingers gently holding up her train to avoid trailing it
on the surface of the walkway.
She nodded in response and moved her way to stand close to her best friend,
leaning on the small girl.
“Still standing,”. She responded feeling the other girls arms comfort her in
the only way she knew how. “We had words. Among other things, but I think he is
okay now.”.
Dany nodded after a time in her own fashion pulling the girl along with her
back towards the keep, “We should get back inside before they wonder where we
are.”.
 
===============================================================================
 
He stood upon the threshold of the throne room's doors glancing at several
dancers dispassionately, not feeling the need to do so but knowing it was once
again his responsibility.
“Jon?”. A soft voice called from close by jerking him from his thoughts as he
turned to see Marcella make her way to his side with a pleasant smile upon her
lips. “You did promise me a dance, and since you have no partner would you?”.
She arched a brow in question.
“With pleasure Princess,”. He bowed respectfully holding out one gloved hand
for her to take. She curtsied prettily towards him and laid her hand against
his as she was taught to. Somewhere in the room the Queen called for a waltz
and the music began to play. Other couples began to fill the floor taking their
cues from the royal dancers whom twirled around dancing elegantly. He was sure
that many eyes were upon them, but he couldn't have cared less what they
thought. He own thoughts were miles away, a jumble of feeling and words that he
had just said to the woman that he loved.
“You dance wonderfully, I was afraid you would step on my toes like so many of
the men here tonight have either done, or attempted to do. I did look forward
to this dance with you, since now I don't have to worry that I will break a
toe, or worse.”. She snickered lightly, emerald orbs lowering shyly as a smile
broke through her lips.
“My tutors thought that I would benefit from instruction. I was a accident
prone child and they believed and I quote, He would benefit from both the
posture and the social interaction. It helped because once I started I didn't
seem to be as awkward and I grew to be more confident in my abilities.” He
smiled down at the petite princess.
The crowd watched in awe at the sight of the dark dragon prince who was
elegantly clothed in all black and the bright princess clothed in apple silk
ballgown that swished any time a movement was made by the girl. They could
sense tension building from the room, but their eyes were kept on the two of
them dancing as they music began to build towards the finish each chuckling at
their small talk not bothering to look around the room.
Arya could sense something was going on the moment she stepped into the room
again, Dany's right hand was firmly against her back propelling her into the
crowd towards where the family mingled with their peers. As soon as she came
close to her mother, the familiar laughter she had grown to know filled the
room from the floor.
“Arya, dear where have you been? We were going to send your brother off to look
for you had it been any longer.” Her mother tsked softly pressing a kiss to her
daughter forehead.
Arya smiled sweetly up at her mother's concern, knowing that it came from a
place of love she let it go and turned to watch whatever the crowd was so
enchanted by.
Her eyes fell upon the couple just as the music floated away, their movements
stopped as those assembled began to applaud. Before Jon could pull away from
Marcella the princess wrapped her arms around his neck and gently pressed a
kiss upon his. Arya watched in confusion when he immediately didn't pull out of
the embrace but seemed to grasp her upper arms in his.
Confusion blossomed all around her the moment Dany's eyes turned from her
brother towards where Arya was watching. Someone gasped loudly enough that the
two upon the floor stepped away from each other quickly realizing what
occurred. His eyes fell upon her watching unable to utter an explination he
began to step towards her spot quickly but Marcella's hand grabbed his before
he could go.
He glanced back at the princess for a second before turning to gently brush off
her hand to rush towards where Arya once stood. When he turned back she was
already gone from her spot, his eyes quickly seeing the flash of silver
escaping thought the arched doors towards the red keeps hallways.
 
 
 
===============================================================================
 
She was certain that something was going on around her, but she had lost the
feeling to comprehend what was being said around her. Gray eyes filled with
tears as comfortaing hands pushed her close to the archway that led into the
main hall of the keep. Dany's arms pulled her close, whispering words of
comfort as she held the girl up from falling.
“Little wolf, remember what was told to you at the beginning of the evening
about not believing everything,.”. A voice in front of her asked gently, violet
eyes were staring down at her. When she nodded Dany pressed a kiss to her
forehead lightly, soft soothing sounds emerged from her lips.
“I remember....”. She gave a weak smile, but it never reached her eyes.
“Then remember that none of this was real, don't give up on anything until you
talk to him.”. Rhaegar pressed his own kiss to the girl's forehead before he
turned to his sister and quietly spoke to her about taking Arya to Dragonstone
for the time being. He would alert the family so that they wouldn't worry. When
they turned to go up to the stairs his gaze moved back into the room watching
those upon the dais carefully. The queen smiled proudly towards her daughter as
she settled back upon the small chair near the thrones. Robert glanced out into
the masses locking eyes with him, a smirk upon his lips.
“He's not the man I used to know. It's sad to see people fall to rack and
ruin.”. A voice from his left groused angrily, he didn't have to look to know
whom it belonged to.
“I had a feeling that something was up when we were welcomed with open arms.”.
Rhaegar mused watching as his son finally made his way to where they stood. He
shook his head and stopped his son.
Ned's gaze floated over the heads of several woman to where his boyhood friend
sat. Once, a long time ago this man was just and proved to be better than his
father who at the time had begun to plunge the kingdom into a financial crisis,
but with smart advice Robert had turned it around. He began to admit that
Robert hadn't done anything of the sort. He sold a crown of a queen to get
money for the kingdom to float and now the chickens had come home to roost. He
knew the moment the dance started something was going to occur and felt the
anger rising that it had been used to hurt his daughter.
“It's of no matter now, besides we shouldn't discuss this here. I told Daenerys
to take the chopper to Dragonstone for now, I believe they are up packing
quickly and I can bring anything else with me. Ned, she will be okay. As for
you son, you will be coming with me now. We won't stay here a moment longer.
Fetch the girl's maids and let them know that they need to quickly gather what
is left so that we can take it with us when the chopper comes back.”. Rhaegar
patted Ned's shoulder as the other man rubbed his face with a tired sigh.
“Have her call me in the morning, and we will speak then. If she needs anything
at all let me know.”. Ned's quiet voice was icy cold, belaying the rage that
seeped through his very pores. “Perhaps a chat with the King is in order in the
morning.”.
Rhaegar frowned but quickly refrained from speaking as Ned's eyes drifted over
to glance at him. With a shake of the head all words were spoken between the
once good brothers.
The dragon king's son on the other hand glanced over his shoulder towards the
dais. The royal family had finally gathered upon their seats and smiled out at
the crowd, a picture of the perfect family. The only one whom had a look of
confusion was Gendry, his eyes bore into his friends. In that moment he knew
that one of the members of the royal family had nothing to do with this sham.
 
***** Chapter 5 *****
Two years after the ball......
 
 
The salty sea wind brushed against her sun warmed skin as she stood upon the
isle of gods seeking one last look at the many temples that inhabited this
island in Braavos. This would be her final day in the free cities now that her
education was finished, and thus would be returning back to westeros for the
time being. She wasn't really upset to return, more hesitant because in the two
years she had been free to be whomever she wished, and she had lived how she
wanted. Well, at least she believed she did, but deep down she knew that
someone was always watching. In the beginning it had bothered her, to know that
there were eyes out there watching but grew to accept why they were there.
“Welcome sister,”. A soft voice appeared near her elbow as she stepped into the
sept-beyond-the-sea. She gave a respectful nod towards the septa and moved
deeper into sept wishing for a few minutes of silence. This place reminded her
of home, somewhat. This was her mother's religion and she was somewhat faithful
to the seven while most of her children took after their father's, of the
north. Yet, coming here had helped her to quell her anxiety. Her mother used to
tell her that time and faith healed wounds. She still had some reservations
that it was entirely truthful, that phrase. Time had certainly helped her focus
on what was important in her life, and what had to change since she had stepped
foot here on Braavos.
Her heart ached, but not for what happened anymore. The realization happened
soon after she began classes that sometimes things happen for a reason, some
good and some bad but you have to leave and move on from each little lesson.
She took that to heart, literally. This was by no means a declaration that she
felt nothing anymore, farthest thing from the truth. Yet, what did scare her
now was returning and wondering if it had all changed for everyone else. The
hope was still alive in her, somehow.
As she made the rounds of the altars, she realized that in less that a day she
would see those she loved again. It made her heart flutter slightly, but she
sighed instead. They actually didn't know she was coming home tomorrow, she was
going to surprise Dany first. Dany being one of the only ones who visited those
two years, the one who kept her sane in a sea of insanity those first weeks
after the ball.
When she would ask her friend about the days after the ball, Dany would be
hesitant to speak about it for fear of causing Arya more harm. She finally
explained a few weeks ago why it had been hard, and she understood. She loved
Dany, more so than her own sister some days but mostly because they were alike
where Sansa was the perfect lady.
She thought back to what she could remember after leaving with her friend to
Dragonstone...
 
===============================================================================
 
She could no longer feel her feet as the chopper landed on the helipad outside
the stone drum tower, her eyes still full of unshod tears as Dany pushed her
out of the door gently letting her feet touch the ground.
“C'mon wolf, I will get you right into bed and have Sam come have a look at
you. He will fix you right up, that one will. 'Cept it should be someone else
fixing what is broken, but there will be time for that later.”. Daenerys softly
crooned into her ear as she clung tightly to Arya.
“Damn them Baratheon's, the lot of them are horrid.”. She whispered looking
down at her friend again, noting how pale she had become.
As soon as the two girls stepped into the grand hall there was a flurry of
activity as the servants and others rushed forward to take the girl into their
arms and up to her room.
Sam rushed in with a frown, concern etched upon his wide open face. He glanced
at Dany quickly.
“Let them get her into bed before you go up Sam, I need to tell you what
happened.”. She began but Sam shook his head silencing her. “He already called
you?”.
Sam nodded slowly, “Never heard him so upset and defeated in one sentence. What
happened? I mean, he told me that you would be here soon with the little wolf
and that she may be on shock, but not how that happened. I thought tonight was
going to be a celebration, not this.”.
She grimaced and motioned for him to follow her into her nephew's study for
more privacy. This was not something to speak out with ears always out to hear
what the nobility were doing, it was fodder for gossips and this was not
something she wanted repeated all throughout the kingdom. Wearily she settled
on one of the couches and nodded to another for him.
“I can only give you what I witnessed, the other half would come from Jon. I
will start by saying that he finally stepped up to let her know how he felt,
sort of. I don't believe he told her how he felt, but that he was going to
claim her...”. She trailed off unsure really if that was the full truth, but it
was probably as close as she could surmise.
“That is good right? I've told him time and again that he needs to at least let
her know how he feels. But, that wouldn't have caused this, the girl loves him
as much as he does her. Right?” Sam asked quietly in his own way, which made
Dany smile back at him sadly.
“Actually, what I remember was him leaving the ball after Prince Gendry danced
with Arya, and apparently tried to accost her. I didn't see the end of the
dance since I had to make sure that Jon didn't hurt the crown prince. I assume
nothing happened on the dance floor since Arya hunted him down minutes later,
with me holding guard no less.”. She stopped trying to recall in her mind what
went on moments after that.
“Go on”. Sam urged her. She glanced up with a sigh.
“They were in the garden for several minutes, maybe more and came back looking
a bit disheveled and I think I heard him yell before that but the music was
interfering with me hearing anything. Not that I wanted to hear the words,
anyway. He made me wait for her to take several moments to herself. So, I did
as he want back inside to make sure that neither had been really missed, but
apparently earlier in the evening the Queen got it in her head that Princess
Marcella was in need of a groom.”. Her brows raised towards Sam with a smirk,
“You've seen it before having been around these mothers whom believe that their
daughters are nothing without a husband.”.
Sam rolled his eyes recalling many times he witnessed this around Jon, they all
wanted their daughters to be introduced to a prince regardless if he was in the
market or not.
“Then you know. So, the moment that he came back into room to have the Princess
ask for a dance, which he wouldn't have denied. Apparently, they were good
partners. At the end of the dance she decided, or was told to, wrap her arms
around Jon and kiss him rather passionately and it was at that time that myself
and Arya stepped into the room again. This is where it would be good to have
his side, from where we stood it almost, I said almost looked like he was
kissing her back. I know he wouldn't do that, so perhaps how he was trying to
distance himself didn't work. I don't know, but something broke in her.”. Dany
glanced up at the ceiling before her gaze moved back to Sam. “If you want my
opinion, I think this was perhaps not planned per say, but the looks between
the King and Queen were quite telling. I don't know what they would have to
gain from hurting Jon, unless they were doing this to Arya. Whatever would she
have done...No, this was aimed at the Starks.”. She growled, violet eyes
flashing in anger.
“I imagine that Lord Stark didn't find this at all amusing, nor did your
brother, I bet.”. Sam gently replied, trying to do his best to keep his best
friends aunt as calm as can be. “Whatever, the result happened and she's not in
a good place, so why don't you wait here for them to show up and I'll go check
on her.”. He stood, smoothing his hands nervously down his sides as he was wont
to do on occasion. When she didn't reply he quickly left the shelter of the
room.
 
===============================================================================
 
When he entered the room the servants whom had taken her up were just finishing
putting her to bed after removing all traces of the ball from her.
“Was she still upset when you got her up here?”. He asked one of the girls with
a small smile. When she shook her head, he nodded quickly. “She didn't fight?”
“No sir, in fact I believe that the moment we got her out of the dress and into
something comfortable she drifted off, but she's restless.”. The girl explained
before she gathered the gown in her arms taking it off to have it cleaned.
He stood over her for several minutes checking to make sure everything was
alright, which he knew was. She was just overwhelmed and he could understand
why. Court intrigue was never a light affair, especially when the Royalty
wanted something. He knew that not every court was like that. Rhaegar ran his
without much of what he knew went on here in Westeros, but then again when the
ruling family was out of control one couldn't expect their subjects to follow
protocol. His own father set the bar high on that subject, he knew quite well.
Which is why he wasn't with him now, or never would be. It was just better this
way, he thought.
The door behind him opened silently but not silent enough for him to turn to
pass a glance at the visitor.
“She's fine,”. He said quietly as his friend came to stand next to him glancing
down at the girl in the bed before them. “She's just exhausted, and with all
that has gone on, I can't blame her.”.
“This night went from one that I would have remembered even when I was elderly
to feeling as if someone has ripped my heart out. I can only imagine what it is
for her.”. Jon growled, gritting his teeth in anger. Sam could only place one
hand on his friends arm urging him to calm so that she wouldn't wake. “Sorry,
I'm just frustrated at the events tonight.”.
Sam glanced between his friend and the girl on the bed again, feeling out of
place. It was a common occurrence for the shy man around women, especially when
he was around Jon whom used to just have to walk into a room and be surrounded
by beauty.
“I'll give you a few minutes. She will be fine in the morning, but come down to
the study when you are done.”. Sam said quietly, patting his friends hand
before waddling out of the room.
 
===============================================================================
 
Jon moved quietly closer to the bed watching as she slept, his eyes drinking in
her beauty. Gently he sat down next to her trying as hard as he could to not
disturb her rest, but the need to touch overrode any other thought of sanity.
“I'm sorry my wolf. This was the last thing that I would have ever wanted to do
to you, was cause you pain. I'm supposed to protect you from pain, and I
failed. I won't let that happen again,”. He whispered softly as his lips
pressed against her forehead gently, breathing in her scent memorizing it to
his memory.
He wanted to sit here and wait for her to wake, but he thought it best to not
be the first that her eyes fell upon in the morning. There was much to discuss
downstairs anyway, or much to explain he thought as he stood and turned to move
away from his mate.
“I should have told you that I loved you. Instead of just trying to tell you
that your mine, because I do. Love you, that is. I have for many years now,”.
He whispered again hoping that she could hear his declaration as he left the
room quietly as he came.
If he had stayed a few second more he would have heard the whispered words back
at him from the girl locked in her dreams.
 
===============================================================================
 
It had been a tense time at Dragonstone for days after, with her being sedated
so that she wouldn't harm herself and so she would relax. There had been many
talks going on in the keep without her knowledge from the people around her
whom loved her, that she knew.
Daenerys told her that it had been a consensus that this wasn't directed at her
personally but towards the Starks. That was the only thing that made sense,
because no one outside of the family, they believed, had known of Jon's
intentions towards Arya. Dany believed that perhaps they knew and it wasn't
personal towards the starks or Arya, but just a play go ensnare a prince who
would be king for their daughter. The queen would do anything for her daughters
happiness, regardless of those around here.
Ned couldn't understand why Robert would still hold a grudge for something that
happened years ago, and most distressing was towards someone he claimed was a
friend. After the incident and for many years to come the relationship was
damaged, and only when commanded to come to court for their yearly land court
did he venture into the capitol. It would change years later, but even then He
didn't bother to re-connect with his childhood friend.
It was decided that perhaps things should be put on hold, and let the course of
time decide what would come of everything. Which meant that they all wanted
Arya to go away as she had planned to school. No one wanted to say that they
wanted them to separate, but that maybe wasn't the time to peruse the
relationship. No, indeed Dany believed that Starks had been happy that Arya had
found someone that she loved, and would keep her from harm. Yet, this episode
proved that she wasn't really ready for all that entailed yet, given she was
only just seventeen.
They all looked at Jon waiting to see how the wind blew in regards to their
decision, both his father and her parents. He could feel his temper building in
him with each word that was spoken, however he knew that he had to hold it in
else he could lose her permanently. He very much doubted that option would have
worked out for anyone, least him. In fact, his father suggested that he give
them both these few years of her schooling to meet others to expand his
horizons.
“We aren't saying this because we want to, but we all know that we don't want
you to both to have qualms later in life about not having that option. I am
glad that You found each other at a young age, I mean knowing that your souls
call to each other,”. Cat said with a tender smile at her nephew. Her heart
breaking a little for both of them as she watched him struggle to keep his
temper in check. The dragon prince would one day rule his kingdom as well if
not better than his father, she thought proudly.
“I know that you all mean well, and that your words are there to help. I
believe what You say is probably the best solution for us, but I can't help but
feel frustrated that this was not our faults that this happened, but we are
punished for their avarice. How is that fair?”. He asked quietly as his dark
eyes scanned the room watching those whom sat there. Frustration was evident in
his as he waited for an answer.
Rhaegar reached out to grasp his son's hand in his, gently squeezing it
reassuringly. “it will work out for the best,”, He nodded towards his son.
In the end he decided to head to his father's court so that she would have the
time here to ready herself for her classes. He knew that they had spoken to her
and explained the situation and what they thought was best. A few days later he
spoke to his aunt and she told him that Arya was better than before but still
shaken, but not at him. She was adamant that most of the blame was on the queen
and her daughter, whom apparently went with it. She would abide with what was
decided. Since they were not allowed to see each other before he parted a
letter was left with Dany for her, since he knew that she wouldn't read it.
 
 
My little wolf,
 
I can only imagine what emotions are swirling around in your head as they speak
to you about your future. I had to bite back my temper as they began to decide
for US what should be done. As if we couldn't decide upon our own what to do.
However, perhaps the heart will grow fonder with this space and time apart, but
if not all you have to do is call me when you are in Braavos and I will drop
everything to do what needs be done.
However, in the end I agreed with them that you need to experience life when
you are away at the university, so please do that. I will try to do so, thou I
am not sure that it will be possible.
Please know that I had nothing to do with what occurred there, nor would I want
to do something to cause you to suffer. Know that you are precious to me.
 
J
 
Her heart had been heavy that summer but those close to her proved that they
would help ease her hurt, but she knew only one would ever be able to clear
that. He kept his promise to stay away from his home until she left one bright
autumn day.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The university took up that time in her life that had it been empty would have
driven her crazy, but here it was spent studying or exploring her new home
trying to get a genuine read on the world around. She missed home, that much
was true but this was something different and that intrigued her.
She didn't know the exact moment that she knew her heart had healed, but she
felt it before she realized it had been done. That wasn't to say that she was
going out on dates, not that there hadn't been a few men whom were interested
in getting to know the mysterious wolf but none measured up. She kept that to
herself, even from Dany whom visited often to explore the city with her best
friend. The one question still hung over them with every visit, the only one
she has been afraid to ask but every time Dany knew and understood.
“He's fine.”. She would whisper each time she left to head back on her travels,
trying to find a place in the world. Each time she would get that answer
another prayer would go up to the old Gods that they kept him fine, for her.
 
===============================================================================
 
But, was she fine? She thought to herself. Had she been happy here in Braavos
these last few years. She had made friends, and tried so very had to do what
they had wished and date others, but no one measured up for her.
The only one whom came close was Edric Dayne whom was relentless in his pursuit
of her, but she couldn't find it in her heart to hurt him by pretending.
Instead of being hurt, he chose to offer friendship to her as he was a
foreigner the same as her and they could explore together.
Around the time she began her second year at the university, she began to
received presents that would mysteriously show up in her suite out of thin air.
The first were small, practical items that she had needed but eventually they
changed into things she had craved once upon a time. She had suspected that
edric was behind it, but one morning the gift was a silver charm so like the
circlet that graced her head once, that she knew whom was sending these.
When she told dany about the gifts the girl could only laugh, and deny that she
had known about it.
Then came the day that she had dreaded would appear. The media always loved to
follow any royal for juice tidbits of gossip, and anything they could get their
grubby hands on was fodder for the common folk to eat up. So, it shouldn't have
come as a shock to Arya that they would follow him around.
A date, the paper screamed up at her. His face was there smiling as his hand
was cupping the elbow of a beautiful blond woman, who's father was a rich
merchant whom was conducting business with one of Rhaegar's companies.
She wished that she could be the one to put the smile on his lips, but it
seemed that their ship had sailed on. Perhaps it was time for her to do so, she
thought as she threw the paper into the trash can and walked away.
 
===============================================================================
 
Across the sea another was thinking of the same picture with about as much
gusto as the girl had. Deanerys sighed deeply wondering what her nephew had
been thinking that night, or any of the nights these last few months. As if
overnight he changed from the man whom they knew to someone else entirely. She
couldn't put her finger on it, but if she had to guess the man whom he had Arya
probably had told him of the friendship between his little wolf and the Lord of
Starfall in his own right.
“Stupid stubborn Dragon, if you had asked me what was going on I would have
told you, instead you took information whom didn't know her as well as I do, “.
She muttered disgusted at the turn this was taking.
“Who offended you now?”. She heard from the door and looked up at the one
person she had rather not wanted to talk to. His eyes fell upon the paper,
snorting softly, “Me then, so? You know they like to bother me when I'm out.
What is the problem?”.
She stood slowly, raising to her full height as her eyes narrowed towards him.
“I can only hope this wasn't what I think it is?”. She pointed to the woman,
tapping on the paper with one manicured finger. His brows arched returning her
gaze, giving the same look back at her from moments ago.
“Look, I don't believe I need permission to escort someone out for dinner do I?
I mean, If others are doing it without a thought, then why can't I?”. He
snapped, his eyes cool as they glanced away.
She sighed softly now knowing that this was exactly what she had feared was
coming true. She could only hope that Arya didn't read the papers, else this
was going to be difficult at best.
“You are more of a fool than I had ever thought, You know. That so called
person you have watching her, and yes I know you have someone watching her, is
wrong. She isn't seeing the Lord of Starfall, for your information. He has
asked her numerous times, and she has declined them. They are friends, she is
allowed those. As are you allowed to escort others, but this is more than that
isn't it? Please tell me,”. She looked at him, one brow arched waiting for him
to reply.
He turned away from her to look out the window that overlooked to the sea
below, the waves crashing up against the sea wall.
“I don't believe that I have to answer to you about anything in my life. I
think everyone gave up that right when You forced me to give up the one person
that meant anything to me. So, now I have a right to regain a little happiness
now. None of this is about her, and you're wrong, you know. He sent back
pictures of them at a restaurant. A date, not friends.”. He thundered throwing
a paperweight across the room not bothering to look as it smashed against the
wall into pieces.
“Friends do go out, you fool. She has never lied to me about anything, and we
have spoken about him. I have also met him, for your information. He's not
devious like Gendry would be, but a nice young man whom realized that if he
couldn't have her as a romantic partner than to not have her as a friend would
have been a loss regardless. I don't understand you at all, but now, I don't
think I want to. I can only hope that you find yourself soon, or all may be
lost.”. She smiled weakly looking down at the shards of glass that were laying
against the wall. “She knew it was you sending the gifts, and she said she
would treasure the charm the best of all. I'll let her know to not expect
anything else from you now you have someone to devote your time to. Also, I'm
going to send her Nymeria, she needs to have some protection over there.”.
Dany stood quietly watching her nephew as he looked out the window towards sea.
She wished desperately that there was some magical answer that would help
either him or her friend right now, but she had nothing.
“I'll send Nymeria,”. He spoke after several minutes, still not turning to look
at her. “I am a fool,”. He muttered quietly, “I miss her.”.
“We are all fools when it comes to love, some of us just feel stronger about it
than others. I've always known that You just seem to have a deep well of
emotions, sometimes it's hard to understand.”. She moved up behind him, gently
wrapping her arms around his waist hugging him. “I know you miss her, and I
know you have a right to move on and do what we all discussed, but just be
careful okay. I would hate to see you trapped and then be forever without.
Just, be careful.”.
He nodded placing his hands over hers. “I've only escorted her to supper once
or twice, nothing more.”.
“Okay, just next time come to me if you need an answer regarding her. I speak
to her just about every day, so I could tell you anything.... well, anything
that I could reveal that is. Now, clean up the mess. I need to go make a call,
and you inquire about sending Nymeria to her. It would be nice for her to have
her pet for the months she has left over there.”. She smiled as she quietly
left her nephew alone to contemplate their conversation.
 
===============================================================================
 
Arya knew that Dany would call sooner or later, but when it rang she was almost
tempted to not answer fearing what she would hear. Yet, she knew that to ignore
her friend would be wrong because it wasn't her fault that this was happening.
They all agreed to have this time, and he was doing just that, expanding his
world when all she could do was sit and wait for the time to end. She had known
that she didn't need the time to soul search, that was never an option to her.
She loved him, but she understood. While she wouldn't it wasn't fair to hold
him up to her standards. So, she knew it would be wrong to ignore her friends
phone call after all.
“It's been FAR too long since I have heard your dulcet tones. To what do I owe
this pleasure?”. Arya quipped as the voice on the other end laughed loudly.
“You are far too happy, so I'm going to just cut to the chase and guess You
seen the rags,”. Daenerys grumbled.
“Of course, kind of hard to ignore the front cover,” She answered honestly,
sighing into the phone softly. “Before you ask, it's fine. I was upset at
first, but then I realized this was what everyone wanted. So, he's doing what
was asked. I... I just can't, you understand, right?”.
Daenerys chuckled softly, “Yes, sad to say that I do understand. You are whom
you are. I had been worried because I knew you had to have seen this.”.
For several seconds there was nothing but silence between them, both lost on
their own thoughts. Sometimes this is how the two girls were, but each of them
knew what the other was thinking. Dany decided to not tell her friend about the
argument earlier, it just wasn't something she wanted to explain. This
situation was already tense as it was, even if they could all pretend
everything was just fine.
“I'm fine Dragon, I'm fine. I miss seeing your face, and my pup too.”. Arya
said softly, “So... is the woman someone important to him?”. She asked
carefully trying hard to not have her voice crack.
“Honestly, I don't believe so. He told me after we had a little conversation
that he's just escorted her to dinner a few times. Apparently from what I have
learned, Her name is Beony, and her father is an important merchant in Lys that
Rhaegar is currently working out a deal to sell some steel there, or something
like that. That is all I know. I should tell you he knows about Edric, not from
me. I did tell him however that there was no romantic feelings there. From you,
at least.”.
Arya gripped the phone tightly almost wincing as she heard the creak of the
plastic from her vice. Stupid, stubborn dragon she thought to herself. So, he's
lashing out again.
“There won't ever be, I just can't even if there wasn't anything going on with
anyone. He's far too sweet to put up with me.”. She laughed softly, “Is he
happy?”.
“If you want my personal opinion as to what he's told me, or do youwantwhat I
think? Or both?”. Dany asked carefully.
“Both,”. The reply came quickly in a rush of breath.
“Ah, he says that he's trying to be, but He's not. Not, really, but he sure can
pretend as much as he wants if it helps.”. Dany eyed the door of the library
quietly after hearing a sound coming from beyond the hallway. “Someone is
coming to bother me, I need to go see before they come upon our conversation.
I'll call soon, you keep up on those fencing classes, but don't go stabbing
anyone.”.
Arya sighed as they both hung up the phone, her eyes closing tiredly. If
only....
 
===============================================================================
 
The sky above was awash in a palate of colors as the sun slowly took it's leave
from view. This had always been her favorite time of the day here in Braavos,
where the daylight hours were spent working by those industrious types. The
nights here were dark, and filled with anything and anyone you wanted to find.
More often than not trouble was around any corner, at any time. The free cities
had taught her that each place was unique for the virtues and vices that could
be had for an asking, or coin. This was what she was going to truly miss once
she had to return to normalcy, or was it? That was the question of the hour
wasn't it? What was her normalcy now.
She shrugged to herself not knowing how to answer that particular question
anymore. Those close to her would answer that it was what she would make of it,
and that was enough for her. She was going to do something, and soon.
Returning to the haven of the dwelling that had been hers for these last two
years was bittersweet, for it held all of her belongings now packed away ready
to be taken back to her home. Home. Where would that be for her?
Before she could answer the click of nails against the floors alerted her that
Nymeria was awake and waiting for her Mistress to greet her. Normally the wolf
would have launched herself at Arya but she quietly came forward winding her
away around the girls legs.
“What is a matter my sweet?”. Arya asked the silver colored pet with a little
smile upon her lips. She knelt upon the floor and gently dug her fingers into
the soft fur, scratching where she knew the wolf loved. A soft chuff filled the
silent room as she laughed in response. “We will be home soon, my love. I know
you miss you mate too. Is that it?”. She eyed the wolf carefully, eyes
watching.
When the wolf looked up she could almost swear the animal had a wolf grin, but
that was strange. Shrugging she stood rubbing the pet's silky ears almost as
she would a worry stone. “Everything is ready to go, come let's head to bed.”.
There was still an inkling that something was off here, she thought to herself
watching as the wolf ran ahead of her into the bedroom. As soon as she turned
the corner into the room she could see something upon the bed that had not been
there when she left. The silver box gleamed as the moon's light began to pour
through the many windows that ran along each wall.
“Did you let someone in? Is that why your so quiet...”. She stopped,
remembering all the gifts that had been left months ago. They had started
months after she got her but had stopped soon after the first photos appeared
in the rags. It had hurt, almost as if she had been erased from memory, but she
knew that each one that had come was treasured regardless. Yet, this was
interesting. Why now?
She glanced at the wolf again, the golden eyes that stared back were filled
with something she couldn't quite name. Then it hit her, no he couldn't.. could
he? Her eyes cut again the the wolf, but when she looked back into the pet's
eyes they were as they normally were, bright and full of mischief.
“I must be imagining things now,”. She whispered to herself. She had forgotten
that link deep in her, with the wolves. Never having thought that it could have
been given to him as well thought the blood of the north. Only she seemed to
have the strong pull, unlike most of her siblings save Bran whom was special
all on his own. “Come girl, let's see what is in this present, yes?”. She
picked it up gently, shaking it carefully only hearing the soft whisper of
something within. Nymeria's ears perked up as Arya laughed in response. “It's
not a treat for you silly girl. Hmm...”.
The package was almost too pretty to want to destroy with her clumsy fingers
but she carefully peeled back each layer till the bone white box came into
view. A grin formed along her lips reading the box's origin. Someone had did
their homework on her likes.
“Agent Provocateur,”. She breathed quietly pulling open the box gasping at what
lay among the black tissue paper. She knew whom this was from the moment her
eyes fell upon the sinful red bikini. You really want me to play with fire
don't you, she thought with a laugh. As she pulled the top up from it's nest a
note was hidden under written in a familiar hand.
 
Won't you feel fire kissed in this?
Wear me.
She laughed loudly.
 
===============================================================================
 
Daenerys stood on one of the many terraces overlooking the gardens that graced
Dragonstone watching her nephew as he was strolling around with the very pretty
Beony's arm in the crook of his elbow. They were both laughing at something
that his wolf was attempting to discover in one of the flower beds.
“Casual, my ass.”. She muttered darkly remembering his words several months ago
after their argument. Perhaps at that time it had been, but something changed a
few weeks back. They were lovers now, she knew. This would not bode well, at
all with Arya's arrival in two days time.
Well, Arya knew the score and so did Dany, so the cards would fall where they
may. She wouldn't interfere anymore, she had promised her brother when she had
let him know about the row with the first picture. Rhaegar firmly believed that
things would work out like they would once all the players were back on the
board. If not, well fate then chose another path and they would have to honor
what was given to them. She just prayed that this, her eyes fell on the blonde,
was not the path. She was nice enough, she mused but something told her that it
wasn't all to the girl.
“Stop brooding,”. A voice came from behind her startling her from her thoughts,
“ You'll give yourself wrinkles before your time. Plus, that insane horse king
your after wouldn't like that now would he?”. Sam grinned at her jovially but
his smile faltered as he looked down. “I can see why you were frowning.
Troubling, indeed. I gave up trying to reason with him after the fifth time we
went about.”. He commented sadly.
“Is she still coming here?”. Sam asked carefully. He witnessed some of the
arguments between the aunt and nephew in the last two weeks about Arya's
arrival. Jon hadn't said that he wanted her to not come here, but there was
something in his eyes that had warned of trouble.
“You know she is, she's welcome here as long as I am. Rhaegar wants her here, I
want her here. Hell, ghost wants nymeria here. The stubborn ass dragon down
there down there does too..Well, he wants her in his bed the most, but he's
fighting it. Using that girl as a shield to protect himself. You can't tell me
that I'm wrong can you?”.
He shook his head at the assessment, knowing that Deanerys always seemed to see
more than most did.
“No, You aren't wrong. He's afraid of himself, I think. Losing control, is what
I think it is. He's not been himself since the ball happened. If it was anyone
other than Jon, I would say he was sowing his oats, but he's never been
concerned like that. I would say that was more our crown prince's attitude, he
was like that. Now, the places have changed.”. Sam replied honestly.
Dany laughed loudly causing the couple below to glance up at her with wide
eyes. She looked down with a blank stare before her gaze turned to her
companion. She had heard the story from many, including the lady he was
perusing herself. Stange, Indeed.
“Sansa told me the strange story herself. Stranger still that the Starks
allowed the engagment to happen but as long as she feels secure to enter that
snakes pit, more to her. She had been unhappy for months after the Martell heir
left her for the princess, but apparently Gendry caught himself a stark after
all, maybe not the one he originally wanted but a Stark none-the-less. I'm
heading over to King's landing later this morning to meet with her. Arya should
be here tomorrow sometime, everything ready?”.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Soon after Daenery's took off for her appointment to see Sansa now that she was
housed in the red keep in King's landing preparing for her upcoming wedding to
the heir of the iron throne, Arya arrived surprising some of the staff when
another helicopter landed upon the pad.
The staff had been expecting her tomorrow and it threw Sam off kilter when he
rushed to greet her there. No longer the small tomboy whom caused trouble
wherever she wandered this girl was now a full-grown woman, a very beautiful
one at that. The years in Braavos had given her not only freedom but it had
changed her in ways that gave her an air of wisdom. No longer was there babyfat
that had mellowed her curves but now she was curvy because she filled out to
her full potential.
“Sam!”. She exclaimed as her eyes fell upon the man before her. “How I have
missed your worrying face! Sorry for the appearance, I know I'm a day early and
all, but I wrapped up everything well before I had thought to. If you are still
preparing I can hop on over to the mainland to see my sister, I know Dany's
there today. No biggie,”. She grinned watching the large man as his hands
twisted in thought.
“No, it's all done. You know me, I keep things well oiled around here. Someone
has to else this place would be all chaos.”. He replied carefully watching as
Nymeria hopped from the chopper, stretching her lithe muscles before beginning
to scent the air. However, the female didn't have to even utter a howl as a
large white wolf padded out from one of the large copses of trees. “Ah, the
welcoming committee has arrived, it seems. He's missed his companion, you
know.”.
She nodded as she watched the two wolves greet each other warmly, “Ghost, you
been keeping out of trouble boy?”. She whispered into his ear as her arms
wrapped around his warm body. “She's been good, your mate here.”. She smiled as
Nymeria whined nipping Ghost's side as they began to run off towards the
gardens happily rubbing their bodies against each other.
When they disappeared from view she turned back to speak to Sam but found
herself looking into eyes so like her own that she almost squeaked. He stood
there arm in arm with the woman that had been gracing the covers of the
magazines for months now, each trying to get a scoop on what was going on in
the royal's life. Briefly disappointment settled upon her self, but she stopped
herself from wallowing with the fact that she could fight for what she wanted,
and she would.
“You're early,”. He said without a greeting, his dark eyes devouring her
features not giving a hint as to his feelings behind them.
“I'm aware of that fact, as I was just telling Sam here that I wrapped up
everything quicker than I had imagined I would, so I moved up my flight. I also
offered to hop back over to King's Landing to go see my sister and find out
what was going on in the wedding front, but he assured me that everything was
ready in my room. Am I intruding here?”. She quietly glanced between the blond
holding onto his arm and himself.
The woman beside him nudged him gently breaking the silence that held awkwardly
for several minutes before she gently cleared her throat.
“You must be Arya, correct?”. The woman spoke in a lyrical voice glancing at
her, a smirk upon her beautiful features. When Arya nodded her head in
acknowledgment the woman began to speak again, “Well, welcome then. I'm Beony,
it is nice to finally put a face to a name. Daenerys speaks of you so often
that I feel as if I know you. You're Jon's cousin yes?”.
She took a deep breath trying to control her temper towards this woman who was
attempting to take what was hers. HERS. Yet, she knew that this wouldn't solve
anything if she let her temper get the best of the situation.
“I am among other things, once upon a time. So, You're what?”. She eyed the
woman's hand not finding a ring, so she was sure it hadn't progressed as far as
she had imagined. That calmed her somewhat, but not enough for the wolf when
angered tended to not use the logic that she should.
She watched as Beony turned to look at Jon with a smile upon her lips but it
quickly faltered as Arya's words hit him.
“His girlfriend, of course. Maybe more sometime soon, I hope.”. Beony's blue
eyes twinkled merrily at this new girl.
Arya's posture stiffened at the insinuation, worse than the thought. Dany
hadn't told her it was this far, or perhaps she hadn't known any of this yet.
“Well, felicitations are in order then. May you both get what you want then,”.
She said slowly as her eyes found Jon's, tears beginning to gather on the
surface but she blinked them away before turning to give the girl a little
smile. “I believe I will settle my things and do what I was going to do
originally and go off to King's Landing. I fear that I won't be staying as long
here as I had wanted to.”. She turned to look once more at Jon, gray eyes
suddenly tired.
“Perhaps it's for the best,” the blonde said suddenly having caught the looks
the two were giving each other. “I mean, I'm sure you should go home and see
your family, I bet they have missed you since you were gone.”.
Sam gently rested his arm on Arya's elbow trying to get her to move before this
escalated quickly after the other girl's remark. They all knew of her temper,
and didn't wish to have anything happen here. But, before Sam could move her
Arya laughed deep in her throat, the sound making both Jon and Beony jump. Arya
patted Sam's hand gently as her body turned to move closer to the girl.
“You would be mistaken to believe to think this isn't my home, because it is.
It will be long after your gone, don't think to try and push me out of here
because you will find that this wolf has staked a claim a long time ago, and
when a wolf does that there is no going back.”. She purred softly in her throat
as the words came out as a hiss against the girl's cheek. Turning again to
place her arm in Sam's arm she moved off towards the Keep, hips swinging
sensually with each step she took. Her laughter was the only sound that could
be heard from the two whom disappeared into the castle proper.
 
 
 
 
 
***** Chapter 6 *****
 
The butler, Graves hurried towards them with a fond smile for the girl as she
stepped into the castle with Sam by her side gently patting her arm in
reassurance after the confrontation in the gardens. Arya tenderly pressed a
kiss to both Sam and the butler's cheeks, giving them both beaming smiles even
if her insides felt like she was melting away. It would not do to show just how
miserable she felt to everyone, because she was better than that. No, she would
do what she has always done, thrive if she could. If not, she could always
leave and go spend the summer in the north with her brothers, which she didn't
relish since her parents were currently traveling in Sothoryos. Once Daenerys
was back from her trip it would help her to have someone here whom she could
talk to, or at least have someone whom would back her up. She knew that
counting on Sam was a hit or miss when it came to what battles he would pick,
being Jon's best friend and all. Yet, in this she could see where the wind
blew. Interesting, she thought to herself as the butler took the small bags she
was carrying.
“It's been far too long Lady Arya, good to have you back. Is the pup with you
as well?”. Graves asked in his stately voice, reminding her terribly of Hodor
in Winterfell.
“I have missed this place as well Graves, and all of you. If you think I could
have left her behind you would be mistaken. I only left her here because I
wasn't sure I could have her there, but I was ever so glad to have had her for
the year that I did.”. She smiled again, pleased to know that some people
wanted her here. Graves quietly directed the staff to take up the rest of the
baggage.
“Then it was good that the Prince sent her to you, yes. Those wolves that you
have are connected to the very blood, so my grandmother used to tell us about
the northmen. We could tell the pup longed to be near you when you were away.”.
Graves gave them both a bow and turned to stalk off down the hall back to his
duties.
She turned to look at Sam with a raised brow, “He sent her? I had thought
Daenerys did, or was I mistaken?”.
“He sent her, of course. He would have sent the moon to you, if only you had
asked for it. I'm sure he would have taken one of the dragons and a chain...”
He faltered clearly revealing too much about his friend. She knew it was unfair
to grill the man about this, and if it had been her in his position she
wouldn't feel comfortable explaining either.
“It's okay Sam, I'm not going to grill you about this. I was merely curious who
decided to send her since I hadn't really thought about it, mostly because I
hadn't ever asked if I could have her there. Luckily, no one minded. I am
grateful, and I'll tell him my thanks sometime, just not now. I don't think I
can talk to him now.”. She glanced up the massive stairway sighing as her eyes
rested upon a painting of Rhaegar and Lyanna at their wedding.
“Had you arrived when you were supposed to, this probably wouldn't have
happened. Not that it's your fault, or anything because eventually it would
have occurred, but what is done is done. You handled yourself quite well, if
this had been two years ago... Well, I wouldn't be sure the girl would have all
her limbs in place. So, I think you have progressed little wolf. Now, I have
some business matters that I need to attend to. You know your way around here
as well as anyone. Try to stay out of trouble.”. He gently patter her shoulder,
his kind eyes staring into her's in his pleading way.
“I'm glad to see you have some faith in me. I'm going to go up and bathe and
perhaps sunbathe in a bit, it's nice outside. Dinner still at seven?”. She
remembered how much the butler liked everything to be just on the dot. He ran
this castle with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Sam nodded with a pleased
grin. “Have fun with work,”. She called out as she turned to find her way up
the main tower towards her room.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
 
This wolf has staked a claim, a long time ago.
The words thundered in his head as he watched her turn away and saunter into
the castle with Sam several minutes ago, leaving him outside with Beony.
Frustrated he took several deep breaths before his eyes swung down to the blond
beside him. What in the hell possessed her to tell them that she was his
girlfriend? He damn well knew that Daenerys believed that he had slept with her
but as much as the blond had wanted him to Jon couldn't. Rather, he wouldn't
even when she slipped into his room one night intent of seduction but that
hadn't gone well.
“Want to explain that stunt there?”.
Beony's lips curved into a smile that he had begun to know so well, but this
time it wasn't going to get her anything. She was good at getting what she
wanted out of men, but with him it hadn't ever worked, which made her try even
more. He genuinely liked being around her, but there had never been that spark.
Only one person had ever had that effect on him.
“Explain what? Well, You are sort of my boyfriend. Wouldn't you call going on
dates just that? Honestly, I didn't think I had said anything that was remotely
a lie. I wasn't the one who was rude either, for that matter. Doesn't she have
her own family to go to?”. She demanded in a hiss.
Now he truly began to understand what his aunt had been saying the night the
first photo had appeared in a magazine. He hadn't thought over it enough to
really explain to her why he was escorting the girl about, after the first time
at his father's insistence. Oh, there was no doubt that he had been furious
after the man that he had hired to keep an eye on Arya sent back the photos
before he even knew whom he was. Yes, he had been jealous, and stupid.
“Alright, I will give you that we have gone on dates. Which, I would like to
remind you were strictly platonic. You wanted me to escort you around so that
your ex-fiancee would get jealous, which didn't seem to work out. Yet, I had
actually liked being around you, but I was honest here about how I felt. I have
never hidden the fact about my feelings, now have I?”. He stared down at her
again, his eyes dark. Frustrated his fingers dragged through the midnight curls
that swarmed about his face.
When she didn't answer the question, he turned to look at her once before
moving off back deeper into the garden away from the eyes of the castle. He was
sure by now that there had to be at least one person watching the heated
exchange. As if his life wasn't already filled with enough trouble he had to go
throw in a few angry females, whom could inflict their own brand of justice
against him anytime they wished.
May you both get what You want....
If she only knew what he wanted, she may not have been so rash to throw that at
him. Oh, it was plain to see for those whom knew Arya what she had meant by
that little barb. The little wolf wanted him to suffer, well she would probably
vindicated to know how much he had suffered without her.
“What did she mean back there by she had staked a claim?”. He heard her ask
from behind him, her voice now unsure and nervous.
He didn't even bother turning around but stared out at the water, closing his
eyes as the salty wind poured over every inch of exposed skin of his body. A
loaded question that one was, and while he wasn't very happy with her it
wouldn't be in his best interest to upset the girl.
“It's a bit complicated, but I'll try to explain it as simply as I can.”. He
explained as his eyes opened to gaze over the waves as they rippled against the
surface of the water, “Wolves, sometimes tend to be territorial as most animals
are in the wild. When Arya was younger, she was much like a wild wolf as were
most of the Starks, except Sansa. She has always been just how she is now,
poised and in control. The rest of the pack were boys, save Arya and were as
wild as their sigil is, a direwolf. I suppose my mother was like that as well,
which is what drew my father to her so long ago. Anyway, She had been unlike
any other girl I had ever met before.. brash, wild and honest.”.
An irritated sigh was heard from behind as she finally came into view, “What
does that even have to do with what she said?”.
“It means that She was telling you is that I am not available, or rather that
you don't own what you think you do. Which, let's face it, you don't. She does
not know that.”. He explained gently, trying desperately to keep his temper in
check.
The blond laughed softly as she turned to face him, but quickly stopped once
her eyes fell upon his face.
“So, let me get this straight. She's been gone for years, without even speaking
to you and thinks that it's perfectly acceptable to just plop back in your life
and disrupt it?”.
He shrugged in response, anything he said now would just upset the blond in
front of him and by now it wasn't going to end in any good way possible. This
wasn't really how he planned on this going at all, not that he had this in mind
for today. It wasn't really that he had decided today was the day to end this,
but in the back of his mind the date kept nearing when Arya would finally be
back in his life.
“Do you want me to lie, or tell you the truth?”. He asked irritated now, more
at himself for letting this going on for far too long.
Before she could answer a thrashing began to sound from the edge of the gardens
followed by excited yips as two large wolves crashed through the hedges. They
both raced forward at Jon, crashing down at his feet with little growls happily
in each other's company after so long.
He watched as the blond took a few steps back keeping her eyes trained on the
large animals as they nuzzled against each other's sides, growling playfully.
“Don't show fear, you should know this by now.”. He sighed down at the pets
with a little smile watching the silver female roll over exposing her belly for
him to scratch. “They wont hurt you, unless you are an enemy.”.
“Another wolf? Where have you been hiding this one?”. She asked hesitantly.
“You haven't been hiding this one in some corner of the castle have you?”
He laughed kneeling down to rub Nymeria's soft fur earning him a little whine
from the bitch as her mate watched on trusting his Master. Nymeria licked his
palm lightly, her eyes rolling back in her head.
“Hardly, this here is Nymeria. She belongs to Arya, and is Ghost's mate. It's
been about a year since they have seen each other, I shipped her to Arya
because they missed each other. Which is why you have not seen her before.”.
The silver wolf looked at the blond with measured golden eyes watching to see
what the human female would do. A soft growl escaped the canine mouth revealing
her teeth before she rolled over nuzzling against the large white wolf
sleepily.
“I'm beginning to see now.”. She finally spoke after watching him interact with
the wolves on the ground. “You never answered the last question I asked, which
means that You are okay with her disrupting your life whenever she feels like
it. Did I ever have a chance?”.
He stilled himself as he mulled over her question carefully burying his fingers
into both of the wolves fur to help him think. He couldn't sugarcoat it
anymore, he guessed. Still, it wouldn't be good to be really frank with the
girl.
“It was never a question of disruption,” He said sadly, “Beony, I am not one to
try and hide my motives, had this been something permanent we would have known
by now. I think you have known that, you just are blinded by the title which I
carry that let's you hold on even when there was nothing to hold on to. I
actually find you to be interesting, but not in the way I want to feel about
the person I will take to be my partner. Had it been that way, it would have
been quite nice to be with you, but no. Honestly, that part of me has been gone
for a long time.”.
 
===============================================================================
 
Several hours later Arya quietly stepped out into the garden in search of the
two wolves not having seen them for most of the afternoon, not that she had
been really looking. No, after she finished her discussion with Sam it was
clear that a nap was in order to shake off the jet-lag that had consumed her.
Usually the wolves would be near her door scratching to get in when they knew
she was close to sleep, but today they hadn't even bothered her. She had a
feeling she knew where they were, and what they were up to but she would check
first.
“Arya, Supper is in an hour.”. Sam called out behind her not having heard him
she jumped with a laugh.
“I'm never late, I'm far too scared of Graves to want to be late.”. She rolled
her eyes playfully. “It's far too quiet around here, where did the two brutes
run off too?”.
“Probably off making up for lost time,”. He said slyly with a laugh, “Honestly,
I don't know. Last time I noticed them was with Jon earlier after you arrived.
Oh, Dany will be here for supper instead of staying, she's lugging your sister
and the princess along with her. Just a heads up to put on battle gear.”. He
winked as someone called his name making him rush off the calm another fire
down.
She sighed and glanced off towards the cliffs that ran along one edge of the
island. This place was her home now, regardless of whom thought it wasn't, for
it was in the fabric of her very soul. Winterfell may claim a large part of it,
but this place was special to her. Eventually, she mused, so would Valyria too.
The sea wall rose up before her as her fingers brushed against the rock lightly
feeling it beneath her hands as it has always stood for many thousand years
here. This land was in her bones, and she was going to stay as long as she
could.
“For a moment there, I almost believed you were Lyanna,”. A voice whispered in
her ear causing her to smile and turn to embrace the tall man who stood quietly
a few feet from her. “When you were younger you favored her, but now you could
be her doppelganger. I'm sorry I startled you, I had thought I made enough
noise with these two mangrels thrashing about but seems to not be the case.”.
He motioned to the wolves who milled about his legs, rubbing their great furry
bodies against him.
“I hear that a lot from father, even time I see him these days. I didn't know
you were here. Sam, that great lout didn't tell me.”. She muttered pouting.
Rhaegar laughed suddently making the two wolves scatter towards Arya with a
whine, she grinned and rubbed the heads of the two large beasts. She had missed
hearing him laugh, actually she just missed everyone.
“I told him not to. I wanted it to be a surprise because I didn't get to see
you enough lately, not that you couldn't have made a trip to see me. I know you
visited with Dany often enough, for she tells me lot of tales of trips to
certain islands and certain temples.” he teased, nudging her side as she began
to laugh.
“Ah, yes. Lys is one of those places that seems to be a dream but it's not. We
did visit the pleasure houses, but only to learn for they have classes for
those whom want to learn little tricks. Wicked, I know but what is life without
learning something naughty to use along the way. Besides, that is what we are
supposed to do, learn right?”. She teased, a blush forming across the swell of
her cheeks at what she had seen there.
“I can imagine they didn't teach you everything, for the only ones that learn
all their secrets are the acolytes. They could hardly have a princess as one of
those would they? Besides, I've been there before. Luckily, you went to Lys and
not Tyrosh. Did you enjoy your time in the free cities then?”. Rhaegar asked
seriously as his violet eyes narrowed in thought glancing at the girl in front
of him.
He watched his neice's facial expressions as they talked quietly there in the
garden. He had been told, of course, about what occurred when Arya arrived and
the subsequent actions of his son. He was not happy with him at the moment, for
more than this little drama but he'd deal with it in his own way.
“I love each place that I have been to in my own way. I find small things that
every cities and take them with me. Such as Myr, the lace there takes my breath
away. I bought a beautiful red dress made of just the lace there from a master
craftsman, and I don't much like lace to be honest but this was breath-taking.
Your sister however, I think loves those great plains that stretch far from the
cities. No, she loves their king. He's an interesting one there.”. She
snickered in memory.
“It's good to preserve memories that we can think back on when old. I think it
was right that you ended up finishing your education there, at least we all
were concerned but it's clear that you have matured. Are you happy?”. His eyes
held hers, his voice serious.
Arya tilted her head slightly as she pondered his question. She was happy for
the most part, but there was something missing. Someone, she thought.
“I'm trying to be, but it'll happen.”. Arya turned to look back out at the sea,
“Am I too late?”. Her eyes stared at the colors beginning to change the sky as
sunset neared.
Rhaegar opened his mouth to speak but heard the soft footfalls of someone
approaching them. The wolves raised their head scenting the air before a soft
whimper sounded. Only a few people would elicit that sound from these pets, and
he stilled himself. Several seconds later his son's dark head appeared quietly
making his way towards them with brisk strides. Something was wrong, he could
feel it.
“Sam wanted me to let you know that the girls will be here in minutes, and they
will also be bringing other guests. Seems as if they will be here for the
weekend, she claims.”. Jon explained to his father, but his eyes were drawn to
the dark haired woman standing several feet away with her back to the two men.
His dark eyes drank in her figure like a thirsty man in the middle of the
desert. Rhaegar didn't miss any of the silent exchange and began to smile to
himself, if only he could give them a little push, but he wouldn't.
“I'm only staying for the night, so that should work out not that there aren't
enough rooms here, but I have some business in Westeros before I head back. I
wanted to see the little wolf before I left.”. His eyes glanced between the
two. “Well, I will go await the arrivals and leave you two to talk, try not to
throw each other off the seawall, please.”. His lips quirked into a grin taking
his leave before either could stop him.
As soon as Rhaegar left the silence fell upon the two souls for several
minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. The only sound was the roar of the
water lapping below them, and the two wolves quiet sounds as they moved between
their owners.
“I'm sorry for earlier, for what it's worth,”. She began softly, still facing
the water not allowing herself to face him and his scorn. “I honestly should
have just waited till tomorrow and not made any trouble for you and your
girlfriend. I was just a little tired and snappish from traveling, so please
tell her...”. She stopped as his hand gently reached out to touch her shoulder,
squeezing it lightly causing her heart to flutter.
“You have nothing to apologize for little wolf. You had your reasons to speak
the way you did, and there was nothing said that wasn't true from you. I should
actually apologize to several people for letting them assume certain things,
which were vastly untrue. She, was sort of, someone I had been seeing yes. But,
nothing to the extent that I would have ever taken seriously. It's a long
story, and if you want to know You just have to ask me.”. He stepped closer to
her, almost touching her side but he knew that he didn't have the right so he
just lingered.
“Perhaps, later we could have a discussion, or you could yell at me. I don't
know, just anything than this silence I'm hearing. It's been hell, these last
two years. I missed you more than you will know”. He admitted close to her ear,
his warm breath pushing against her skin.
She turned suddenly almost making him stumble back with her quick movements.
The look in her eyes almost made him want to wrap his arms around her and block
the world from them both, but that was the last thing she needed, he thought.
“Yes, we will talk later. Perhaps tonight, depending on who is coming here. “.
She gave him a brief smile looking down at her hands, “Thank you, for shipping
Nymeria to me, I missed her and it helped to have something from home to
remember.”.
Soft laughter drifted down from the Hall's main doors alerting them to the
arrival of those they had been waiting for. Arya looked up at Jon with a little
shrug nudging him to make haste to greet his guests.
“No need to thank me for that, she wanted to see you as much as you did her.
She was lonely without you, well as much as she could be with Ghost always
near, but it wasn't the same.”.
Jon whistled loudly at the wolves as he backed up away from her with a little
bow, “I'll let them know you are on the way then, take a few moments to gather
yourself. I'm sure whomever they have brought will be bothersome, as they
usually are to me.”. He grinned, the old smile beginning to break though.
Her laugh filled the air, much like it had earlier giving him pause as her
turned to see her moving up next to him.
“Stop”. She said softly, one hand on his arm effectively halting him. He
blinked and waited to see what she wanted him to do, but before he could think
to ask she raised on her feet up towards him. Her lips brushed against his just
barely, but enough for him to feel it. “You may go now.”. She waved him off,
already turning back to look at the water.
What had just happened?
 
===============================================================================
 
 
She hadn't planned on kissing him at all, in fact, had she really given it much
thought pushing him into the water should have been her first inclination.
However, the moment he stepped close to her, his scent overcame her. He had
that hold over her, barely a touch and she was already in trouble. No, not this
time. She would make him work for whatever he was planning on doing.
After she was sure it had been a few minutes she began to make her way back to
the castle, enjoying the late spring air's last bit of crispness before the
long summer would descent upon the land. Summer had usually not been her
favorite, but the summers here were tolerable, at best. As she moved closer to
the entrance a long person stood outside, glancing up at the sky charting the
stars which were beginning to peek out into the rapidly inky darkness.
“Well, I've had a hell of a day already,”. Arya began without even greeting the
woman before her. “It was my lucky day here, it seems.”. She continued dryly,
eyes rolling in her head.
Daenerys laughed loudly at her friends expression, violet eyes widening in
concern. “Sam let me in on a little of it, my nephew is furious with me and You
my little wolf have a weird glow about you. Everything okay?”.
“We shall talk about it later, hopefully. The glow is probably a sunburn, I'm
still a little jet-lagged. My nap was interrupted by the quest to find the
wolves, those little shits disappeared for most of the afternoon.”. She said
with a dry smile upon her lips, eyebrows wriggling dramatically.
“I can only imagine what they have gotten up to, she should be ready to
breed.”. Daenerys tilted her head slightly, smiling coyly. “Ghost has been a
patient suitor, for that wild wolf.”.
Arya laughed softly linking her arm with her friends, pulling them both inside.
“That isn't up to me, if she has them, then she has them. I won't subject her
to anymore travels then, if pups show up.”.
As they both entered the hall, she noticed the four newcomers standing with
Rhaegar and Jon, conversing quietly amongst each other waiting for them to show
up. Arya's eyes fell upon the first two whom stood closest to her, gray eyes
assessing them. Dany pressed a kiss to her forehead gently before leaning close
to her ear to whisper, “Gear up for war!”. She almost laughed but nodded as her
friend moved away from the group to make sure that all the arrangements were
done for the stay.
“Arya!”. Sansa's voice rang out as she moved to wrap her thin arms around her
sister's tightly, pressing soft kisses to both cheeks. “Look at you, all grown
up now and so very beautiful, different.”. Sansa's cheeks blushed delicately,
“You know what I mean.”.
Arya grinned slowly listening to her bird of a sister give her the eye-over.
Her gaze drifted to the person standing slightly behind Sansa, tensing as one
brow arched giving him a stare before she sank into a curtsy.
“Prince Gendry, So nice to see you again. Welcome to Dragonstone, and
felicitations on the engagement to my sister. Also, Welcome Princess Marcella
and the rose of highgarden Margaery Tyrell.”. She poke sweetly, but the frosty
overtones made Gendry laugh. She turned to look at him with an arched brow as
He returned a courtly bow, a faint smile upon his lips.
Before any of them could move Marcella moved forward hesitantly to stand close
to Arya, her green eyes were lowered slightly, “Before we can all begin
tonight, I have to beg for your forgiveness for what occurred the night of the
Name-Day ball. I am forever forgetting to ask if certain people are affianced
to others, and I didn't know that Jon was taken. I wouldn't have done anything
untoward had I known.”. The princess said sincerely, looking at Arya with a mix
of sadness and pure determination which Arya could admire, perhaps.
Arya glanced towards Jon watching his expression carefully, still rather unsure
about how to feel, but knowing that her words would help all be more relaxed
tonight, then so be it.
“Princess, We all do things sometimes that we begin to regret. I have moved
past it, and so shall we.”. Arya soothed the woman's distress as gently as she
was going to, which wasn't all that much considering that she rather wasn't
sure to really believe it or not.
“Excellent, now that's out of the way supper should about to be served.”.
Rhaegar announced as Graves stepped out of his little cove to let them inside
the cavernous dining room.
Arya stepped out of the way to let the others enter the room before her, mainly
on precedence but truth be told she wanted to have the freedom to pick where
she sat. When everyone but Jon had entered the room she turned to look at him.
“Shouldn't you have been in there after your fa...”. She asked quietly before
he pressed one finger to her lips silencing the rest of the question. Her gray
eyes widened as her feet tried to back up but the wall pressed in behind her
effectively trapping her from escape.
“Quiet little wolf, now listen to what I have to say before you begin to argue
with me. Thank you for forgiving her, or at least saying you would. I know your
tones better then most of them here, with the exception of my aunt. I've found
that she wasn't really complicit in her parent's machinations, she's just a shy
young woman who's in need of friends.”. He whispered as her pressed himself
close to her, leaning in to inhale the skin at her neck briefly . “I could find
you in a dark room, you still smell the same.”. He growled playfully one hand
reaching around to grope her ass tenderly before pushing off the wall to
saunter away.
 
===============================================================================
 
As soon as the supper had ended, Rhaegar excused himself and the rest of them
to enjoy what was left of the evening. Arya had attempted to escape the group
but was quickly commanded by her sister to accompany the rest of the girls to
the beach so that they could have some time together. Begrudgingly she followed
as the two guys were left to entertain themselves. They all quickly made their
way to a stretch of the beach falling upon the sand.
“Arya, Dear are you okay tonight? You have been rather silent not your normal
snarky self, I'm quite concerned about you.”. Margaery asked, her brown eyes
wide as she smiled at Arya. Margaery had been friends with Sansa for as long as
Arya could remember, they were thick as thieves and just as deadly if cornered.
“I'm still a little bit jet-lagged Marg, that's all. Traveling is hell when you
get so little sleep the last few days, and being back here has been an
adjustment. I'll be fine in a few days, maybe.”. She admitted with a little
laugh, still not sure if she would be fine.
Daenerys climbed over to settle next to her best friend with a little sigh upon
her lips, pulling Arya into her arms. “Arya will be fine, this strong little
wolf will be just fine. Fate may be fickle, but she sometimes knows what she
doing. Everything will work as it's supposed to.”.
The other girls smiled at Daenerys declaration, nodding their agreement as the
conversation turned to both Sansa and Marcella as they prepared to be married
within the next year or so.
Marcella explained them that since she was still eighteen, her marriage
wouldn't take place for another two years but she was happy to be able to bask
in the love that she felt for Quentyn. Arya felt a little pity for the girl
because she would cast looks toward Sansa every so often out of guilt, she
supposed, over the breakup of Sansa's first engagment. However, as it was sansa
was content with whom she snagged, or snagged her.
The other three girls were not affianced as of yet, or ever close in Arya's
case to know what to say when they spoke about colors and place settings, and
soon she began to drift off slightly, keeping her ears perked for any gossip
that would occasionally drift up.
Arya sighed softly as Dany's fingers tenderly brushed back her hair as the wind
would rustle the curls that floated around her face.
“Is she sleeping?”. Margaery asked quietly peeking over at Daenerys with a
little giggle on her lips, sipping the wine from her glass. She could feel Dany
shake her head, but her closed her eyes feigning. Now, she was curious as to
what was going on.
“Is it true that you both went to the pleasure houses in Lys to learn?”. She
heard Margaery whisper loudly to Dany.
Daenerys settled her palm against Arya's shoulder knowing that she would likely
spring up with laughter, but a soft shush sound came out between her parted
lips for only Arya to hear.
“Well, I suppose it's true and untrue. We didn't quite train as one would call
it if were were to take up a trade there, no. They however, we found in our
travels before but were too young to enter was classes for those whom can pay
to learn the arts of pleasure or to give it. I found them to be stimulating,
and someday it will be useful when entertaining ones husband.” Daenerys
answered carefully, trying desperately to keep the laughter out of her voice.
“How did she fare?”. Sansa's voice drifted over to where they sat, a little
giggle could be heard from her sister. “Did she actually go in there on her own
accord?”.
“The little wolf has some hidden talents that were put on display in each of
the classes that we took, in fact,” Her eyes glimmered as she looked down at
Arya, tapping her cheek lightly,”The teachers had some of the best trainers of
the arts in to watch her dance. I didn't dare tell Rhaegar this, but a few of
them offered to buy Arya. We were told that her gifts were sought after in many
places around the world.”.
The three girls looked at Daenerys with wide, identical expressions of awe at
Arya who finally sat up and rolled her eyes. She glanced at Dany with a snort,
shaking her head.
“Actually, some of it is true. They did offer for both of us, but they were not
really serious because they knew whom we were. Well, whom she was but if you
want to learn the arts of seduction, dance and pleasing it's worth what you
pay. To be sure it's much different than what is taught to the pleasure slaves
that are bought and trained there. I asked.”. Arya winked. “I was curious,
given that it's a well known commodity there in Lys.”.
The girls were too wrapped up in listening to what Arya began to describe that
they didn't notice the two men at the edge of the sand, hearing every word that
she was saying. All, except Sansa who heard the faint rustle of the leafy trees
that stood near the edge of the beach.
“More wine ladies?”. Margaery shook the bottle slightly eyeing the girls.
“They don't mess with you, do they?”. Marcella whispered loudly enough that
everyone but Arya laughed. She blushed and leaned in, “You know what I mean.”.
Arya had been nervous about that in the beginning as well, but was quickly
assured that nothing of the sort would be happening. Males were only there when
instruction about pleasing the males were admitted, and only for instruction.
She blushed for three days straight after that class, but Daenerys had found it
stimulating.
“Actually, no. Mostly women are the ones whom are teaching the pleasure
classes. There are some men whom teach the dancing, but that is because they
are the ones with the experience, I didn't understand that quite but they were
all professionals. So, it was never uncomfortable in the way your asking. Truth
be told, I don't think I stopped blushing for three days after one of the
classes, and the dragon princess over here was pestering me about it for days
afterward. I couldn't help it, but now the skill could come in handy.”. She
tilted her head to look at Daenerys with a wink.
“Gods help whomever keeps you, because you will end up giving them either a
heart attack or stroke.”, Dany said softly, her eyes narrowed as she watched
Sansa motion discreetly towards the trees. They wanted to listen, did they. “In
one of the classes, Arya let them paint her body like some of the pleasure
slaves in parts of the world. It was rather erotic, but pretty and then she
learned the dances the harem girls learn to please their Masters.”. Dany leaned
over and tweaked one of Arya's nipples causing the other girl to squirm an swat
at the fingers.
“They invited me back anytime, but I fear that it may not be in my best
interest to do so.”. She sighed remembering the one suitor whom tried to buy
her. She shook the memory away, glad to still have learned.
Sansa having forgotten the men who listening leaned in again starting at her
sister in a whole new light, “You didn't give away anything did you?”. She
asked with wide eyes.
Arya looked up having sworn that a shadow had moved along the tree line, but
when after several seconds nothing else moved she turned her attention back to
her sister with a little laugh.
“They told us that we could have that sort of instruction, if we wished but We
didn't go that route. So, when we had to learn we could choose to have a woman
help, or just watch and hope that you learned enough. They don't make it where
you are uncomfortable. It's quite welcoming, you may actually like it. Well, I
know Marg would, she's up for most things. I mean, she gave Joffrey a twirl
once, didn't you? Hell, he probably knows some of the women in the pleasure
houses in Lys.”. Arya winked at Marg as the girl began to double over in
laughter.
“Oh, please. A twirl for him is a hand job in a dark hallway. Sorry Marcella,
but your brother is a train accident waiting to happen.” She smiled and patted
the younger girl's arm lightly. Marcella waved her hand knowing exactly how
Joffrey was.
“Are the classes easy to get into? I'd do it, instruction or no. I'm no maid
anymore, always looking to improve my vast skills of seduction. Now, I'm no
slut here, plenty of them around posing as maids, but I like to be honest about
it. No sense in simpering when You can get your jollies off, who cares. Most of
the gentlemen these days aren't virgins, so why should a woman be?”. Margeary
shrugged sipping the rest of her wine.
Arya glanced at Daenerys, who's gaze was currently locked on the forest beyond
where they sat. It hadn't taken much to realize that they were listening to
them. She thought, might as well make it fun to terrorize them.
“I couldn't say about who is and who isn't a virgin these days, but if you
really want to have the classes you get in contact with the pleasure houses
guild, I believe?”. She eyed Dany who nodded with a sly look towards Arya,
tweaking her nipple again. Arya slapped at Dany's hand again, blushing.
“Have them paint your body. They use different colors of henna, it's amazing.”
She grinned, “I have a picture somewhere...”. She trailed off hearing the
leaves finally moving and out walked the two men, almost falling over
themselves.
Jon cleared his throat loudly as he stood up, brushing off the sand that had
fallen in his hair.
“I heard something about pictures, and painting. Care to share with the
class?”. He glanced at Arya slowly, eyes dark and gleaming but not from
amusement.
“Guess, it depends on how much your willing to pay.”. She replied sweetly,
curling her body up against Deanerys. “Then again, I'd hate for them to get out
into the public and all. It took them a while to prepare me before they painted
me and all. They tried to talk me into piercing places, but that didn't appeal
to me.”.
The men stared at her with open mouths, before Sansa tripped Gendry laughing as
he went down with a shout. She peeked up to watch Jon, but he turned and
settled down in the sand across from her. His gaze lingered on her breasts, the
nipples tightly puckered from Dany's taunting the men.
“When you mean prepared, what do you mean?”. She heard Gendry ask Daenerys a
few minutes later before she heard a grunt as Sansa swatted at her fiancee.
Arya bit her bottom lip trying to search for the right way to explain without
visuals. However, before she could even utter a word a quiet voice spoke out.
“In the days of the Harems, the girls would have all of their hair from the
waist down removed. It involved, well back then at least, some sort of almond
paste mixed with whatever it was that dissolved the hair.”. Marcella smiled at
Arya. “Was that how they treated you?”.
“How in the hell do you know any of that?”. Gendry yelled towards his sister
whom had the good grace to actually blush a deep red upon her cheeks. “No,
wait, don't tell me. You've taken the classes too.”. He muttered.
His sister primly turned to glance at him with the widest smile that she could
muster, “No, mother had one of the pleasure slaves come and teach me some
history of women sexuality. She had to sneak her in because if Joff had caught
her scent it would have been another incident like a few years ago. She told
her they should have sold him the the unsullied at birth if she would have
known how much trouble he was.”. She giggled sweetly, sticking her tongue out
at her brother peevishly.
Gendry blinked and began to mutter under his breath about wanting to have had a
go at a pleasure slave, but was quietly nudged by Sansa again.
“I learn more from being around these girls than I ever have. How do you handle
it?”. He glanced towards Jon who was shaking his head slowly, still imagining
Arya dancing.
“Carefully, they can apparently act as pleasure slaves, and can wield knives.
You have to tread very carefully, but then they have to ask well when dealing
with dragons,”. His eyes slid back over Arya's body.
“Anyway, to answer the question that was asked, sort of. It's less caustic as
it once was, the paste. But, everything else is pretty much true. Helps with
most of things that were taught.”. Arya smiled at Marcella, who was secretly
enjoying this.
“Well, I think our evening class has concluded.” Daenerys said with a little
laugh. “I think I need to help Marg back to her room, she's looking a little
too happy there. Marcella, you come along too. You have already given your big
brother heart palpitations, or at least a big case of regret he didn't to view
the pleasure slave in the red keep. The rest of you, please don't get too drunk
and get swept off the beach with the tides. Ask Theon what happened when he had
it happen to him, that dumb twat.”. She snickered softly pulling Margeary up
with Marcella's assistance and began to trek back to the palace.
 
===============================================================================
 
Soon after the first three left the beach Sansa and Gendry decided to explore
the gardens, not really enjoying the beach as much as most of them had. As soon
as they disappeared from view Arya laid back upon the sand again, sighing to
herself as she waited for him to fire questions at her about what he heard.
“I have to ask,”. He began with a little sigh, “You never answered your sister
when she wanted to know if when you were doing these classes.. If you had given
up your virginity, did you?”. His eyes locked with hers keeping her from
glancing away.
“If I am, or not.. How is that your business?”. She asked carefully as her eyes
closed trying to relax her rapidly beating heart.
“Please, just tell me.”. He growled low in his throat, his palms itched to drag
her to where he sat and show her why he wanted to know. “Please,”. He repeated.
“No,”. She whispered jumping up from her spot as she quickly escaped the beach,
her feet whispering against the stones that covered the terraces that lead up
towards the first of many gardens. As she rounded a corner she was pulled back
into the shadows from behind and pushed against a wall gently. She pushed at
him with all her might, but his corded arms wrapped around her cradling her
gently as she began to cry.
“I'm sorry, you are right it is none of my business if you were or not,”. He
whispered in her ear, his hands brushing against her curls trying to calm her.
“I would still want you if you weren't, I just want you.”. His breath blew
against her ear softly as he began to nuzzle his lips against her neck,
pressing her against the wall.
“Please stop....”. She whispered, pushing her palms against his chest
separating them slightly. “We can't just jump into this after all... after
everything, and today... No, I have to go now.”. She cried again, “I have to
go...”. Her eyes looked up at him. When he stepped back she began to rush by
him but he grabbed one hand tightly, his eyes unreadable.
“Just promise you won't leave dragonstone until we can talk everything over.
I'm sorry... Just don't leave me again, promise me.”. He murmured as he pulled
her in again to press a kiss to her forehead. “Promise me...”.
“I promise,”. She whispered pulling her arm from his and began to run towards
her rooms away from him.......
 
***** Chapter 7 *****
Arya sighed as the sun's bright morning rays fell upon her bed waking her from
a restless night of sleep. Even if she couldn't admit this to herself right now
last night had given her a ray of hope that perhaps she was wrong to believe
that everything was out of her reach. Yet, she couldn't shake the fact that she
still didn't have the whole picture in front of her to understand what she had
learned yesterday, but she wanted to find it soon. Why had she promised to not
leave? She found herself questioning that countless times, with no answer to
give. Deep down she knew it in her heart was because she couldn't live without
any of this, but the thoughts in her head told her to go. There had been no
resolution from the first meeting last morning, and more questions to be
answered. Those questions, she knew, wouldn't be answered if she just laid in
bed.
At least she knew that at this time of the morning most of those whom were out
on the beach last night would be sleeping, so that she wouldn't have to answer
if they had seen her sprinting through the castle crying. The thought sobered
her that anyone would have witnessed that, let alone ask her why. Answers, it
all boiled down to answers and she was going to have some of those today, else
the promise she gave would be broken. She wouldn't stay anywhere where she
would be lied to anymore, it was time for her to get what she needed. Quietly
she made her way down the tower hearing only the quiet chatter of the staff as
they went about getting the day underway.
“ah, little wolves are up early this morning. I would have thought you would be
off in slumber land having spent the night on the beach.” Rhaegar appeared from
the doorway of the breakfast room with a smile that faltered seeing her face.
He motioned for her to step into the room with a soft sigh, cradling a mug of
tea in his hands. She nodded silently tucking the loose strands of long hair
that escaped from her ponytail back against her ear. The scent of breakfast
filled the room with tempting smells, making her stomach grumble in hunger.
“Eat, little wolf. Can't have you wasting away on us, not like you would but
you ate so little last night.”. He motioned to the side board that held some
food prepared by the staff. “Eat, and tell me what is going on. I haven't heard
anyone else up and about so I think it's safe.”.
After she piled some of the items on the plate before sitting down across from
Rhaegar with a little sigh upon her lips. How did she start to explain
everything that has been going on without sounding like a child?
“I'm sure by now someone here has told you about how I arrived a day early,
which I will say I did apologize and offer to head over to King's Landing to
find out about Sansa's wedding.”. She smiled sadly, her eyes beginning to fill
with tears. His hand reached out to grasp one of hers lightly squeezing for
support.
“Sam told me last evening, yes. You know that you have never been an imposition
here, you wouldn't have had to leave. This is as much as your home as
Winterfell, always remember that.”. He sipped the tea carefully watching her
gray eyes dance from the unshod tears, silently wondering what his son has done
now. “Go on.”.
Arya stared down at the plate for several seconds trying to remember everything
that happened yesterday morning. The images of the blond coming through the
garden to stand before her rose before her, threatening to overwhelm her.
“So then you know of my meeting his girlfriend then, or is she more? I wasn't
sure really because she made it out to be more serious and the only thing that
he said in the whole time, was to say I was early. Beony is her name, right?
Told me that I should probably go visit my family since I had been gone for so
long, and this wasn't my home. I have seen the newspapers, so it wasn't a shock
to see them together, but for her to tell me I think was. I had really
considered going to visit Winterfell, but I remembered that my parents are off
traveling, and I don't want to even think about what is going on up there
without parental guidance.” She quietly spoke, glancing up only a few times to
measure her uncles reactions, his frowns giving her the push to keep on telling
what she recalled.
“After I left the garden last night, what did you two speak about in regards to
the situation yesterday morning?”, He hadn't stayed to over hear what they had
talked about because his sister spotted him before he had her and called him
over to talk. He had been curious because the supper that followed was awkward
and full of glances when one wasn't looking at another. He had hoped that they
may have spoken after supper, but it seems as if that didn't happen.
“He alluded that he had been seeing her, but that it was a long story and
greatly exaggerated, but that if I wanted the whole story to just ask. So, I'm
not sure if that means he's seeing her still but it's not serious, or that he's
not with her anymore.”. She glanced in his direction, arching a brow in
question. Her uncle gave her a glance before he started to laugh softly,
rousing a frown upon her face as the sound.
“From what I have been told was that after Sam escorted you into the castle
proper they had some sort of discussion about something you said, which I was
never told of and that she left after a while, upset. I don't generally pry
into my son't affairs so I couldn't tell you what he said, that you may want to
ask him about.”, He smiled tenderly at the girl, his eyes watching carefully.
“Now, I won't pry into yours, but I have heard that you lived like a septa in
Braavos, carefully going about your classes and doing all that was expected
you... and more after learning about Lys,”. He quipped, lips twitching into a
grin, “But, I've also heard that you had several suitors whom were interested
in you, but you chose to not take any up on their offers. Why was that? The
lord of Starfall is quite the catch, I've heard, and talented it seems in the
fencing world.”.
She glanced up quickly, a slight blush forming on the apples of her cheeks as
her own lips stretched into a grin.
“Ned? Goodness, No. I mean, he is nice and a good friend but I wouldn't have
been happy, for he is too nice and I would have run roughshod over him before
he knew it. He didn't believe me, of course when I turned him down and told him
just that. Either way, he and I became friends, and explored the city, that is
all. There were others whom tried, of course, but I was always honest that I
wasn't interested just so that no one believed I was leading them on.”. She
explained simply.
Rhaegar nodded in understanding at her explanations and found them to be
truthful, for Daenerys had filled him in on her time away. While his son had
been out trying to forget everything, she had just been trying to survive
enough to return. If he could just shake them enough, maybe they would actually
understand just how much they need each other. Only the Gods could help them
now, he thought as he caught a movement in the doorway. He really didn't even
have to turn his head to know who stood listening to the conversation. He
breathed a soft thank you up above as this was the answer he had been looking
for. It was past time for these two to have the conversation they were having
with everyone else, to be with each other.
“It's past time that I get going if I want to make my meetings before I head
back home. You keep your chin up, and things will work out for the best. This
is your home now, too. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, little wolf.”. He
said softly leaning in to kiss the top of her head before turning to leave the
room, but not before giving his son a look. He noted that Jon looked as tired
as Arya did, but he chose to not comment before closing the doors behind him.
Jon quietly locked the breakfast room doors so that no one would enter as he
wanted to have a long overdue conversation with the woman before him.
“What are you doing here?”. She asked quietly, keeping her gaze lowered
nervously. She had known it was him the moment he entered, once upon a time she
had memorized the way he walked when she would follow him in the halls of
Winterfell, and it seems they hadn't changed much.
When he didn't answer she finally looked up finding him standing across the
room watching her intently.
“Come with me,”. He finally spoke looking at her as he held out one hand for
her to take, “I'd like to take you someplace that we could talk, without
interruption. It's time that we had the conversation that should have happened
a long time ago.”.
Her heart began to thump against the cage of her ribs as she heard his words.
Had he decided after last night that she wasn't worth the trouble and would
rather have the blond woman on his arm now that he had time to think it over.
Her eyes widened in panic as she looked to his outstretched hand waiting for
her to move.
Jon's eyes widened as she made no move to take it, then disappointment began to
surface as she made no move to take his hand. After several seconds he sighed
and withdrew it letting it lower to his side and nodding.
“Very well then,”. He whispered softly as his gaze lowered turning away from
her, opening the door to leave the room as quietly as he had arrived several
minutes earlier.
Just as he disappeared from view he could hear the soft whisper of feet behind
him as a soft body barreled into his, arms quickly wrapping around his
midsection as if to keep him for leaving. The only sound coming from the woman
was the sound of her breathing as her body trembled against his back.
“Come here little wolf, it will be okay,”. He whispered, pulling her from
behind him gently as her arms fought to keep the proximity of his body close to
hers, the trembling building in her frame as her eyes were tightly closed tears
spilling down her lashes. “Hush my love, nothing is that bad that you have to
close yourself off like this.”. He whispered near her ear, his lips planting
kisses along her cheeks breathing in her scent as they stood close. His eyes
glanced up realizing that they were in the hall he sighed before scooping her
up into his arms gently, cradling the shaking form tenderly.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Several hours later Arya rolled over in bed stretching as she began to wake
from her slumber, frowning sleepily as the warmth that had been next to her
shifted on the mattress gently. Since when did Nymeria sleep in the bed next to
her, was the first thought she had but a deep male chuckle caused her to
stiffen in panic.
“I was wondering when You would wake up, little wolf.” Came an amused voice
from beside her, arms pulling her back against a naked, warm muscled chest that
rumbled from the chuckle earlier. She didn't have to open her eyes to know who
was speaking, and soon she began to remember what occurred earlier in the
morning. She sighed softly and began to feel embarrassed that she had fallen
apart the moment he had tried to speak to her.
Jon watched as the woman in his arms began to stir awake slowly, her eyes still
closed as if she was trying to figure out where she was. She knew, he mused,
but she was trying to tell herself that this must be a dream.
When he had brought her up to his tower bedroom from the hall after crying
herself to sleep with his name of her lips, he knew he had won. She didn't have
to tell him how she felt, he knew now. Had she not came after him, well he
didn't know what he would have done. Left, most likely to lick his wounds and
assure himself that this was for the best. Yet, when her body crashed into his,
the hope he once had soared but was quickly tempered. He wanted to ask her, but
he would wait and bide his time. The time for questions would be soon, but for
now he was content to watch her sleep.
He knew once she realized that she was almost as bare as he was, there would be
hell to pay. Later, he would claim to be no gentleman when it came to her
because he wasn't. Once he carried her up to the tower, he gently stripped her
of the tear stained shirt and bottoms for sleeping in your clothing wasn't
comfortable, to him at least. He was smart enough to leave on her underclothes,
but that was just enough to drive him mad.
The moment his eyes fell upon the scrap of red lace that covered twin globes
topped with pale rose areola's, he almost forgot himself. There had been one
memory that still plagued his nights was the feel of her hardened nipples
against his mouth and that lovely silver corset that pushed them up to tempt
him. He had went to bed last night dreaming of Arya painted as she described
from her lessons, dancing for him all naked and gleaming. She had not lied when
telling the girls that she was bare everywhere, his eyes fell upon that mere
scrap of fabric that separated his eyes from seeing her bare made his cock
twitch painfully. His fingers brushed against the skin below coming close to
sliding one digit into her warmth but he stopped hearing her soft whimper. No,
he wouldn't be that callous to take without her giving him leave to do so. So
he eventually stripped himself of his clothing save his own underclothing,
pulling the sleeping girl against his chest and drifted back off to sleep.
“Are you suddenly shy now little wolf?... because your cheeks are red as an
apples. Come, open your beautiful eyes so that I can see them.”. He whispered
in her ear gently, fingertips brushing down the length of her silky tresses
that were spread over the pillow below her. She would make him pay for this, he
knew but right now he didn't care. She was here in his room alone and they
would not leave until this was settled, once and for all.
Her lashes parted as she finally opened her eyes to peer up at him, feeling her
cheeks warm from the blush that had settled there permanently. His voice had
caused her body to shift slightly closer to him, pressing her breasts against
his chest causing each others breath to hitch, skin contacting skin. The fact
that she could feel him easily made her still, glancing down to find herself
quite bare to his dark eyes.
“Why am I in your bed, and almost nude?”. She asked the uncertainty in her
voice apparent, confusion clouding her features as her eyes swept around the
large room that she found herself in, alone with the dragon prince for the
first time in a long time. The last thing she remembered was his hand reaching
out to her, trying to get her to go with him to talk but she had frozen in
fear. No, she recalled, it wasn't fear but panic that he was going to tell her
that everything was a mistake. Tears again welled in her eyes at the way she
reacted without even knowing what he had wanted from her.
His chest rumbled again with soft laughter at her words, thinking that she had
chosen to ignore his jibe but he quickly sobered as her eyes turned back to
look up at him from where she lay. Where had this all come from, he wondered
quickly seeing the stricken look on her face. Then it hit him that she had
suffered as much as he had, but she hid it better for a time but she had given
up trying to pretend and perhaps yesterday morning had been the breaking point.
Her walls had crumbled the moment she came back here and seen him with another,
and he still hadn't explained it all.
“Do you remember earlier? You had exhausted yourself after crying and fell
asleep in my arms after you tried to tackle me in the receiving hall, so I
brought you here. I had wanted to take you on a walk to talk to you about
somethings that were on my mind, but you had some sort of panic attack... I
think. As for the clothing issue, I didn't think you would be comfortable in
all of your clothing, but I knew you would try to hurt me if I took everything
off.” His eyes glanced down at hers a smile forming on his lips.
“Once again, I have to apologize for the way I am behaving. This is getting to
be tedious I bet, I.. I'm going crazy, no excuse for treating you this..”. Her
words trailed off by his lips capturing hers sweetly, pulling her against his
chest firmly as his arms wrapped her close to him. She responded without
hesitation pressing herself against him, snuggling into his warmth.
He pulled away to look down at her face, one hand cupping her cheek gently
brushing away the tears that pooled on her lashes.
“There is no need to apologize for your actions, today or yesterday. I think I
understand why you're feeling this way, and you cannot help how you feel. I
should be the one apologizing for the scene you witnessed when you arrived. I
had wanted to tell you before supper last night what occurred after you went
inside, but I couldn't because I was still processing everything that had been
said between you and Beony, and then what she and myself had to say later.”. He
told her quietly, fingertips skimming along her soft skin.
She shook her head in confusion at his admission, wondering why he was blaming
himself when she had been the one to intrude. She rose up on one elbow to begin
to argue but his gaze stopped her from speaking.
“Let me talk right now, little wolf else this won't ever be said. I have a lot
to atone for when I comes to you and some of my confession has nothing to do
with you, but that my fear of what could happen that drove me to act a certain
way with you those two years ago. Someone told me a while back that I should
have been honest at the get go, before I could begin to take what I wanted.
Yet, I dismissed the words and stubbornly acted a fool, and almost lost you.”.
He told her with a soft, sad smile. He leaned over and brushed his lips against
her forehead before rising from the bed.
“Go on...”. She urged watching him slide on a robe as he moved towards the
large fireplace that took up almost the whole wall in the chamber. His laughter
echoed at her words.
“Do you remember the first day that we met?”. He began turning to look back at
her, his eyes peering at her questioningly. She nodded quickly, her eyes grave
as she listened. “Yes, I'm sure you do little wolf, but do you remember just
how detached I was for a while there? I was standoffish with the opposite sex
for a while, maybe with the exception of you, but even then I treated you
horribly for which you left but it wasn't your fault. Nor was it because even
then I knew there was something between us, but I hadn't really known the
extant of that till years later.”.
He paused to light a fire in the damp chambers, his eyes focused on the flames
that began to lick against the kindling beginning to flicker casting shadows
against his face. She watched him in shadow as she lay against the bed, her
fingers brushing against the spot he had laid now cold but the scent of his
skin clung to the covers. He had been a lonely child as she had been, she
thought sadly. Love had always been there from His father and Aunt but, that
hadn't been enough it seemed to match the ghosts in his eyes.
“You see, about two years before my father brought me to Winterfell, he sent me
off to Braavos, much like yourself to continue my education there believing
that they had some of the best places to learn. Most especially for someone as
myself whom would one day take his place to lead, so I went off eager, I think
to be my own man even if I was still a boy pretending. Soon after arriving I
met someone whom had the same superior standing as I did, not that much of that
ever bothered me, titles and whatnot. The royal crown prince of Westeros
introduced himself to me, perhaps to meet another crown prince as himself I had
once thought, but afterwards I realized it was to measure what he had heard all
his life about us, namely my father.”. He laughed harshly at the memories of a
fifteen year old Gendry and himself standing close at the citadel both wet
behind the ears, and eager to prove their worthiness to each other and the
world.
She nodded slowly, realization beginning to creep into her mind where this may
be going.
“Indeed, from a young age, Gendry had been told a sad lamented tale of lost
love, a dragon swooping in to take a lady love and a death far too early from a
dastardly dragon who kidnapped her and forced her away from home. Apparently
the Targaryen's were an evil word for his father, the King. Mostly because
those whom could refute these claims were far nothing, and cared little to come
to the capitol, he believed them to be true. I was the first Dragon that He had
met, so he wanted to measure me to those tales. Perhaps, Perhaps if I had just
listened to myself and went off to do as I planned I could have saved a lot of
time, and frustration but I chose stay. I don't know what he thought to learn,
but we spent time together and I found him to be charming, but deep down there
was side to him that had nipped at the edge of my mind.”.
His feet whispered against the stone of the floor, pacing near the warmth of
the fire as his eyes closed in memory.
“About six months into our friendship, I had met a girl, who had been unlike
anyone I had ever met before. I was used to girl trying to get my attention,
but she really never did, she was just there and would tell me I knew nothing.
I suppose I didn't but, in time I thought was love blossomed. Many people tried
to warn me about her, Ygritte was her name, that I was foolish to believe her.
Sam, had told me that he spied her once or twice with Gendry. Thick as thieves,
he once said, and that whatever was going on with me was a sham. Even Daenerys
whom had come to visit me remarked that something was up.”.
He had been so into the story that he hadn't heard her slip out of the bed to
press herself against his back, holding onto him. She made quiet noises as her
fingertips brushed against the curls that lay against his shoulders. “You
should listen to her more, she's far smarter than she lets on with us
sometimes”. She said softly as her arms wrapped around his midsection.
He glanced back with a chuckle, nodding knowing that he should have listened
when he had the chance, but chose not to.
“I should have, I know now. Yet, I listened to her when she claimed that it was
not her whom others seen with the prince. No, of course not she detested him
for his cockiness, and that she was a commoner. I hadn't cared about any of
that, what is love for a title? So, this went on for a few months until I came
upon them one night when I came to visit Gendry and found them in bed. I guess
that was the moment that I learn to be very choosy in whom I trusted, or let
near me. Weeks later I learned they both had been planning this, for me to
catch them to, I don't know I guess knock me down a few notches? It only
occurred to me years after this that somehow he had done this for his father,
never truly understood it.”.
“None of that was ever your fault, don't take the blame for others. How can you
stand to be near him now?”. She asked quietly as her arms tightened around him,
pressing her face into the material of his robe.
“Honestly, I don't even blame myself so much anymore but, I think that I should
have listened when others tried to warn me, that much I can blame on myself.
Your brother Robb was the one that got us to have a conversation about the
whole incident, after one drunken night I told him what went on.”. Jon said
dryly, rubbing his face slowly as the memory of that night came back in a rush.
“Robb wanted to know why I was standoffish with women, and mostly why anytime
Gendry came up, I went off the rails. It slipped out, with a lot of beer in me.
So he took it upon himself to round up Gendry, who had been one of his friends,
and made us have a conversation. By this time Gendry had learned more of the
real story from Robb, and realized that he had fucked it all up. I guess I
forgave him, but I never forgot and still don't. Learn from your mistakes, but
try to overcome them as well.”.
Arya nodded against his back, knowing that lesson rather well, but this was his
story so she kept quiet.
“The trouble really began that day Sam told me of what went on in Braavos with
you and Daenerys. I've not learned if he had known how I felt about you before
this, because the only person I discussed my feelings about you that knew him
would be Robb, but I can stake my life that it didn't come from that camp. So,
either he guessed, or he honestly just wanted you. I can see why he would,”. He
mused grumpily, still wondering whom could have known.
“I think I may know whom it may have been, of course, this is just a guess. I
had often wondered how he know whom I was, having never met him since by the
time he began to visit at winterfell.”. She trailed off, sighing remembering
the boys whom had been around that summer when they teased her. Only one was
still around with much regularity, one whom seemed to have a big mouth. “It had
to be Theon, he was around all the time with you guys, and he knew that I had a
crush on you. I could be wrong there...”.
“Does it really matter anymore? Probably not, but I wouldn't be surprised since
He was with Gendry a lot that summer, I never asked how he knew, because would
I have been given a honest answer? Doubt it, even his Uncle told me to be weary
of him with his intentions with you, which I think made me lose what little
control I had been holding on to that night. The way I acted towards you was
unforgivable, but in my mind I was trying to both protect you and keep you as
mine. The wrong way, as it seems.”
Jon gently pried her hands from his midsection and turned himself around to
tenderly cup her face in his fingers. “I should never have acted that way to
you, when I was angry at others for their actions. It all snapped the moment he
put his hands on you during the dance you shared. I had warned him a few
minutes earlier that he had no claim on you, and he said the same thing to me.
Which was true, really, I had no claim on you either but I wanted one. No, I
had to have one would be more apt, by then I knew what I felt for you. Daenerys
told me that I should be honest, and not be so aloof.”. He murmured against her
ear softly.
“He wouldn't have ever touched me, because if he had... Well, let's just say
that the hope of the nation would be on Joffrey, and no one wants that.”. She
laughed softly up at him. “I can handle myself, you know.”.
"I don't think if it frightens me more that they would have to rely on Joffrey,
or that You would have maimed Gendry. Everyone is aware that you can handle
yourself, but I want to be able to take care of you, if you let me. Someday..”.
His arms tightened around her, laying his head atop hers tenderly. “The moment
you left I had to tell myself that this was what everyone wanted, but as time
went on I realized that it was harder than I imagined. I know your aware of
what I did..”.
She pulled back from his embrace slowly, her eyes wide contemplating those last
few words. What had she meant, she wondered but she kept that to herself moving
away to settle back on the bed. The feeling of his eyes on her gave a small
thrill, but she wasn't about to show it for he had yet to complete what he was
trying to tell her.
“What you did?”. She asked suddenly.
He sighed softly raking his fingers through the dark curls that framed his
face. His gray eyes found hers as he took the few steps towards the bed but
sank down before it on his knees in front of her, “So, a few months after you
left and no one would really tell me much about how you were, which made me
insane. I should have just came to see you, but I felt that If I did, something
would have happened... I would have done something to trap you into staying
with me. Then I realized that I had to honor the agreement, but, I wanted to
know you were okay and safe. So, I had someone follow you....”. He trailed off
wrapping his arms around her legs tightly, placing his head into her lap.
She glanced down at him contemplating telling him that she knew that someone
had to have been following her, because of the gifts. There hadn't been a way
for him to know what she wanted, or needed had someone not watched her to know
when to deliver them. Oddly enough, she wondered why they had stopped when they
did but she never questioned it, until now.
“I pretty much figured that you had to have someone in your employ there. When
I started receiving the gifts, which were often left IN my suite, it was
apparent that you were behind them. Thank you, too. You could have come
yourself, but I understood. I even understood when I starting seeing the first
magazines, with pictures of you in them with her. I told myself that I couldn't
have hurt feelings when the time away was for exploration, even if I actually
hadn't done that, you still had the right.”. She said softly, rubbing a few
strands of his hair between her fingertips. “But, I had a good life over there,
learning and exploring. I missed this place, and family, and you but I went to
do what I had to. Do I regret anything, perhaps. Would I change it, probably
not.”
He took several deep breaths against her skin, inhaling the scent. She was his,
he knew now. If she hadn't run from anything he had said before, he was sure
that she wouldn't keep him away now.
“We don't have to talk about yesterday morning, I understood but my jealousies
got the best of me when she began to try to push me away from here. That was
never going to happen, unless I was told to go.”. Her gray eyes narrowed at the
thought of having to go. “Last night, I shouldn't have taken it as far as I
did... we, uh, knew you were listening to us talk.”.
He had the decency to look slightly ashamed as he pulled up to give her a look.
“So, you didn't train?”.
She began to laugh softly leaning over to kiss his curls, brushing them out of
the way to lazily flick her tongue along his lips, “No, that much was true... I
did the classes, with you in mind.”. She whispered into his ear, “One of these
days, perhaps you will get to see how much I learned.”.
His dark head came off her lap slowly, registering the words she just promised
him. “I will be the only one seeing how much you learned, little wolf.”. He
growled as his lips crashed against hers kissing her possessively, pulling her
body closer to his. “Won't I?”. He cajoled huskily, his eyes drinking in the
sight of those swollen lips.
“There has never been anyone but you, I couldn't... wouldn't hurt anyone
because it would have been unfair to them that I wasn't available mentally or
physically to them. That night in the garden when you told me there was no
going back once I replied to you, do You remember that?”. She asked, the blush
returning to her cheeks imagining that night in the garden, his gaze upon her
body. Those few minutes there had been one of the dreams that visited her
almost every night for those two years, sometimes casting her into a sea of
unhappiness and sometimes it made her hold on.
She silently watched as his eyes drifted closed, his posture tensed, but she
felt his need surge pressed against the molten center of her body,arching
slightly yet instinctively against him. She could feel his breathing hitch,
“Mine, You are mine. Mine to protect,”. He growled low in his throat, pressing
hot lips along the column of her throat, teeth nuzzling the skin lightly ,“Mine
to fuck,”. He said even lower, “Mine to keep,”. He moved his mouth down lower
to press a kiss against her stomach, “My children will grow here, under your
heart. Once you came back here, there was no going back, You came back. Just as
you are mine, I am yours. There will be no one but you, there really hasn't
been anyone but you for me.”.
“Mine,”. She nodded, the wolf in her had known this moment would come long ago.
“You are mine, had you really listened to me yesterday morning You would have
already heard the declaration. I said once the wolf claims there is no going
back, I came back because I had to. Besides, if I didn't nymeria might have
killed me in my sleep, she was as eager to get back here as I was.”. She
shifted on the chair, wrapping her arms around him.
Before He could answer a loud banging began to sound on the outer chamber of
his rooms, an insistent voice began to yell for him to come open the doors.
“Someone hates me up there, don't they?”. He grumbled glancing at Arya, “Then
again, I've kept you up here most of the morning and some of the afternoon. The
search party may have been called out? Should I hide you somewhere so when they
leave I can take you at my leisure?”. His eyes lingered on the scrap of
material that lay against her center.
“You open this door right now Jon, I can hear you in there and you aren't
taking her anytime soon! She best still be intact!”. Daenerys yelled angrily
thought the door, still hitting it with her fists. “Out now!”.
Arya began to laugh hearing her best friend begin to curse most unladylike
before Jon finally opened the door almost making Dany spill into the room with
Sansa quickly following.
“Well, at least she still has something on,”. She eyed her nephew with a snarl,
“You didn't defile her did you?”. He could only laugh at her anger, spurring it
on even more.
Aryas laugh caused them all to turn and look at her with wide eyes, “No, he
didn't. It's not what it looks like, this..anyway, long story. What is the
matter?”. She glanced at her sister then towards Daenerys.
Daenerys moved across the room grabbing the clothing that sat close to the bed
tossing them towards Arya, motioning for her to get dressed before she turned
to look back at Jon.
“Go get dressed, we have guests to attend to. When we are all gone you can try
to breach her defenses, until then... down boy”. She waved him away, glancing
back at her friend while she dressed quickly. “She's gonna go get a shower and
dress, you do the same nephew. We will be out in the gardens waiting for you to
join us.”.
 
===============================================================================
 
 Two wolves greeted her most enthusiastically the moment her feet touched the
gravel path that led into the gardens away from the castle. The soft summer
breeze stirred up the heady fragrance of the unique blue roses that flourished
in the sea air, some called them the winter rose, but the color gave
remembrance of frost. When her aunt married Rhaegar she brought the roses here
so that she would remember where she came from, and also to Valyria. The scent
always hung heavy in the glass greenhouse that was her mother's retreat in
Winterfell, those roses were always present, as a memory. Once, when she asked
where the roses had come from her father replied that they had been grown here
since the castle has been there.
The whine of a wolf snapped the reverie that often happened when she spied
those roses, or their scent which was ever present here. She knew that it gave
Rhaegar comfort when He did visit, for those very roses grew near the crypt
that he had built after she passed away. When she didn't respond to the wolf's
subtle act of gaining her attention one nipped her hand lightly, another whine
accompanying the action.
“Okay, what is it you two want?”. She finally knelt down between the two great
furry bodies, pressing herself against them. “What did you do now?”.
“They got themselves in trouble, one of them stole a chicken from the kitchens.
I suspect that it was ghost trying to feed his lady love here, but there was no
proof of which one, but the staff was sure to say they heard the click of nails
running away.”. A voice from behind her said, her body froze suddenly recalling
the story that had been told to her hours ago. “I didn't mean to startle you
Arya, I was waiting for your sister to finish getting ready, but that may take
years at her rate.”. Gendry said sheepishly moving to stand a few feet from
her.
“You two should know better than to steal from the kitchens, not like you
aren't fed well enough.” She muttered at Ghost, who had the decency to lower
his head in supplication at the tone. She eyed her own wolf with a sigh,
knowing full well what Ghost had been doing. “You little girl need to raise
your standards, he brings a chicken and you roll over? I thought I taught you
better...”. She kissed the silver wolf's head lightly, rubbing one silken ear
affectionately. She almost laughed when both of the wolves lowered themselves
at her feet, little yips almost like they laughed back. She stood slowly,
brushing her hands together as her eyes focused on the man near her.
“Tell me something Prince Gendry, do You love my sister?”. She asked directly,
narrowing her gaze at him. He frowned at her, arms crossing defensively at the
tone. She knew he wasn't used to many people being direct with him, but she
wouldn't beat around the bush with this man.
“Do you think I would have asked for her hand in marriage knowing that Your
parents aren't my best fans if I hadn't?”. His voice cut through the silence,
sharp mostly annoyed at her question. “Not that I have to answer to you, but
yes. Oddly enough, we compliment each other.”. He said softer, more confident.
She could feel the wolves rise from the ground, pressing their large furry
bodies around her legs, forming a barrier between their Mistress and Gendry.
She watched as he understood the movement and sighed, shaking his head slowly.
“As long as you aren't doing this as some weird way to get some sort of warped
revenge on my family, or the Targaryen's for some perceived slight, that was
never a slight then we will be okay. However, if I hear that you have treated
her unfairly, or done something to hurt her there won't be any power on earth
that can stop me from taking retribution.” She said softly, lips curving into a
pleasant smile. “If you love her, then make her happy. She'll be a spelendid
queen for you, one day. She has very little of the wild north in her, so that
should appease those who call us wild.”.
Gendry looked at her in confusion for several seconds, trying to decipher the
words she lobbied at him. “You dare to threaten me....”. He began, his blue
eyes suddenly stormy but she held up a hand to interrupt.
“I didn't threaten You, Prince Gendry, merely reminding you that I keep my
promises. Try to think of it that way, and we will find an easy truce, given
Your actions of the past. It should be easy, mainly because I am hardly in my
sisters presence.”. She admitted with a shrug.
“He told you?”. He asked, his gaze leveling on her face, “Yes, I love her. If I
wanted a marriage like my parents I could have chosen the Dornish princess, or
one of the many eligible ladies. Yet, I happened to want a marriage with
someone who I wouldn't scheme to kill in a few years, or make them so unhappy
they would use the children against each other. No, I wanted one with someone
that I actually loved, because it's a long time to live with someone who makes
you so unhappy.... anyway, yes, I love her.”. He growled, fists clenched
tightly trying to control his growing ire at the little wolf in front of him.
She felt the slight tremor in the air before the wolves raised their heads
yipping some unknown command from the shadow that stepped behind her. One hand
pulling her body back against the wall of muscle, growling low as she felt
rather than seen the tension began to eek away from where they stood.
“I told her yes. She had not known of our long acquaintanceship, or the history
behind it. I told her today, so her ire may still be simmering. The little wolf
is protective of her family, much like she should be. Don't feel threatened by
her, you aren't the first to hear those words, nor I suspect will you be the
last.”. Jon's voice loomed over her head, his chin resting upon her hair
lightly.
Gendry nodded slowly, “No offense taken, My Lady. I can see why you would be
concerned given certain knowledge, but let me impart something... I was a child
then, well young man, and I hadn't known that I was being manipulated to do
something that was wrong, and I learned from said mistake. When I said those
things about my parents that was part of why I could or would not marry for
convenience, or political gain like they did. Rest assured that I will do my
best to keep her from falling into the viper nest that seems to be prevalent at
court. Which is why I choose to stay in Summerhall, now that it has been
renovated, away from the headaches. My father wishes that I would stay near,
but I'm certain when it's time for me to take the throne, that I will rule
without his instruction.”.
The trio quickly glanced back towards the entrance of the castle when a clatter
arose in the form of four women running from am angry Sam. Arya could hear Jon
muttering something under his breath when they girls made their way towards
where they stood among the roses. The girls bearing a guilty look giggled
loudly as ran to hide behind gendry, whom bore the look of amusement watching
Sam thunder towards them.
“Do, I want to know what you've done now?”. Came the careful question from Jon,
his gaze bounced from the girls towards his friend. The girls all shrugged
eyeing the newcomer ready to flee again at a moments notice.
“They have drank a three bottles of the fire-wine from Myr, proceeded to eat
every dessert that was for tonight, and then called Gilly to ask why she has
refused to go on a date with me.” Sam pointed at Margaery, “That one there,
she's mouthy...”.
Margaery smiled in response, brown eyes slightly out of focus, but enough wit
to suppress a snicker before trying to look contrite, but failing.
“Wine is there to drink is it not?”. Margaery primly asked, a coy smile curving
her lips, “It is not as if we can go out and cause trouble, we are on an
island, after all.”. Arya had to look down before her own smile alerted Sam
that he was slightly overreacting, as usual. After his rant had been done Sam
returned to the safety of the Castle.
“Ladies, try to not give Sam too much trouble. He thrives on everything running
smooth here, also if you wouldn't go near the beach in your state. I would hate
to hear one of you got swept out in a tide, after being quite drunk.”. Jon
glanced at the four women whom stood near Gendry, “I suspect he's more angry
about the dessert being consumed than anything else, he loves those brownies
that the cook makes more than anyone. I would be wary of him,”. He said as Sam
shot him a look of contempt. “Now, try to leave me some wine when you leave,
please. Oh, and stay away from the strongwine.”.
Daenerys pulled Marcella and Margaery with her as they took off towards another
path that lead into the heart of the garden where they could drink some more.
She glanced back at Arya with a little grin, wriggling her brows before they
disappeared from view, only their shrieks could be heard.
I should probably keep an eye on them, given they have a propensity for trouble
when they have some wine in them,” Gendry muttered taking Sansa's hand in his,
“Apparently a lot of wine in them, how in the hell could you four drink that
much fire-wine and be standing?”, He glanced at his fiancee, eyes wide. Sansa
laughed, pointing in the direction of the shrieks.
“I only had a glass or two. Your darling sister had three and between the other
two they can put that stuff down. We probably wouldn't have partaken in so much
had we not been looking for a lost wolf.” Sansa said slyly, glancing at her
sister with a telling grin. Soon after she was being pulled away from her
sister, her fiancee's voice grumbling over being a nursemaid to crazy females
could be heard over Sansa'a laughter.
When the quiet finally returned to the garden Jon's hands slowly wrapped around
her midsection, pulling her backside against him. They stood there for several
minutes watching as the wolves rolled over each other in play, soft growls
could be heard from the two.
“Your wolf is leading mine into trouble, just so you know.”. She glanced back
at him, smiling.
“Highly doubt that, but she'll have some pups in her by the next moon I bet.”.
He softly whispered against her ear, “He pined for her when she was gone, and
now she's back it's time for her give him what he wants.”.
Her fingertips brushed against the velvet surface of a rose, “are we talking
about the wolf, or his Master?”. She asked quietly as one of his hands boldly
cupped a breast through the material of the sundress, his thumb flicking
against the rapidly forming nipple.
“Both, I suppose.” He murmured palming her breast gently in his hand,
“Although, I don't know if my little wolf is ready for motherhood just yet.”.
She squirmed slightly from both his touch and the words that he was whispering
into her ear. She was not ready for a child yet, was she?
“Sounds like the dragon is however...”. She trailed off as one of his hands
drifted under the dress hidden from view. Her breath hitched as one digit slid
along the panties that covered her pussy.
He laughed low against her neck, nuzzling the soft skin as he began to slide
her panties to the side, reveling in the wet heat that began to seep out of her
center, “I want nothing more than to see you heavy with my child, knowing that
I was the one whom helped you create the new life inside.,” he answered, his
voice husky with need. ”Fuck, your already wet for me aren't you my little
wolf. Do you want me to touch you?”.
She nodded slowly, turning her head slightly to look back at his. His lips
curved into knowing grin, eyes dark with something glimmering in them. “I don't
want to do this out in the open when any of those fool can come by and disrupt
your pleasure,”. His hands withdrew from her body, causing her to whimper
softly as he began to chuckle, “I will spoil you my pet, come.”. He whispered,
quickly scooping her up in his arms carrying her towards the castle.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The library was eerily quiet as they entered the dark room as silently as they
could without being detected or detained. Arya almost laughed at the
determination that settled upon Jon's face the moment she acquiesced to his
demands, his need for her great she guessed. She felt herself slide down
against the length of his body as he set her feet upon the floor, smirking as
she felt his cock through the fabric of his pants.
“I've got you where I want you now my little wolf,”. He growled leaning behind
him to lock the door barring her escape. Gray eyes narrowed as she began to
take several steps away from him, dodging the hands that attempted to imprison
her in their grasp. His lips curved, eyes focused on his prey who stood across
the room, palms pressed against a desk that separated them.
Her palms pressed against the surface of the glossy wood, waiting for his next
move. She watched as he slowly began to move closer to her, eyes focused on
hers. “Come here little one, you know I won't hurt you,”, He crooned low,
holding out one hand for her to take, “Come...”.
She smiled, lowering her gaze but kept her ground not moving towards him,
playing the game that he so wanted. “No,”. She squeaked lightly, readying
herself to move if he pounced. Yet, she had not been prepared for his actions
as he sprang quickly, pouncing upon her.
“You want to put up a fight, do you? Your pulse is pounding, and your not
scared. I bet if I slid my hand back under that dress, I would find you even
wetter than before. Wouldn't I pet?”. He brushed down the length of the dress,
fingers bunching the material as it slithered up her skin revealing inch by
inch of her figure to him. He threw it across the room with a triumphant smirk,
“On the desk,”, he patted the surface.
Apprehensively, her bottom pushed against the coldness of the desk, sliding
back with a wiggle on the polished wood. Hips arching up as her palms spread
along the inside of golden thighs, gently resting the tips of fingers on the
edge of her panties. Inky lashes lowered slowly, but she could still see him.
His hand reached out slightly, wanting to touch but hesitated for a moment.
“Remove the rest of your clothing for me, I want you naked,”. Jon ordered,
settling himself in the chair before her, watching each subtle movement of the
girl. His body exuded that fierce need to rip the panties from her and quickly
drive his cock into her warm, and very willing body. The only reason he hadn't
let that happen was because of her virginity. He wanted to savor it like a fine
wine, slowly. He had the patience to make this a sweet for her as it could be,
and later it would be fierce like the little wolf's moods.
Deftly, she reached around to unclasp the hooks of the lace covered bra,
letting the straps slide along her skin revealing more to his gaze. The lace
brushed harshly against her hardened nipples, the mere touch bringing a soft
whimper to her parted swollen lips. She could hear him shifting in the chair
before her, but made no move to look up. Dropping the bra near the floor at her
feet, she gave another wiggle of her hips, grinding against the surface of the
desk.
“You could have just ripped these off you know..”. She whispered, brushing her
palm against the wet lace that rested against her pussy. When he made no effort
to move to do so, she sighed softly a pout forming.
“I said to take them off. If I had wanted to, I would have done so. Now,
continue. If you stall more, we will be interrupted I bet by those drunks
outside. You don't want that do you? That sweet pussy says no, so be a good
girl and do what I asked”. His tone sharp, but his eyes were drawn to where her
fingers began to push down the thong, away from glistening skin that was
swollen with need. “There you go my little wolf, so very beautiful.”. His tone
softened.
He stood suddenly, looming over the desk with a feral grin dominating his
features as he drank in the sight before his eyes. “Touch yourself,”. He
growled huskily as he began to divest himself of his own clothing, eager to
claim his mate who sat temptingly before him. “Please,”. He added with a sinful
grin, full of unspoken things.
Her fingers slid down along the soft planes of her stomach towards the soft
folds of her pussy, feeling the wet heat as soon as she dipped one finger
inside. Squirming slightly against the desk as her digit found the hard little
nub full of nerves, gently rubbing the sensitive flesh she could hear his
exhale of breath, and the groan that followed. Daring to peek up she found him
watching her, a bold smile formed as she leaned back allowing his eyes top
watch as she began to pick up the pace. Pressing her bottom against the desk,
feeling the friction of the finger against the swollen clit made her whimper in
need.
“Give me that hand,”. He whispered as his eyes watched her grind against the
desk, arching a dark brow. Arya squirmed one last time as she flicked the
finger against herself before pulling the glistening digit up. His gaze upon
her eyes as he took the finger into his mouth, sucking softly lapping up the
juices that coated it. “Fuck,”. He growled, “I need you now,”. He breathed in
deeply as his body came closer to her, his cock sliding against her thigh
seeing it's snug nest. “I cannot help that this will hurt you my sweet, but I
will make up for it,”. He murmured against the valley of her breasts, gently
licking each of hardened peaks.
“I'll be gentle, I promise,”. He whispered hotly, taking his cock in hand to
gently rub against her cunt, groaning at the wet heat that greeted him. His
gaze dropped to watch as he began to slowly press himself into the delicious
heat that began to surround him, muscles tightening around him.
He stilled as he reached the barrier that was her maidenhead, staring down at
her with a triumphant smirk knowing that he couldn't be gentle now with her
muscles beginning to clutch. He took a deep breath before sliding back one and
rearing deep into her warm flesh, tearing her apart.
The pain was sharp and immediate, but quickly faded from her memory as his
hands grasped her hips tightly pulling himself deeper. His eyes looked down at
her in concern, but she nodded eager for him to begin moving as her legs
wrapped around him, urging him to move.
“My eager little virgin, so tight,”. His voice filled with lust as he began to
thrust into her over and over, picking up the pace and depth with each
movement. Her own body began to respond, greedily flexing her muscles against
his cock.
She writhed against him, soft little whimpers falling out of her mouth each
time he slammed into her. Nails dug into his shoulders, tensing her body around
him.
“So, close...”. He growled plowing into her soft body over and over, one hand
sliding between their bodies finding her swollen clit pinching the bundle of
nerves lightly. “Cum for me,”. He hissed softly against her lips as a scream
built in her chest, her orgasm pushed though every muscle in her body, bucking
against Him. “That's it, fuuuuuuck”. He roared as his own orgasm peaked his
hips pushing his seed deep into her warmth.
Jon planted a soft kiss upon her lips feeling spent, gently he pulled out of
her warmth watching as the seed dripped down those golden thighs for a second
before scooping her up in his arms planting tender kisses along her face.
“Thank you, my love,”. He whispered against her lips, carrying her over to the
sofa and settling her down gently. Gray eyes sought his out with a little smile
forming, her arms resting against his comfortably.
“They may have heard us out there... with your yelling and all”. She giggled
softly, the blush returning to her cheeks.
He shrugged, a look of contentment settled upon those handsome features. He
really didn't care if they did or not, because he finally got what he had
wanted for years, and no one was going to have taken that way. She was his, and
would stay his.
“Matters not to me.”, he stated kissing his wolf tenderly. “I got what I
wanted, you.”.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
In fact there had been two whom after having heard the great shout came running
into the main hall, wondering.
“What in the holy hell was that?”. Daenarys asked with a laugh, a new bottle of
wine in her hands trying to hide it from the person standing next to her, but
he had already spied it as she came running.
“If I was to venture a guess, and this would only be a guess...”. Sam muttered,
clearly unhappy to even have to mention this, “Sounds like Jon, and Gods knows
what he was doing... Oh, well..”.
Daenarys glanced at the closed door with a smirk as she saunted back out
towards her destination, “Lucky,”, she laughed under her breath.
 
***** Chapter 8 *****
Sam could feel something was on the horizon and it was not good, no there
wasn't anything definitive that had his guard up, but Jon had taught him to
trust his senses. Even his father had taken him aside the last time he visited
Horn Hill, his families ancestral seat, talk was mention that there was
something afoot. It could easily be problems with the Royal Family, which
wouldn't be out of the norm given the continued animosity between the King and
Queen. No, whispers had started to leak from far north of Winterfell that those
whom lived beyond the wall were on the move.
While he didn't know how concerned those in power were about this, he knew that
the Starks and the Military of westeros were. They called themselves the
night's watch on the wall, preferring to wear all black, so the locals called
them the black cloaks. Ned Stark had contacted his nephew to let him know, who
in turn shared it with Sam. If anything he knew his history of the land, and
when something up past the edge of the kingdom stirred it usually meant
trouble.
“He asked you to come up didn't he?”. Sam asked as Jon stalked into the
library, a scowl upon his features.
“No, but I'm going to anyway. Winterfell is part of me as much as this place
is, so I go. Father agrees, and I should bring up one of the big dragons as
well, but that I should keep it near Winterfell until needed, they aren't all
that enamored with the cold, and the springs there will be good for them. Robb
told me that Stannis is up there with his new girlfriend, some practitioner of
a religion in essos. Took his daughter too, poor girl, doubt it's easy being
the daughter of that one.”. He replied, shrugging as if in thought.
This was not going to be a fun discussion once it was brought up to Arya, but
he would go anyway, for family. Not that it wouldn't be hard to leave his
wolf's side. These past few weeks had been peaceful after that day in this very
room. He grinned to himself still seeing the moment he took her in his mind.
She was his now, for all intensive purposes but they hadn't gotten around to
speaking about what that entailed, of course it was always out there but no one
had taken the step to verbalize it yet.
He would never actually admit this to her, or anyone for that matter, but he
was hoping that even now she carried his child, so that her skittishness of
marriage wouldn't even be a conversation. It would be a fact, and something
that she couldn't run from. A child would be cherished by him for the mother
was already, and an heir was gladly rejoiced as well. His father reminded him
more these days of responsibilities that were upon royal's shoulders, and the
sooner he had a wife and child, the more the better. Yet, this was Arya who did
things on her own terms, so he had to play dirty from time to time. Having her
with child first was probably for the best, so that she would have to do the
right thing, and protect that life which she carried.
However, now he was worried that he would be away from her for some time if
this did become more than whispers, but perhaps war. He already knew she would
demand to come to Winterfell, but both her father and older brother had told
him that it would be best if she didn't, for if there was problems that close
it would probably ready the vast estate. Even her mother would be going to
spend time with either her siblings or daughter, and the younger boys were in
school away. Cat assured him that he could send Arya with her, if she insisted.
She told him that there was still much to do with the wedding being in eight
months, and being a royal one that meant much more to do. Arya would have the
choice, he supposed, but here or with his father would probably be best.
“When will you be going?”. Sam asked carefully, watching his friends face.
“Will you want me to go as well? I fancy a look at the wall again, even if it's
bloody cold up there even in the summer.”. He grinned, remembering the time Jon
had taken him up to meet the Starks and the vast north that they governed.
“I cannot see why you couldn't go. You know how to handle yourself eh,
slayer?”. His eyes swung to look over at Sam, who was rifling through stacks of
papers, grinning at the old nickname given to Sam when they were at school. Sam
grunted giving him a look. “I think it will be a week, so plenty of time to
prepare.”.
“Arya can run things well enough here, if she chooses to stay. If not, your
assistant can do the job. If she does not, then we will just close it up with
the bare staff here, and send the rest back to Father for the time being.”.
Sam looked up, arching a brow. “Speaking of... Daenerys called a day ago,
something about having Arya come visit her while shes working out her.. help me
out here will you... engagement agreement. What is that? Either your engaged or
not?”. Confusion bloomed on his face.
Jon laughed loudly at his friend, knowing that he too had asked the same thing
when Rhaegar had mentioned it to him several days ago. He never understood
those traditions that the Dothraki still hold today from long ago. Many
hundreds of years ago they were nomadic, and some still are it's said, but they
now have claimed much of the plains in Essos as their kingdom. Now, they have
vast ranches and breed the best horses in the known world. The Khal, or king
among them now is a young man named Drogo, whom Dany had found didn't put up
with her bullshit like many of the men whom have tried to catch her eye.
“Ah, well from what I understand it's a bit of a give and take. Think of a
dowry but, it goes both ways. I didn't ask what it entailed, since it's none of
my business, but I think that the Khal wants some valeryian steel from us and
Father wouldn't mind having some of their fine horse flesh to add to this
stables. I know there is more, but I have my own problems to attend to. Yeah,
she asked if Arya would like to come visit help her take over estate that is
theirs once the agreement is finalized, which I think it is all but done. They
will be married in both places, for a Dothraki wedding still hold to some of
their traditions. So, it's gonna be close to a year till that comes about. So
many weddings....”. He grumbled, so many weddings and none of them are his, he
mused. His thoughts drifted to the ring that sat in his pocket.
 
===============================================================================
 
The object of Jon's thoughts was restlessly pacing back and forth before the
fireplace in their shared bedroom. She accidentally had overheard a
conversation several days back between Jon an her father when Ned had called.
Arya had been in search of Him to ask about a gift for her sister's wedding
when she heard the voices, and stood by the door for several minutes before
rushing off not wanting to be discovered.
Problems up north were never good, those that lived beyond what most of the
kingdom called the wall were not part of their lands, but people who were quite
violent at times. For the past few hundred of years they have left this side of
the kingdom alone, but now they were banding together for something. Now, Jon
wanted to go help, which she knew he would if given the opportunity.
She wouldn't try to discourage him, even if she felt that this may be dangerous
because he was a true knight, even if there weren't anymore but in stories to
children to get them to sleep at night. No, he was more someone who would help
if it was asked of him, especially when family asked. She just worried, is all.
These past weeks had been some of the happier in her life, and largely it was
because of him. If you looked past his gruff and sometimes guarded facade that
he had to put up to keep those whom would use him out, there was a man whom
could keep the dark away from her. She didn't want to lose that, or him ever.
“You will wear a hole in the rug if you keep up with the pacing, little wolf,”.
A voice near her ear teased. Her lips curved into a smile as his arms wrapped
around her middle, cradling it gently. “What has gotten you so worried, my
love?”.
She glanced back at him, gray eyes meeting gray as a sigh escaped her lips
before she could even reply.
“You are going to go aren't you?”. She asked quietly, leaning back against him
relaxing in his warmth as his teeth nuzzled her neck lightly.
“Yes, I owe it to you all to help in any way I can. Whether it be by using what
I have, or fighting, which I doubt that I will do.. I will. You understand,
don't you?”. He asked carefully, his palm still pressed against her stomach,
almost praying for her to conceive soon.
Arya glanced down at his hand, a faint smile forming against her lips knowing
what he was doing. She would pretend to be asleep at night when he would gently
cradle her in his arms, whispering to the Gods to make a child quicken in her
before anything bad happened to tear them apart again, the fear was still too
fresh to him. Truth to told, she wanted a child as much as he did but she
didn't know if she could handle it if he was taken from her so soon.
She nodded slowly, glancing back at him again as he watched her. The need to
have an heir was an important one, more so ever in their minds once she found
her wolf with pups. Jon's predictions that there would be pups on the way came
true soon a month later. Within a few days, Nymeria should be a new mother, and
Ghost who these days never left his mate's side, a father.
“I understand, my love. I'm just worried is all.”. She murmured quietly, eyes
closing in contentment as he began to push the robe she wore aside to palm one
breast gently, the pad of one thumb brushing across the rapidly hardening
nipple. “Do not seek to distract me,Dragon.”. She exhaled deeply.
He laughed against her ear, the breath hot against the skin as he cupped the
breast again, feeling the warm flesh against his. “I don't seek to distract
you. You do that all on your own. I cannot help if anytime I am near you, that
the need to bury myself deep in your body overwhelms me. It is the way of
mates, you drive me crazy.”. He growled. Shaking his head to focus back on the
task at hand, with a little pinch of the nipple he steeped back to move to the
opposite side of the room.
“Actually, you do drive me crazy, how you know things before I even talk about
them. I came up here to have a discussion with you, but you seem to know some
of it already. Are you like Bran, that I didn't even know it?”. Only the family
knew of Bran's abilities, mostly because they didn't wish for him to be
ridiculed but he was a very talented psychic, or greenseer in the north.
Arya laughed and shook her head as her fingers pulled the robe back together
again, hiding the flesh from his gaze as she could hear his sigh of
disappointment.
“No, I don't have that but that is a rare gift only given to the few. But, odd
that you asking something like that...”. Her head tilted to glance at Ghost.
Jon laughed softly, a brow arching as he watched her look towards his wolf and
then back to him.
“I really know how you kept an eye on me when I was in Braavos, well, after you
sent Nymeria over.”. She explained as she moved towards the two wolves,
kneeling before her own rubbing the extended belly gently, those golden eyes
watching her Mistress intently. “Did you never talk about this with Robb?”.
He walked over to her and knelt beside her, gently petting the female lightly.
“Yes, we talked about it, and he told me about the northern blood having the
ability to warg. I can, but it's more than just my northern blood that make me
have this, remember when bonding with the dragons you have to have something
akin to that there too. So, yes I did jump into her from time to time to make
sure you were okay.”. He lowered his gaze to hide the smile from her view.
“Arya, if anything had happened to you over there, it would have ripped out
part of me... Now... Now, if something did I would lose half of me.. Which is
why...”. He sighed his hands rubbing Nymeria's stomach gently, feeling the
rippling from the pups.
“Why, what?”. She prodded gently, resting one hand upon his arm waiting for him
to finish.
“I want you to promise that You will be safe when I am gone, if that means
staying here, or going to my aunt, or father... just be safe.”. His eyes locked
with hers.
“I promise, You know I will.. but you have to promise to come back to me. If I
lost you, I'd lose the other half of me too.”. She said softly, a tender smile
framing her lips as she cupped his cheek gently. “When do you leave?”. She
asked seriously, her eyes dark.
“Few Days, not long enough”. His gaze left hers to watch the two wolves. “I am
loathe to take Ghost with me, but I will need him. I'm taking Meleys too, if I
need others I can have them as well.”. He said gently, talking of his Dragon.
Arya nodded as she turned to look at him again, “I'm going to stay here for a
while, and then visit with Daenerys. After that, I don't know... hopefully you
won't be there long so it won't matter. I should be able to keep busy, and out
of trouble!”. She nudged him playfully as he laughed.
“Not a chance, You behave?”. He smiled, but then grew grave. “I want you to be
careful, I still don't fully trust Gendry, even after his declarations of being
in love with Sansa, I just don't know. I would be more comfortable with you in
Essos, where that crown's power can't reach, but at least if your here.....
Just be weary, if you have to get out of here, go.”.
“I promise I won't take any unnecessary risks, nor I hope you won't either.”.
She leaned over to kiss him gently.
Arya gave the wolves an affectionate belly rub hearing them both whine in
contentment as she stood and moved towards the fireplace, staring into the
flames for several seconds. She could hear him moving behind her but when it
grew silent she turned, gasping as he knelt before her with a grin.
“I had hoped to do this somewhere romantic, on a beach perhaps or in Paris
perhaps... but given that I have to leave soon and I want you to have the
protection of my house, this is fitting. I love you, more than you will know,
and I have since I met you all those years ago. You went from a wild little
girl with eyes bigger than her face and hair flying everywhere to a beautiful
woman who is as fierce as a wolf. I already had a conversation with your father
about this, and he gave me his permission gladly but now I need to ask you.”.
His eyes were darkly serious as the palm of his left hand opened to contain a
delicate ruby ring, “Will you do me the honor, because it is an honor to be
able to have you, of marrying me?”.
She took a hesitant step towards him, her lips curved into a loving smile as
her fingers plucked the ring from Him, sliding it onto her finger. “Of course,
I would...”. She whispered, gently leaning down to kiss his lips. 
 
===============================================================================
 
The days following were a blur of Jon preparing to head north, readying
everything that would need to be shipped or taken with him. However, the moment
the sun went down he would drag Arya up to their chambers, locking them in. He
took her over and over night after night, trying to lock in the memories if he
had to be away from her for any amount of time. She cherished the moments that
they had with each other.
The night before he was to leave, arya awoke to hear a loud whining from
outside the door of their chamber. Nymeria, she thought with gasp on her lips.
In all the chaos, she had forgotten that the wolf's time was upon them. Opening
the door she spotted ghost about to scrape the door again but quickly trotted
off in the hopes she would follow. In a little alcove near the stairs leading
to their tower, the two wolves had made a little nest for Nymeria.
“Oh sweet girl,”. She said gently watching the wolf straining in the midst of
birth, one tiny pup already emerged. Kneeling near the two wolves, she watched
in silence as three more emerged from their mother. The little wiggling masses
mewing a soft whine as their fur was licked clean by Ghost.
“Four is a good number, she's a strong mother and didn't lose any.”. Jon said
from behind her, smiling down at the little pups. “Daenerys would like to have
one of them, when they are weaned. Says they will scare the shit out of the
horses. Her words, not mine.”. He knelt next to Ghost, giving him a scratch
behind the ears, “Least you got to see your bitch whelp didn't you boy? They
will be strong pups, these wolves only seem to like to breed with the
strongest. He avoided lady like the plague, remember?,”.
He swept her into his arms carrying her back into the chamber, but neither
slept the rest of that night. By the time the sun rose that morning they had
both exhausted each other by the insatiable demands of the other.
 
===============================================================================
 
She stood stoically watching the men whom were going with her love did a final
checklist of what they would need for the trip, and beyond. Jon was busy with
last minute preparations and would see her before he left, so she watched in
silence content to offer supper if it was needed.
“Your mother knows that you will be here, but is wisely not going to share that
with anyone. She too is still a might apprehensive when it comes to the Bull.
She said to tell you that if you need her to come, she will in a moments
notice, no questions asked. If you decide to travel, call Dany or Rhaegar and
let them know, so that they can be aware to have someone come pick you up.”.
Sam told her with a sigh, “If you feel at all apprehensive, do not stay here.”.
She nodded, hugging herself gently before smiling at Sam. “I gave my word that
I wouldn't take any unnecessary risks, or go into King's Landing without him at
my side. Take care of him for me will you? Don't let him take any risks.”.
“I will do my best,”. Sam said seriously. “I doubt will be see anything bad
anyway, they just seem to like to stir up a bit of trouble time to time.”.
She glanced down at the ring upon her finger with a smile, the ruby gleamed
like fire as the sun's rays hit it at that moment. Fire and blood, blood and
fire she thought to herself. From across the island came a great roar that
seemed to shake the very ground they stood upon.
“Looks like Meleys is in fine form today, let's hope he doesn't set fire to
anything yet.”. Arya grinned at Sam.
“Bloody Dragons,”. Sam muttered as he moved away to go catch Jon.
Bloody dragons, indeed she thought to herself watching as the dragon prince
himself emerged from castle with Ghost at his side, trotting happily as they
came before her.
“I wish that I didn't have to go, but, when family asks we respond.”. He began
but she quickly shook her head in understanding. “Now, you promised to not take
any risks, so if you feel it's not good to be here then please go to Essos. My
father would love for you to come to the capitol, to get a feel for the court
there. Eventually we will have to live there, you know. Just, know that I am
doing this for you, and us. You know how to get a hold of me up there, if you
need to. I may not always be where I can get a call, but I will try to keep in
touch.”. He said softly, his hands cruelly grabbing onto her hips, pushing her
body against his. “Keep yourself safe,”. His lips slid across hers kissing her
tenderly before whispering his love for her in her ear.
She murmured promises into his ear as her arms wrapped around him, squeezing
tightly as she inhaled his scent trying to memorize it for when he was gone
from her. Soon, the group that were leaving began to take off in the various
ways. Most from the water in the naval boats that common in Valyria, and others
were going by air with the chopper, save for Jon whom loved to ride the Dragons
that his ancestors tamed for their own use. He smiled down at her, one gloved
hand giving her a little wave before the great dragon rose into the air and
began to glide away on the strong wind currents high above the castle. Leaving
her here with only the crashing of the water below and the breezes that swirled
about her.
She was quite alone now, save for the ones whom stayed behind to see to her and
safety.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Two Months Later
Jon stood gazing down at the land below from the top of the wall. The wind was
harsh up here almost touching the clouds, it seemed on clear days but the
nights were the worst, he bet. So far it had been a mission to see what was
truly going on with the villages and cities up beyond the kingdom. They were
calling themselves free people, but who wasn't free really, he mused.
“Burn a few buildings down, and a spot of forest and they back down slightly,
is that right?”. Robb asked from beside him, peering down into the darkness of
the side with what they called wildlings.
“I wouldn't count them out this easy, but it may have been a good effect.”. Jon
grinned at his cousin.
“Bloody good effect mate,”. Robb countered genially, his tully blue eyes
dancing in the firelight.
“How's Jayne doing?”. He asked quietly as they both looked down seeing only
tiny pinpricks of light on the other side, probably down at the citadel that
was housed next to the large ice wall. The soldiers these days rarely had to
come up here with the advancement of cameras, but it was still interesting to
see the views.
“She's due any day now, and it scares me to death. She waves me off when I
start clucking like a hen, she says. Women have been doing this for ages, she
says. Well, this is my child, I told her.”. He laughed, but then grew serious,
“I just don't like to see her in pain, because then I blame myself for getting
her in this mess.”. Robb admitted, raking his hands through the auburn hair
that he inherited from his mother's side.
“Just think of it like this, that she's doing her duty to further your line on.
Hopefully, the child actually looks like the north and not your fancy self.”.
Jon nudged his cousin with a laugh. Robb snorted his answer.
“One day, you will get to experience the highs and lows of your wife for nine
months. Most time you just want to hide from the mood swings, and the other
times your too busy staring at her growing tits to even hear her. I may have
gotten a few concussions from not moving fast enough with the latter, but they
are magnificent!” Robb wriggled his brows. “but those come much later, after a
proper wedding and all.”. He eyed his cousin.
Jon began to laugh softly at Robb's words. “I'll keep much of that in mind when
it comes time for me to be a father.”.
Once he arrived at Winterfell there had been a few men waiting to give him
congratulations and some stern warnings to treat their sister well. It did make
him feel better to hear privately from Robb that he was still unsure about
Gendry, but that if his sister was happy then it was all that matters. The days
away from her had been long, and tedious at first, but a few nights ago he had
taken the dragon out to flex their muscles against those whom were trying to
wreck communication lines. The small forest that stood next to the meeting
places of their wildlings was now a pile of ash and the trees were still
smoldering.
He missed her, but was reassured by Sam that she was quite fine. She had left
Dragonstone about a month ago to visit with his Aunt and Father. She had grown
restless by herself and wanted to travel.
“She's okay,” Robb's voice cut into his thoughts quietly as he turned to look
at Jon. “Mother went to see her a few weeks ago, before she left. Said she was
blooming in the sea air, and the ring you gave her was stunning.”.
“It was my mother's ring, it was fitting that another wolf should wear it.
Blooming?” Jon laughed, having never thought of that adjective for Arya before.
It gave him pause, wondering.
Robb shrugged slightly, a rueful grin on his lips as he whistled for greywind.
The large wolf chuffed a greeting as he pranced by Jon the silver fur bristling
in the wind.
“Oh, mother said that the pups were growing quickly. Three of them are white
and male, and the other has her mother's markings. Perhaps I should breed the
brute here,” he eyed greywind, “Lady won't come near him or Summer. Oddly
enough for such a civilized wolf, she'll go around shaggy who is the worst of
the lot, but when You look at the owner well...”. They both laughed, thinking
of Rickon, whom at fifteen was hell on wheels.
“Remember when we were that age?”. Jon chuckled again, “Not my finest hours at
fifteen. Then again, if I had been here at fifteen, I could have been as bad as
he is too.”.
Jon smiled ruefully as Robb and his wolf decided to descend to the citadel for
the night, having had enough of the wind. He stayed up there, not bothered by
the cold. No, a dragon's blood was hot for the most part, and it was the same
for his. Hot. Fire and Blood. He missed his mate, but he didn't need anyone to
tell him that she was okay, he could feel her. Wolfdreams, he heard them called
up here from a northerner who had a girl in his clan who had the same ability.
These days his dreams were a mass of images that he still couldn't decipher,
even if he tried. After several more hours watching out at the darkness that
seemed to envelop the lands north of where he stood, finally his body cried out
to get some rest.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The man that stood before her had to be at least seven foot tall. Impressive,
she thought, was probably what would have come to mind for most people when
coupled with the fact that he had a gift when it came to taming wild horses.
Arya watched with amusement as Daenerys tried to talk Drogo into letting her
ride one of his prized mares, a beautiful silver colored one but to no effect.
The man roared at the petite woman before him, pointing at Arya with a sigh.
“She shouldn't ride,”. He said gruffly giving Arya an apologetic look that she
couldn't quite decipher.
“Why the hell not, she rides quite well. She was raised in the north where they
ride as soon as they can walk, right Arya?”. Dany eyed Arya with a cheeky grin,
clearly in her element here.
Drogo looked at the silver haired mix with a sigh, his black eyes narrowed in
thought. Perhaps the wolf didn't know that she was with child yet, for he could
tell the moment he met her earlier that day. When you work with animals for so
long, you can tell certain aspects but mostly the horses can when smelling the
hormones and some had reacted. Interesting, he thought again, eyeing the dark
haired woman.
“If you want to ride fine, I'll show your friend around, but she will not be
riding today. You'd do well to remember who is the boss around here little
dragon.” He towered over the tiny woman who's eyes narrowed at his tone. No,
she wasn't going to be cowed by him, this one. When she snorted, he almost
smiled but being used to bluffing those whom came to buy horseflesh he just
glanced off.
“Go on Dany, it's okay, I don't quite feel like being jostled around today
anyway.”. Arya said with a wide grin, clearly enjoying their banter. In fact,
if she had been truthful she was damn near worn down lately. Dany grinning
happily as she rushed over to the white mare that Drogo had given her the first
time she visited with a little laugh, swinging into the saddle her rump
wiggling as she moved the horse close to them.
“Well, be a good host and show her some of the horses. Maybe my nephew will
come buy her a horse as a wedding present.”. Daenerys haughtily told Drogo
before spurring the horse of quickly, dust rising under the horses hooves as
she rode off.
“Forgive me for being direct with you, Lady Stark, but women who are newly
pregnant, it is not good to be jostled around. Daenerys should have known...”.
“Excuse me?”. She interrupted him, blinking blindly up at the man.
He sighed, shaking his head. “You did not know? Forgive me again then, when you
work with animals sometimes you can pick up on certain things, plus animals can
smell hormones sometimes and they get a little finicky with pregnant women. The
silver one reacted.”.
“Um, well this is unexpected.”. She murmured clearly embarrassed by the
conversation. “Guess now looking back on it, the signs were there but, I have
never been good with signs.”.
“Unexpected?”. He asked quietly. For such a large man, he was quiet unless
someone came to bother him about a business matter and then it was like night
and day. Being the king of horses was a mean business, she thought.
“Ah, just a surprise is all. Jon will be happy, so will his father and Dany.”.
She explained, her palms already cradling the still flat stomach tenderly.
“but, not the mother?”. He frowned, “All children are a gift, no doubt. If you
would like I have a physician here, we tend to be a rowdy bunch and most of my
khalasar tend to need medical attention from time to time. It wold be no
trouble, and then you can at least know for certain, but I'm pretty sure you
are.”.
She laughed, shaking her head gently at Drogo. “No, Um, I mean yes, I am happy
for this child. I think I am just shocked is all, but it makes sense now some
of the things I have been feeling. Thank you, that would be lovely to have
someone confirm.”. She smiled up at him, still slightly dazed.
Drogo nodded quietly as he led her around the large ranch which stretched as
far as they eye could see out here on the plains. Horses, he explained, were a
very good commodity even in these times. He took pride, she noted, in how he
ran his empire. Soon they were standing inside the medical building which
staffed both medical doctors and a few veterinarians as well.
“I'll come back and get you in a bit, I should probably go see where that minx
rode off too. I won't tell her the news, I don't even want to explain how I
knew before her.”. He shook his head seriously, muttering something about Dany
that she couldn't hear.
“For what it's worth Drogo, she adores you.”. Arya smiled up at the large man,
hearing him chuckle as he strode out of the dwelling, his voice calling out to
some of his riders.
 
===============================================================================
 
The doctor had confirmed what Drogo had already told her later that day. Shock
still bloomed in her stomch and heart at the thought of being someones mother.
Could she really be a good one? Of that, she had no doubt that she would be,
for even now that maternal instinct was slowly building. The moment the
physician conceded that she was with child, her thoughts turned to Jon.
He would be without a doubt overjoyed, at the idea that she was carrying his
child for he had wanted one. Yet, she worried about letting him know right now,
with him being so far away.
“No need to worry M'lady, this is a completely natural thing. You, without
giving you a full physical, seem to be in perfect health and I would suggest
that you go when you return home to your normal doctor. Other than that, just
remember to take it easier.”. The physician told her with a smile.
Daenerys caught up to her soon after she exited the building with a little arch
of a brow. Amethyst eyes searching the gray to see what was the matter with her
friend.
“You okay? Drogo said that you went to see one of the Physicians earlier.
Actually he told me to leave you alone, that bossy man.”. Dany sighed
dramatically, clearly enjoying his attention. She looked over Arya quickly, not
seeing anything wrong physically.
Arya nodded with a little grin at her friends mothering, for that was what Dany
was good at. She herself would make a great mother one day, for her children
wouldn't get away with anything.
“Yes, everything is just fine. Um, well....”. She fidgeted, the nervousness
returning to her frame. The words were hard for her to express now that she had
to say it aloud. “In a few months, there will be another addition to the
family,”. She said quietly watching Daenerys for her reaction.
The other girl blinked struggling to understand for several seconds, before it
dawned on her why Drogo had denied Arya the right to ride.
“A baby?”. Daenerys whispered, eyes wide with excitement. “Really?”.
Arya nodded slowly, watching as Dany moved closer nestling one palm against the
still flat stomach.
“Are you okay? How in the heck did Drogo know? Does my incorrigible nephew know
yet?”. Dany fired questioned at her friend, stil beaming happily at the news.
“Fine needs indeed, Rhaegar will be estatic... not to mention the daddy....”.
“Your horse King knew because he's been around animals enough to know that they
can smell hormones when elevated, so it was a good guess. He offered for me to
come here to be certain. As for myself, I am okay, bit of a shock I think, but
a good one. Maybe not the best time, but we can't always choose when things
like this happen.”. She said firmly, “I'm going to go back in the morning to
tell your brother, but I am unsure how to tell Jon, I don't want him to worry
when he's busy over there... it could distract him.”.
Daenerys nodded in understanding towards her friend. It was not a good
situation, that was to be sure but, it would have to happen.
“He still needs to know, regardless. He's going to be a good father, Arya.'.
Dany whispered against Arya's ear, wrapping her in a hug tightly. Arya sighed
gently squeezing back.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
The next morning found her back in Valyria standing on one of the balconies of
the palace. As soon as she stepped foot in the beautiful white marble building
she was escorted to this area to await speaking to Rhaegar. It was just another
reminder that here he was more than her uncle, or Jon's father, or a
grandfather but a King, with lands to rule. Protocol, was something not totally
unfamiliar with her as they experienced something akin to that at Winterfell,
with Eddard being the warden of the north took King's business from time to
time at the hall.
Servants silently entered the area, giving the newcomer a curious look as they
set about placing food on a large table under an awning. Her eyes watched with
little interest, eager to impart her secret before she lost the nerve to do so.
“The king will be here soon, My lady. He wished for you to have some breakfast
while You await.”. A soft voice at her elbow informed her gently, sweeping a
hand towards the table.
“My thanks,”. She replied, allowing herself to be maneuvered into a softly
padded chair. Quickly a plate filled with a smattering of what was offered was
placed before her.
Minutes passed as she sat and stared at the food, nervous now that the news had
finally set in. A child was growing within her, it would change everything in
the future. She knew that now, and it gave her a tiny thrill to know.
“ah, there you are. You're back rather quick aren't you? Didn't like the dusty
planes or the horses?”. Rhaegar laughed as he entered the space, waving off the
steward who followed in his wake leaving them in private. He sat before her
with a little sigh, looking rather tired.
Arya smiled up at him with a little chuckle on her breath, shrugging as she
popped a piece of fruit into her mouth.
“You could say that, not that it wasn't beautiful in it's own way and Drogo was
interesting to say the least but, something came up that I had to come back.”.
Rhaegar frowned wondering what could have been so bad to rush back from seeing
her best friend. Women, he mused, never understood their reasoning but he kept
quiet, not being a fool. His eyes coolly surveyed Arya, but didn't see anything
amiss.
“What is wrong?”, He asked slowly, watching as she shifted on the seat giving a
small smile up at him.
“Nothing is wrong, really. I swear, but I do have some news for you. I have
just found this out myself yesterday, so it's still a bit new for me as well,
but sometime after the new year begins there will a new edition to the
family...”. She trailed off as Rhaegar's eyes widened.
He jumped up from the table, the chair clattering to the ground loudly in his
wake as he pulled her up, wrapping her in a hug that took the very breath from
her lungs. She responded but wrapping her arms around him in a responding hug,
laughing softly at his response.
“Goodness, you do how to surprise me don't you? I had thought something had
went wrong with the visit, that Drogo had scared you away, or something. But,
no this is joyous news, indeed! Are you okay? Do you need anything? Does my son
know yet?”. He lobbied questions at her as he helped her back into her chair
gently, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he smiled happily at her.
She held up one hand with a little laugh upon her lips, gray eyes twinkling at
the concern. “I'm perfectly fine, tired but I guess that is just going to be
normal for the next few months, or years. No, I've not been able to tell him
yet, but it's hard to get to speak to him with being so far up north where
towers are rare but I will try soon.”. She smiled softly, popping a piece of
fruit into her mouth savoring the sweet taste upon her tongue.
“Well, then you must rest. We will have the court doctor come and make sure
that you are okay. In the meantime, I will try to get a hold of my son. He
needs to know. Everyone should be informed soon, I would imagine.”.
“No, I would rather wait for a while to let everyone know. My parents need to
be informed, but in a few months the rest can be told.”. She responded with a
nod, her mouth set in a firm line. “I don't want to overshadow my sister's
wedding but by then it won't be much of a secret, I'll be big as a house.”. Her
lips quirked into a smile at the thought.
“Women are beautiful when they are full of a child, those whom don't think so
have dull lives. I could do without the mood swings, but it's a small sacrifice
to be able to hold your child after. Your aunt was an interesting woman to live
with for those many months, it had never occurred to me that wolves had
excellent throwing arms. Well, it may be prudent to wait, I suppose, in telling
the rest of the world until it's obvious that you can't hide it anymore.” He
sgreed, eyes dancing merrily. “A wedding and the birth of heirs, Valyria will
have such good news to enjoy.”.
She smiled down at the ring upon her finger, twisting it slowly in thought as
her dark head nodded. Suddenly the exhaustion began to creep into the very
fabric of her being,bringing a yawn to her lips as she smiled up at Rhaegar. He
nodded in understand, calling for one of the servants to show the chambers she
would be staying in to. He called out after her that he would try to get in
touch with Jon.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Sunlight streamed through the windows bathing the bed in warmth as she stirred
from sleep. She must have slept the whole day away, she thought eyeing the blue
sky from where she lay against the soft pillows that lay scattered around her.
“You have been out for two days, tired I don't believe falls into this
category.”, A voice from beside the bed alerted her that someone had been
watching her, but she knew who it was before even turning.
“Did you alert the army then? A pregnant woman is tired and slept, the
horror,”. She snarked back, a little grin creasing her lips as she patted the
bed next to her. Several seconds later the soft body landed close, snuggling up
to her friend. “You didn't have to come back so soon, you know.”. She murmured
to Daenerys, enhaling the girl's scent.
“Actually, yes I did. Drogo understood, and he told me to tell you and I
quote,” she made the little quotes in the air with her fingers, eyes rolling,
“Tell the wolf queen that the silver mare is hers as a gift for the newest
dragon. He's not so bad is he? Bit gruff, but that is mostly just for show. In
fact, I'll end up giving him a heart attack, I think. I'm unpredictable, he
claims. I should be submissive and quiet.”. She snorted loudly, “I told him if
that was what he wanted, he should re-think marriage then, that quieted him
down.”.
Arya laughed, clearly pleased that her friend was happy. She knew the moment
they began arguing that it was not going to be an easy relationship, but it
would suit them both.
“He'll be good for you, already doesn't put up with your shenanigans. But, you
can bring out something in him that he does not know is there. Please tell him
my thanks, for the gift. She is a beautiful mare, I will have to think of
something special to get you both for your wedding.”. She told Daenerys,
smiling.
Dany waved her hand dismissively with a little wink. “a little girl who looks
like me is present enough,”. She erupted in laughter before she suddenly
sighed, “There is news, from King's Landing.”.
She sat up quickly, eyes widening as she thought of her mother and sister, but
Daenerys shook her head, almost reading the thoughts.
“The king had an accident yesterday, apparently he was out hunting and
drinking, lovely combo, if you ask me. Anyway, it's not looking good, but he's
still alive but it's touch and go at this point. Your sister called looking for
you, but we told her that you had been traveling and were worn out from lag. I
think she just wanted to talk to someone, so I talked to her for a while. It's
a bit hectic in the capitol over there, I offered for her to come here if she
needed a respite, but I doubt and this was me reading between the lines, that
Gendry is letting her out of his sights. Not sure what is going on there.”. She
shrugged, glancing out the windows at the capitol beyond the Royal Castle.
“Your father thinks that you shouldn't be anywhere near King's Landing anytime
soon, If, and we still don't know. If he becomes King, it's a wild card with
him, and now we most definitely have to be careful when dealing with you.”.
Daenerys smiled, patting Arya's stomach. “That is not to say that the child is
the most important here, you are much more to my dunderhead nephew. We just
cannot take risks with either of you,”.
Arya smiled laying back on the bed again, stretching her muscles. “Do they
think he's going to die?”. She asked quietly, not sure why she really cared
but, it was good to ask.
“Rhaegar said that it didn't look good, but that he's a stubborn fool, so who
knows. He thinks, however, that Gendry is ready to take the crown, if need be.
While he is like his father, he does not share some of more undesirable traits.
He's not much of a drinker, or isn't much into whores, but he does like his
sex... unwilling or willing.”. Daenerys slid her gaze away, frowning. “Even
with that, he's shown that he can rule, or would actually care unlike his
father. The only unknown factor here is the Queen, there will be some catfights
there, if she has to give up power. Which, she will, once the bull gets
married.”.
“Woah, back it up sister... unwilling, or willing? Am I missing something
here?”. She sat back up again, pushing the mass of hair away from her face with
a frown, a concerned look settling in.
“Oh, not with me for he wouldn't have a cock left if he had tried. No, he was
never into me. But, I have heard some rather disturbing stories. Margaery told
me once, few years ago that she had heard from a mutual friend that he pretty
much coerced her to the point of rape to fuck him. This is one of the reasons
that I had to protect you, my little wolf, from him. Well, that and the fact
that my nephew would have had me strung up if I had let him touch you. There
has always been something about him, but for Sansa's sake, I have been trying
to give him the benefit.”. She explained with a roll of the eyes.
They laid there for a while, just enjoy the silence and each other's company
like they had done many times in the past years.
“Oh, so before I came up here to check on you, Rhaegar said that Jon should be
home before the afternoon is gone. Given what is going on in westeros, it was
best he came home for a little. There is quiet beyond the wall for now, if they
need him they will call.”. She grinned watching as Arya jumped from the bed and
raced off towards the bathroom.
“I hate you, you know!”. She called into the bedroom with a growl, “that should
have been what you started off with, dammit.”.
A throaty laugh could be heard near the doorway, “Got your lazy ass up and
moving didn't I? Anyway, You have a few hours before He gets here, I bet. Come
down when your done, and we'll go over some stuff for your sister's wedding
that she gave me the last time I seen her.”.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The sun was setting in the sky when one of the King's guards alerted Rhaegar
that his son had returned,and would be there within minutes. As the news
filtered throughout the room, the din of those courtiers whom spent time at the
court was rife with news from across the sea. Gossip was the name of the game
in any court, Arya reasoned remembering the time that she had to go to King's
Landing when younger with her father for the yearly warden meetings. Too many
grasping people within close quarters usually made it volatile, she didn't much
like that, but knew that this was going to be her future.
Arya could feel the stares from some of the young women who came to court to
enter the marriage market, wondering if she was competition. If she could
laugh, this would be a good time to do it. They had not publicly announced the
engagement yet, being that he left so soon after asking. So, some of these
women would be disappointed when they found out, not that it mattered in her
eyes.
“Feeling okay?”. She heard Rhaegar ask her quietly, his eyes upon her face with
a smile.
“I'm feeling better than I had a few days ago, someone should have woken me up
for sleeping so long.”. She rolled her eyes with a little smile.
“No, little wolf, you got up enough to eat something and fell back asleep. We
made sure that you ate, but you were too groggy to remember it seems.”. He
shrugged, his eyes turning to look back over the crowd of courtiers. “Daenerys
told you of the troubles going on over in westeros, yes?”. When she nodded in
response he sighed, “Can't say that I am surprised by this, but I'm not.
Strange days”.
She was about to respond but the crowd began to quiet and move around to watch
as their prince appeared at the entrance of the throne room. His dark eyes
scanned the room, quickly finding her standing near the throne, lips curved
into a smile that began to warm her heart.
As soon as he reached the throne, he gave a little bow to his Father, black
curls tumbling over his eyes when he stood up. He had not expected her to be
waiting for him, for his father had held that little secret from him when they
had spoken. She was here, and safe but not from him.
“Good to have you back, my son. No troubles for you up in the great frozen
north?”. Rhaegar chuckled as Arya's eyes narrowed at the description of her
beloved north.
Jon laughed softly, shaking his dark head slowly. “None Father, well other than
a few squabbles, but something is still hovering, waiting. We couldn't tell, so
if they need of me again, I will go back with Meleys.”. He shrugged, his eyes
cutting over to where she stood.
Rhaegar gave a great sigh and shook his head, “We will speak later, after.
There is a great deal to talk about, a great deal.”. He smiled catching his
son's look of confusion but he looked out over the crowd.
She beamed as he rushed to her side, sweeping the girl into his arms. His lips
crashing into hers with a fierce longing that took her breath away as her arms
wrapped around his neck. “I've missed you so much my little wolf,”. He
whispered into her ear lovingly, as he set her back down upon the floor, taking
her hand in his, fingers entwining.
She glanced back at Rhaegar with a smile, his wink almost made her laugh as Jon
began to pull her thought the crowds, the grip he had kept her from being lost
in the crowd.
They quickly left the throne room hearing the courtiers gasp wondering why
their prince was leaving so soon after arriving, but he paid no mind to anyone.
He wanted to get the woman he loved alone, and now. His need was great, and she
was the only one whom could damper it. Quickly they reached the private family
sector of the palace, he looked down at Arya with a wink, eyes unreadable as
they came upon the door to his bedroom. Pushing her inside gently he closed the
door with a click of the lock.
“I've missed you too my dragon,”. She whispered, smiling back at him shyly.
“How much have you missed me, little wolf?”. He grinned wickedly, gently
pushing her back against a wall, lips attacking hers hungrily. She whimpered
against his lips, feeling his hands dip under the material of her dress to
press one palm against her center. “Always so wet for me, aren't you love?”. He
purred, biting down upon one lobe, making her cry out with need. “That's it my
love, tell me what you need.”.
As his words began to inflame her, fingers pushed aside her panties and slid
into the wet warmth. His breath slowed as he looked at her with a triumphant
smile, sliding another finger into her pussy flicking her clit gently feeling
the nub begin to swell.
“Release,”, She growled rocking her hips instinctively in time with the fingers
that were driving into, their pace faster at her words.
“Aye, my pet, there will be a release,”. He hissed, pulling his fingers from
her dripping pussy, ripping off the panties as he did so leaving her bare from
the waist down to his view.
“Climb on the bed, on your knees.”. He told her, his voice husky with desire.
Gray eyes watched impatiently as she smiled up at him with her own dark eyes,
hazy with her own need. She turned away from him pulling off the dress, giving
him a look at her shapely backside before slowly climbing up upon the bed.
Wiggling her ass temptingly in the air hearing him groan in response drove her
on.
“Such a tease.”. He mused darkly, his eyes drinking in the sight before him.
Cupping her hot skin again, the palm of his hand brushing against the inflamed
lips eliciting a soft whimper from her. The soft whisper of clothing falling to
the floor was the only sound that was heard as he stood behind her, brushing
the swollen head of his cock against the wet heat as he began to sink into her
flesh. She writhed as he slid into her, a soft mewl escaped from her lips
feeling his cock swelling as he stilled deep within her.
“Oh, Gods,”. She breathed softly, her pelvic muscles fluttering against him.
“Move...”. She pleaded in a low kneeing voice, her palms pressed flush against
the down coverlet below her.
“Feel good does it my little wolf? Your tight little pussy strangling my cock
is heaven,”. His voice whispered against her ear as his body rested against her
curves. One hand reached under to cup one breast, tweaking the nipple harshly
palming the fleshy mound. The new sensitivity of her breasts making her quiver
around him again.
“yes... yes... yes...”. She chanted quietly, fingers digging into the soft
material below her, trying hard to not rock her hips back for the satisfaction
she so desperately needed from him.
Gripping her hips tightly he began to pull out almost completely, before
sliding back, beginning a quick rhythm with his hips. Eagerly, she began to
match his movements, trying to ease that slow burn that began building in her
wanting to have a release.
“You keep fluttering those muscles and I won't last,”. He growled against her
ear, grinding himself into her every other thrust loving the way her muscles
began to greedily milk his cock, over and over. He didn't want to last, he
needed to cum with her, in her.
Soon her soft mewling noises became harsh whimpers, as she could feel the
orgasm building deep inside her, the muscles in her pussy tensing tightly
against him. As soon as hers began to pull through her tightly wound body, she
could hear him rear up against her, quickening the pace of his own release,
feeling his hot seed began to pump into her receptive depths.
She quivered against him, breathing deep as his weight rested against her back,
both not able to speak for several minutes after their rushed coupling. The
sweat dripping from between the valley of her breasts, making her softly groan.
“Now, that was the best welcome home ever,”. He whispered into her ear again,
gently pulling himself out of her. His lips pressing a kiss to her back before
he turned to collapse on the bed besides her still kneeling form.
“Glad to have been of service,”. She smirked, eyes hazy as she laid down gently
next to him, still trying to calm her wildly beating heart.
“You know that was not how I meant it, my love.”. He sighed, his arms pulling
her close laying her head upon his still sweaty chest with a soft growl. “The
moment my eyes fell upon you, the need for you overrode anything else. I should
have tampered it down, so that Father could have let all those grasping
courtiers out there know you were my fiancee. Instead, all they got was a
glimpse of their prince pulling a woman with him fiercely. Are you okay?”. His
silver eyes looked down at her, one finger pulling her chin up. “You know I
love you, right?”.
She nodded slowly, a tiny smile appeared as she shifted against him, raising on
one elbow to stare down into his face now. One hand gently brushing back his
midnight curls that plastered about his face.
“I am not interested in politics, or the gibbering of courtiers.”. She replied,
her voice soft. “I love you too, my fierce dragon.”.
He smiled up at her but quickly sobered seeing something lurking behind her
eyes that bothered him, “Something is the matter, whatever is it?”. He asked
her quietly.
She sighed softly, giving him the softest of smiles as her lips lowered
brushing against his own tenderly. Taking one of his hands, she kissed the palm
before placing it upon her stomach, then laying hers atop his. She watched as
he glanced down at their hands, willing him to put it together what she had
been trying to say to him, without saying it.
“are you certain?”. His voice was quiet, almost a whisper of awe from him as
his eyes rose to meet hers. She nodded quickly, pressing her other hand to his
cheek.
“You will be a father come soon after the new year, my love.”. She murmured.
The realization of his actions several minutes before came crashing down on his
conscience, causing him to frown softly and look upon her with concerned, but
loving eyes.
“I didn't hurt the babe with my being so rough to you did I?”. He whispered,
his eyes wild. “I would have never been so rough had I known, had I given you
time to tell me before needing to have you...”.
She smiled quietly, her hands calmly reassuring him. “No, my love everything is
quite alright. We are just fine,”.
His smile returned, fiercely proud now that he realized that soon he would get
to see her heavy with his child, and no other man would ever touch her again.
His seed had quickened as he had prayed it would in the woman he loved.
“I love you, so much, and now you have given me the best news I could ever
receive. My little wolf full of my pup, “. he growled, nuzzling her neck
lightly before his teeth pressed against the soft skin, sinking in slightly
marking her. “Mine,”. He breathed against her skin before his lips trailed down
her quivering breasts to the still flat stomach that soon would be extended
full of life. “Ours”.
“Yes, Yours my love. Always yours,”. Her arms cradled his head against hers as
they both drifted off to dream of the months ahead.
 
 
 
 
 
 
***** Chapter 9 *****
 
 
Rhaegar glanced down at the message with a frown, before glancing up to stare
out at the window. It didn't do well to brood over the words written there, but
it was something he did well. When he was younger, his mother would worry about
the melancholy that stuck from time to time. Some would say that the
Targaryen's were susceptible to such moods, but he knew it was just his nature.
Being the heir to the throne and the weight that it meant had just brought
about a serious nature to the young boy. Then, one day it all changed, when he
traveled to Pentos.
The city itself really hadn't held much excitement since it had been one of the
places he frequented when needing to get away. After the deaths of his first
wife and children from an accident, he felt the need to keep moving else the
darkness would consume his mind. Mostly the guilt at not truly loving Elia, for
whom he truly felt an affection, nothing more. Theirs had not been a love
match, but a match the parents wished for.
So, that day he found himself walking about the city just losing himself in the
everyday simplicity that surrounded him when he heard a woman arguing with a
merchant. Generally, he would have continued on but, the tone of her voice made
him turn to look and that changed everything for him. Years later, he would
claim that the mere sound of her voice enchanted him, but it was her fierce
spirit that drew him in. She had been a wild wind that blew through his world,
overturning everything and anyone in it. Though guarded, she was, when he
approached to ask if she needed help with the merchant. She declined stating
that she was well equipped to do so, but did introduce herself. Lyanna. Lyanna
Stark, of Winterfell. He knew of the family, of course. A wolf of the north,
she truly was. In that moment, he fell in love with a wild spirit.
That had also been the moment that there was trouble on the horizon, not that
he had known of course. It would be some time later that it would come home to
roost the story of boorish royal stag and his obsession with a wolf. Yet, even
after all this time, his memories kept him alive.
“They told me there was news?”. His son said quietly from behind him, startling
the elder from his reverie. Turning to see the dark haired dragon standing
there made him smile, how much like his mother he looked, yet he was a dragon
through and through. He handed the note to Jon with a sigh, shaking his head
sadly.
“Looks like the boar won,”. Rhaegar said with a frown. “Things will change over
there, no doubt.”.
He frowned at his father reading over the note from Sam. So, King Robert
ultimately succumbed to his hunting injuries. Now, truly the drama would turn
up in Westeros, he thought to himself.
“No doubt,”. He murmured, raising an eyebrow. “Perhaps, for the good. Perhaps
not, guess it depends on Gendry now. Then again, the Lannister's influence will
still be there. Now, the queen mother will be out for another partner.”. He
glanced at his father with a little smirk, knowing that once upon a time Cersei
had tried to set her net for Rhaegar, to no avail.
“Perish the thought, I escaped her clutches once, and do not even want to be on
the radar when that time comes.”. Rhaegar smiled briefly. “Besides, when Your
mother died, I told the court that I wouldn't marry again, nor do I want to.
Burying one wife was hard, but two was too much.”.
Jon had always known of his father's first family, whom had been taken far too
soon, that much was true. He had seen the portraits that had been done for both
the wedding and when each of his two children from the first marriage had been
born. He would have loved to have siblings, but having an aunt whom was close
to his age had been enough. Now that he was on the brink of fatherhood, he
understood now what his father was feeling. He was going to be a father, it
still hadn't fully sunk it but it was terrifying and yet exhilarating as well.
“Luckily, you can avoid it all by just not being on the radar. She'll be too
busy trying to keep her power base, but something tells me that Gendry won't be
sharing any power, with anyone. Not even his soon to be bride.”. Jon shrugged a
sigh on his lips. “Sadly, Robert gave up too much power, or didn't bother
trying to have a good base and left everything to everyone else.”.
Rhaegar frowned, nodding in agreement. He knew when the time came for his son
to be in his place, no one would be having this conversation. It had been
important for him to teach his son that this was yes, a responsibility but it
was also deeply personal and to lead you had to be understand those in your
kingdom. He was confident that he would do well, especially with the right
woman by his side. Arya, he thought, would do well. She had the right amount of
wildness and balance to be able to his help-meet when he needed it, and a dose
of reality when it was called for.
“Yes, he should have been born a younger son, instead the heir. Stannis, while
the worlds biggest bore would have dealt well as the King, abiet a rather
boring one. Sometimes you cannot help the cards your dealt. Renly would, well,
it would have been interesting to see what would have come from that. You
cannot help if your born the heir, but you can change your outlook. Fate
sometimes deals each of us wicked cards. Life is what you make of it, and what
you take.”. He stared at his son. “Speaking of...”.
Jon glanced up with an arched brow, obsidian eyes gleaming. Of course, he would
know, he mused.
“What would that be?”. He asked glancing back at Rhaegar.
“Don't play the fool, of course I know. I asked why she had come back from
visiting with Daenerys and Drogo, and she told me. She hadn't looked good,
tired I suspect, course she slept for two days after she came back, about the
same time you were on your way back.”. His father said with a little grin on
his lips, clearly enjoying needling his son a little. He remembered the day
that Lyanna came to him, revealing that he would be be a father, again. It was
time this palace had children in it again, he thought.
“We've not had much time to talk on it,”. Jon replied softly, glancing out the
window, a faint smile upon his lips remembering the night before, “I didn't
give her much time to let me know. She's still sleeping, eventually we will
have much to speak on.”.
Rhaegar began to laugh loudly, watching his son's face. He figured as much the
moment he dragged the girl out of the throne room, that talk was the last thing
on his son's mind.
“I guessed as much, nor did I think she would want to tell you publicly. There
is time for that, right now is for you and her, and for you to understand what
is to come. Making one is the easy part, but the responsibility comes once that
child comes into the world dependent on you. This will be your heir, heavy
thing that is. For most people, it would just be your first born, and for the
landed class an heir yes, but for us... This will be the future King, or Queen
perhaps. I know that you will be a good father, and a husband. She will be a
good wife and mother as well, you both balance each other out.”. He quietly
spoke, a benign smile upon his lips.
“I'm well aware of the responsibility of both a child and heir. Right now, I'd
rather focus on it being my child and later, much later the child can be molded
into a responsible heir. You did a good job with me, so I have faith that I can
do the same with my children. Right now, I'd like to keep this news to just us,
as I'm guessing that she's not told her parents, nor siblings as of yet. That
is going to be a conversation that will be awkward in itself...”. He sighed,
rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
A soft laugh filled the room as Arya quietly padded into the room having heard
the last part of the conversation. Quickly she moved to Jon's side, pressing a
kiss to his lips lightly before beaming at Rhaegar happily.
“Morning, both of you. As for my parents, I doubt they will be murderous, after
all you have the best of intentions.” She remarked, wiggling her ring finger
with the engagement ring upon it. “Just that little matter of cart before the
carriage, but, they know me, so it's not terribly too out of the norm for me to
do something like this.”.
“Precisely, but you could appease them by marrying before the child comes, you
know.”. Rhaegar glanced at the two of them, shrugging, “It could be done, you
know. I'm sure that with the right planner, matter of months.”.
“It's up to you little wolf.”, Jon said with a smile, “I'd marry you tomorrow,
if I could. I don't require all the pomp and circumstance, but while I am of
the mind of quiet, there are those whom would demand that because of who I am.
Either before or after the child is born if fine with me, we are contracted to
marry, so they child would have my name anyway.”. Jon's hand slid into hers,
giving her a squeeze of encouragement.
Rhaegar nodded in agreement, “Indeed, that would be correct. I would much
rather it be before my grandchild makes it's entrance into the world, but it's
up to you both. It wouldn't take much, and if you don't want a state wedding,
that is alright as well. We can just save that, for later.”.
Arya glanced between both the men with a little sigh. She hadn't wanted to
wait, no, but she also didn't want to upstage her sister as well. Sansa's been
planning this wedding for so long, that it would be a shame if she had to share
her thunder. Yet, right now the point was moot, she was carrying a child that
needed protection.
“I am not good at planning these things, so I would need help, lots. If we can
get this planned before the ninth month, so that I am not going to have to be
sitting then by all means, plan.”. She smiled, tentatively. “The reason that I
had been dragging my feet, wasn't because of not wanting this, but I didn't
want to steal any of the spotlight from my sister.”.
Jon glanced at Arya with a sigh, “You may not have to worry about that right
now, it seems that King Robert has succumbed to his injuries sometime last
night. We will find out in the coming days what will be going on, in regards to
the wedding. It could very well be a coronation and wedding, and in that case
it wouldn't matter because you'd have to go to both, but we shall see. First
things first, doctor visit. We need to know when you will be due, little
mother.”. He smiled down at her, eyes warm and twinkling.
She blushed warmly across the apples of her cheeks, a little laugh escaped her
lips as she nudged him.
“I will let you both know when I've learned more about the details with
everything over there. I'm sure I'll get Intel sooner or later. You do have to
let your parents soon rather than later. It would be awkward to have you show
up at your sister's wedding eight months pregnant and have not said a word to
them, or rather let them know now, so that they can adjust to the
circumstances, as they are.”. Rhaegar eyed his Son, knowing who to blame for
this. Jon had the wherewithal to look sufficiently guilty, but it did take two
to tango, in this case. He waved them both off, already thinking of whom he
could tap to help with this wedding.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Jon pulled her against him gently as they both stepped from the room, the hug
enveloping her senses into overtime. He had the ability to make her forget
whatever she had wanted to say, but not that she minded in the least.
“You my love, have made me very, very happy.”. He whispered against her ear,
pressing little kisses along her neck. “I have you now, and something that we
both created. I didn't hurt you last night did I?”. He asked quietly, his hands
brushing down her hair tenderly.
She laughed softly, snuggling into his embrace as her head shook. “No,
everything is fine. I am nervous about telling my parents, however.”. She
sighed, laying her head on his chest closing her eyes.
“Perhaps, I may have a solution. We could marry quietly, just so that you have
a piece of mind, and we would only tell your parents, and my father, of course.
So, in the event anything should happen, which it won't, but in case that you
would be completely protected and our child would be as well. Then we can plan
the state wedding at our leisure, before or after the birth. Then you can
safely tell them you are married, and with child and they cannot find fault,
but they wouldn't be able to tell your siblings.”. He looked down at her again,
pressing a kiss to the top of her head gently. “Now, we have to get you into
the doctor, to get you checked out, don't we.”.
She nodded quickly with a little grin. It amazed her that he was one whom
wanted this child the most, well she couldn't say that she didn't want the
child, she did but she still remembered waking up one night and his hands on
her stomach.
“You know, I woke one night... woke to feel your hands on my stomach almost
willing for a child, why?”. She asked curiously, lifting her eyes to meet his.
Jon glanced down unabashedly, eyes wide as he had the grace to look guilty
again, “Don't most men want the woman they love to bear them a child? I guess,
not every man does, but I realized the moment you got off the helicopter that
morning and staked your claim, that what I wanted more than anything was to
keep you. I wanted you so much, more than you will ever know, but mostly what I
craved was home, you were home to me.”. His hand cupped one of her breasts, his
thumb brushing against the quickly hardening nipple. “So, your mine now. Even
when your in the ninth month, you will be beautiful, because the child we made
will be part of our lives.”.
She blushed, whimpering against his chest before pushing him away with a little
sigh, “Stop your teasing, I need to feed your child and myself before I waste
away.”. She told him, reaching for his hand to lead him off towards the dining
room
 
===============================================================================
 
 
Across the narrow sea
 
Sansa sighed for the twelfth time that morning as she sat and looked out over
the garden that bordered the Godswood. This was the only place in the palace
grounds that she could go to where people wouldn't bother trying to speak to
her when she wasn't in the mood to deal. Today was unfortunately, one of those
days, she thought as the bells began to peal their lament over and over.
“I had thought to find you here right now,”. Catelyn said softly, glancing
around with a tiny smile upon her face, one hand raised to cup her daughter's
face gently. “How are you holding up?”.
She gave her mother a little smile in return, for she felt okay, not really
having been close to the great drunken lech to have it bother her. There was a
little niggling echo of guilt for Gendry, whom had just lost his father, but
even that didn't bother her much.
“I'm holding up as best as can be expected, just concerned for my intended,
that's all. What news?”. Sansa asked with a small smile.
Catelyn wrapped one arm around her daughter as they began to walk around the
wood, “Seems your sister has gotten engaged as has Daenerys, finally. Jayne
should be delivering any day now, which can't be soon enough for Robb, he's
more nervous than she is. Men, you will find, sometimes cannot handle what us
women can do.”. She tapped her daughter's nose lightly, smiling gently. “Your
father is doing good, and Bran and Rickon are doing same as always, up to no
good.”.
Sansa smiled at the mention of upcoming weddings, unsure what would be going on
with hers now that this tragedy had occurred. To ask while all of this was
going on would have been rude, and shallow and she was neither of those things,
so she kept quiet and let everything go on around her.
“I tried to call Arya after the accident, but she had been asleep, or not
feeling well I cannot remember. So, he finally got her to say yes did he? That
weekend we were on Dragonstone, when she had come back from Braavos, you could
tell something was going on. He wouldn't let her out of his sight, nor her
him.”. Sansa sighed, happy for her sister knowing that she deserved this
happiness after how they all treated her as a child, yet she didn't resent any
of them.
Catelyn swallowed back a laugh at her daughter's assessment of her sister's
relationship. It had always been true that Arya and Jon were drawn together,
and no one had tried to stop that because at first it was sweet. By the time
they realized it had moved from a mere crush, she had been old enough to make
her own decisions. Cat had never had a moments hesitation about approval of
Jon, for her was his father son and she knew that intentions that dwelt within
the man were honorable. So, she was content to let it ride out till the end,
whatever that would have been. When Ned called her months ago letting her know
that Jon had asked for permission to marry Arya, she knew her trust in him had
been right.
“They have always had a bond between them, true.” Catelyn admitted with a small
smile, “You will have a happy marriage as well, do not fret about that. It will
just be different from those two, that is all. Not many have what they do, but,
that does not meant it won't be filled with happiness. Are you having doubts?”.
She asked her daughter, knowing these doubts filled her head during this
troubled time.
“No, it's not that at all, really. I wouldn't have made this choice if I hadn't
believed I could have a happy life, it's just all this uncertainty right now
that confuses me. I'm just going to be patient and wait to see what occurs, I
guess.”. She shrugged, another sigh slipping from her lips.
Before Catelyn could answer one of the pages appeared giving the ladies a
little smile and asking if they would return to the keep, for the King wished
to speak to his intended. Taking her daughters hand in hers they made their way
back to the busy castle.
“Ah, the lovely little dove and her mother, My son had been looking for his
intended seems someone found you. He's in the solar waiting for you,” Cersei's
voice drifted from the receiving hall with a small smile, motioning towards the
steps with a little nod. In her hands was the ever present glass of wine, half
filled no doubt with the finest wine, and most of it already in her stomach.
“He's in a mood, you may not want to make him wait long, come Lady Catelyn have
some wine with me while we wait.”.
Sansa squeezed her mother's hand and with an unreadable look turned to rush up
the stairs, leaving the women to talk amongst themselves. Her feet whispered
against the stones as she climbed up towards the top of the tower, her anxiety
rising with each step climbed. What was going on now, she wondered before
standing in front of the oaken door, poised to knock when it came flying open a
arm reaching out to pull her inside.
“Where have you been?”. He thundered loudly as she was hurled into his arms,
her body crashing into the muscles of his chest causing her to squeak loudly.
“I've been looking for you everywhere,”.
“I was in the Godswood with my mother, if you must know. What is the matter, my
love?”. She asked quietly, one hand on his chest soothingly, trying to
ascertain what was ailing her intended. His cobalt eyes searched her face,
drinking in her countenance.
“If I had known that, I would have not had someone search for you. I would have
joined you there, for at least five minutes of peace and quiet.”. He murmured
burying his face in her auburn curls, inhaling the sweet vanilla scent that
clung to the hair. “I've been ignoring you haven't I love? It's been a
whirlwind of meetings, planning, and trying to right this place since the
accident and now... this.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist, pushing herself closer to him offering
comfort without saying a word. To the outside world, this relationship had
seemed odd at first, given the problems that occurred between Gendry and Arya
but after a time she had believed that they were complimentary towards each
other. He was all fury and she was the picture of calm, yet no one bothered to
dig deeper to find out that there was more to each person. Yes, she had been
cautious at the get go about his intentions, at first thinking that he had been
getting close to her to get at her sister, but not once was Arya brought up in
any conversation. So, after a time, she let him in and gave her trust to him.
“What can I do?”. She finally asked breaking the silence. His arms tightened
against her, pulling her chest against his as a soft whimper escaped her parted
lips. Muscles tightened deep in her body causing her nipples to pucker at the
most inopportune time. She prayed that he hadn't noticed, but he usually caught
everything.
Gendry glanced down at Sansa with a faint, taunting smile at the feel of her
nipples against his chest. Leaning down, his lips captured hers in a tender,
sweet kiss tasting the honey that he knew he would find there.
“Be by my side,”. He whispered, pulling away from the kiss with a smile. “I
need you by my side. So, If I said that we need to postpone the wedding for an
extra four months, would that upset you? Because, if we did that then we will
have both the wedding and the coronation. Which means more people would be able
to witness both. Would that upset you?”. He asked cautiously, knowing how women
were about such things. When she began to laugh his fears were slightly abated,
but not by much.
“We figured as much, mother and myself that there would be a slight
postponement. I wouldn't have pushed anyway, there is no rush, but four months
is fine. Just let us know what we have to do, to help with the extra parts,
since I don't think I have ever seen a coronation.”. She shrugged.
“Nor have I, but, I have been educated on what would occur, so I guess that is
better than not knowing, but there are people who have, with my own father's.
So, they will be the ones taking charge of that part of the ceremony. Have you
mother begin to inform those your side has invited about the changing of the
date. Mother can do that for the rest, as she has little to do these days now
that I am taking charge. Actually, You should spend some time with her, to get
to know what You will have to do once she takes her leave. After the wedding
and coronation, she's going to visit Dorne with Marcella. She wants to see
where my sister will be living after her own nuptials. After that, she says
that she will travel, or settle back in on the rock with Grandfather.”. He
smiled down at her.
“I shall do all I can to help then, if I can. There will be a flurry of
weddings this year and next, I fear. Mother told me that Arya and Daenerys
should be having one, but not when and then your sister.”. She smiled back at
him.
Gendry froze at the mention of Arya's name. The muscles around his heart
constricted at the thought of the little wolf. He had been trying hard to erase
the vivid images that coursed through his dreams and thoughts for so many years
now, that it was just a normalcy. In the beginning his intentions had been to
woo her away from the Dragon Prince, now he was not sure what he wanted, but he
still harbored a deep desire to fuck her. No one knew that he still wanted her,
for he was rather good at hiding his true thoughts having been taught well by
his father or mother. He had grown to admire Sansa, for there was more behind
those pretty features, he had learned quickly.
“Well, that is indeed good news, we will send them all gifts of congratulations
soon.”. He murmured again, his voice low. Plans were building in his mind.
 
===============================================================================
 
Winterfell
 
The shrill cry of a newborn floated out of the door as it opened to reveal the
midwife smiling at the two men standing outside the room. They both jumped up
at the sound of the creak from the door, knowing that then the birth had taken
place. Once they had found out that a baby was on the way, both had decided
that the child would be born at home, and not in the hospital that was quite a
way away from the estate.
“Young wolf, Your wife wishes to speak to you.”. The woman announced with a
wink towards Robb, making him chuckle low in his throat. “The doctor is just
about done, so you can go on in.”.
Robb glanced at his father with a smile before dashing inside, the cries were
now soft hiccups from the baby that lay in it's mothers tired arms. He could
only see the small face peeking from the swaddling, but the red angry face
demanded attention posthaste from the mother.
“Are you well my love?”. He asked quietly, settling down next to her on the
bed, one finger gently touching the infants face. Jeyne smiled up at her
husband with a little chuckle upon her lips, nodding.
“Quite fine now that this little wolf is out of his nest,”. She responded,
letting him know the infant was indeed a son. Her tired eyes glanced down at
the baby, who began to after being offered a fat nipple, nurse hungrily. “He
fought like his father to stay where he was warm, and snug, but now he's
here.”.
Robb stared down watching the fat little fist bump against his mother's breast.
Dark brown hair clung to the infants skull in wispy tendrils as he watched the
little mouth suckle for several minutes before glancing back up at his wife.
“What shall we name him, husband?”. She asked with a little grin down upon the
child.
“I had thought that Rickard would be a good name, it was my grandfather's. He
had been a good man, but if you wish for another...”. He trailed off as she
shook her head.
“No, tis a good name. Little Rickard Stark, future lord of Winterfell, do you
like that name little one?”. She whispered down to the infant, kissing his
head.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Valyria
 
Arya sat next to Jon with a nervous glance his way as the doctor shuffled some
papers, clearing his throat as he began to speak to them.
“So, I think I have a bit of news that may come as a shock to one, or both of
you concerning this pregnancy. So, everything seems like it's going well, the
mother is healthy. Your due date may change slightly because of the two
fetuses...”.
“Two?”. Jon croaked, looking up at the Doctor with wide, shell-shocked eyes.
Perhaps he had prayed too hard to the Gods, but they must have heard him
doubly, twins.
“Yes, Prince, Twins. As far as I can see both fetuses are in their own sacs, so
I can say that they will not be identical. So far as we can have calculated you
are about nine weeks along, so in about six weeks we should be able to tell the
sexes. Heartbeats seem strong, which is good. Now, You can continue about your
normal everyday activities, but I would cation you to take it easy. With
multiple births there are a whole range of complications that can arise, not
saying that there are any just like to lay out everything. Try to limit any
stress, and get plenty of rest. Other than that, I will see you in about a
month, or so.”
Arya smiled at the doctor nervously, her palm against her stomach. The
butterflies had not quit fluttering since she looked upon the screen not really
sure what she was seeing, but quickly was told about the babies.
“Any questions?”. He asked kindly, glancing at Arya with a smile.
“Is travel not permitted?”.
“I would say, when your close to the due date would be when it's not advised,
but not banned, unless any complications arise. I would just keep in touch with
us when that time comes and we could advise you better on that.”. The doctor
nodded.
“Sex?”. Jon asked with a grin at Arya.
“As long as it's not anything risky, once she begins to show, and by risky
anything dangerous. So as long as your not using weapons, or restricting blood
flow, then have fun.”.
The doctor bid them a good day and left the room quietly leaving them in
silence for several minutes, each in their own thoughts.
“Do you do anything in halves, I'm wondering?”. Jon finally broke the silence,
quietly asking Arya with a laugh.
“Me? You were the one praying over me every night, perhaps they decided that we
needed two? I don't quite know, but I do know that we will have two after the
new year. I was nervous with one, but two... I just hope that I can be a good
mother.”. She sighed deeply, her palms still against her stomach. “At least, I
know you will be a good father, one of us will know what to do.”.
Jon laughed softly wrapping his arms around her tightly, his lips brushing past
her earlobe, nuzzling the skin beneath as he whispered, “My love, we will learn
together how to deal with two children, as opposed to one. No matter what, we
will be together. You will be a good mother, this is just nerves and second
guessing yourself. Heaven help us if these two end up like you, and girls. I
will have to lock them up till they are thirty,” He teased, nudging her side
with a laugh.
She looked up at him with a nod, her eyes still dark with worry but quickly
faded to their normal gray. Jon knew that she was still worried, and perhaps he
was too, but he knew better than to express it. Doubts always seemed to be
something one could overcome if they chose to, or they could let them work
themselves out in time. The latter in this case would be the one to choose, for
only in time would she learn she was ready for this part of her life.
“So, tonight we have to announce to the courts our engagement. I'm sure it will
go smoothly, but just in case do not listen to the magpies that flutter around
there, for it is my choice to take you as my wife. I made the choice a long
time ago, as far as I am concerned. If only we could announce the children too,
so that there would be no doubt as to our commitment.”. He glanced up at the
ceiling, trying to calm himself, “Just be the cool woman that had come back to
Dragonstone that morning. You handled Beony better than any of the courtiers
that come here. Can you do that for me?”. He looked down at her, his lips
brushing against hers tenderly.
She took a deep breath seeming to draw on some inner strength inside her body.
Her eyes took on a cold, almost unfeeling air to them, revealing a hidden
depth. Lips curved tightly at first, but eased to give a look of amusement to
anyone whom didn't know her.
“I believe I can handle pretty much anything that comes my way, let me handle
it the way I see fit. Just have faith in me to know that I can deal, and I will
do it my way. Always. In all ways. The only time that I strike out is when I
feel threatened, and no one would dare that with you at my side. So, tell me
what will be required of me tonight?”. She gave him a curious look, still
smarting from being talked down.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Rhaegar found his son some hours later standing upon one of the many balconies
in the palace, overlooking the sea that stretched along one edge of the palace
grounds. Meleys was flying overhead, the shriek of the temperamental dragon
could be heard for miles it seemed.
“Something on your mind?”. He asked Jon quietly, settling next to him in a
chair. He had known since birth that his son had inherited his brooding nature,
but these days it hadn't surfaced until now.
“Sort of, nothing bad mind you. The little wolf had her doctor's appointment
today,”. He began with a glance towards his father, those dark eyes not
revealing anything.
“Everything okay with Arya?”. Rhaegar asked quickly, sending up a prayer for
her and the baby.
Jon nodded, turning his head away to look out at the water. It sparkled as the
sun's rays flashed upon it making it a deep sapphire color.
“Yeah, everything is fine. Great in fact,”.
“Well, then what is the problem...”. He began but his son put up a hand,
interrupting him.
“There isn't one child, but two.”. He finished quietly, turning back to look at
his father with a little smile. “Twins”.
Rhaegar began to laugh softly at first, but when his eyes met Jon's the laugh
grew ever more louder.
“Is that all? I mean, I had thought something was wrong, because it looked like
you were brooding, but I think your just out here hiding, from her? Or life?”.
He asked his son quickly, trying to hide the mirth from his voice.
“Neither actually, when I left Arya earlier, she was on the phone with her
mother. The call was not going as well as she had hoped, but she hadn't gotten
the courage to tell her what was going on yet. So, that tells me something is
going on, and it's probably got to do with Sansa. Ever since they buried
Robert, and Gendry has taken the throne it has been different there, so I hear.
I'm concerned, aren't you?”. Ge glanced at his father, arch a brow.
“That was part of why I came searching you out now, Sam sent me word that
Gendry is calling his banners for them to come to the capitol for fealty, and
wants every great house there. Everyone, they are saying, unless there are
circumstances which someone cannot attend. Not sure what he is planning with
this, but it makes me uneasy. I'm sure it's nothing more that he wants none of
what went on with his father's reign. Guess it's a good start for a somewhat
honorable king, if he can get rid of the viper's nest.”. Rhaegar looked up at
the two dragon's flying overhead, their shrieks calling out to each other. “I
wouldn't mention it but, she has to go. So, that means that you do as well.
Perhaps this will be education for you, because one day this will be what You
have to do.”.
Jon swore softly under his breath, glancing back out at the water with a frown.
Of course she had to go, until she was fully his and thus a citizen of this
crown, her surname was a citizen of Westeros. She would not be going alone, of
course. No, not at all.
“Also, there is the matter of Arya's sisters wedding which will be at the same
time, it seems. Guess it's prudent to combine both, so that there is less
expense.”. Rhaegar nodded up at Meleys with a quirk of his lips, “Did he get
injured at the wall?”.
Jon laughed shaking his head, “Don't change the subject, we both figured they
would combine both. I've gotten something for both of them already. As for that
brat up there, well sort of. He got too close to the wall one day, and ice can
be sharp to heat seeking animals. He learned the lesson that day, but he
recovered quickly.”. He frowned, sighing as the dragons moved off, hearing the
rattles of the charmer calling them down.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
She set the phone down with a growl, remembering the days when she was younger
and having been scolded for things not her fault. Today, apparently had been
one of those days in which she got the short straw on her mother's ire. She had
been upset that the timetable had to be moved, which meant that shge was stuck
with her daughte for longer than she had anticipated. The children had known
how much her parents didn't like to spend time in the Capitol, much preferring
to be north. Again, not that this was her fault, no Sansa's wedding had been
moved back three extra months now, which would make it a month before the
children would be due.
She had not meant to blurt it out as she did, but there it was, the truth was
out now. She had expected anger, but what she got was silence, and then her
mother began to laugh. Catelyn was no fool when it came to her children, and
knew that eventually one of her's would have this happen, luckily she reminded
Arya that she was engaged. So, at least there was that. Her father however, may
not be as amused as her mother had been, Catelyn warned, but she told her
daughter that she would tell him after she was done with this call. Now that
stopped her cold, disapproval from her father. Perhaps, he wouldn't be upset,
she mused, knowing how much Jon and herself meant to each other.
She turned from her thoughts to glance at herself in the mirror, pressing one
hand along the slight roundness of her stomach. No one could tell yet, she
mused with a sigh, but soon, there would be hiding it.
“My lady, Your bath is ready,”. The small woman who had been assigned to her
called out from the bath, no she was a lady-in-waiting, Daenerys had told her
earlier. For if she was to be a princess, then she would have people to help
her. Even if she didn't want any.
“Thank you Myranda, I'll be fine for now. Come back in about an hour so that I
can get ready for court.”. She said softly padding into the bathroom with a
sigh, looking down at the water with a smile. The familiar scent of the winter
rose swirls around the room with a cloying scent that she still loved to this
day. Clever girl, arya thought about Myranda, as she let the rob flutter from
naked skin to the ground before her. Sighing as the warmth of the water relaxed
her body she began to drift off, letting herself enjoy a few minutes alone.
“Taking a bath without me, are you little wolf?”. A voice whispered from near
her ear. She smiled, not opening her eyes as she felt the water being disturbed
as one palm cupped a breast, “At least you could have waited and had a reason
to be bathing,” He growled playfully kissing her neck gently.
“You were not here to warm me up my love, so I had to find something that
would, besides it relaxes me. The doctor said I should relax more, so here I
am.”. She laughed, wiggling in the water. She opened her eyes to see him
sitting next to the bath, watching her body intently. She smiled up at him with
a wink, “Everything okay?”. She asked quietly, looking down at his had as it
squeezed her flesh lightly, he thumb brushing against the hardening pink
nipple.
Jon nodded, leaning down to kiss her tenderly, his teeth pulling on her lower
lip. His eyes gazed down at the flesh that lay before him in the fragrant
water.
“Just fine, my little wolf. Nothing for you to worry about, for now. Father
found me outside and told of the news about your sister's wedding, and the
coronation for the new king.”. He knelt closer to the edge of the tub, grasping
the bar of soap near her hand. Tenderly he began to slide the soap against the
skin of her shoulder, watching as the suds built where the bar had touched.
“Mother told me, that was part of the reason she called. They had to move it
back four months, much to her chagrin because she has to stay there that much
longer. Which has not made her very happy, to say the least, but there is some
good news that she shared with me. Seems that we have a new heir for
Winterfell, Jayne had a little boy yesterday.”. She smiled at him, leaning
closer when he began to wash her back gently sliding the slippery soap against
her skin.
“Everything went well then?”. He smiled genuinely happy for Robb, whom he was
still close with. “What is the little lord's name then?”.
“Rickard, after our grandfather.” She laid back against the tub watching as he
went about soaping up the rest of her wet, slick body. When he reached her
stomach his hands cupped the very slight swell. “I had to tell mother about the
children.. I had wanted to wait to tell them both, but given the dates with
Sansa's wedding. It would be a few weeks before I give birth, and hopefully we
can go. She was not unhappy about it, which surprised me because of how she
used to harp about how ladies should act.”. She grinned at him.
“How should a lady act?”. He arched a brow, trying hard to hide the grin that
threatened to lift his lips. “Should a lady have let her prince fuck her for
the first time upon a desk? Shouldn't a lady have kept her virginity till she
married? Tsk, tsk, I believe your good mother failed you quite horribly in that
respect, my little wolf bitch”. He growled low in his throat leaning back from
the tub.
She looked over at him with a soft laugh, her gray eyes narrowing at his
visage. Quietly she stood from the water, letting it fall away from her skin in
drops.
“So, it's my fault that I was taken upon a desk for the prince would wait no
more for the virginity that he took.”. She murmured slyly, eyeing him with a
fierce grin. “The prince should have been a gentleman and waited for marriage
but no, impatient man couldn't wait.”.
Jon growled low again at her, his eyes dark and unreadable to her as he pulled
her from the tub against him. His palms slid down her still wet skin, eliciting
the pull from her lower body that only came with his touch.
“I couldn't have been a gentleman, not anymore when it came to you my love. I
needed you, and wouldn't be denied. You were always mine, and you will stay
mine. You gave me a gift that I will always treasure that afternoon.”. He
lifted her in his arms carrying them both into the bedroom as he set her before
the bed, the towel in his arms quickly dried her skin tenderly. “I love you, my
wolf.”.
“and I you, my dragon.”. She replied, “Now, I believe we need to dress for the
court tonight, don't we? Since my mother knows about the babies, it's not so
much of a secret anymore, so whenever you want to announce them, we can.”.
He tilted his head to glance down at the woman before him, watching as she
shifted her legs nervously. She would be a fine queen, one day, much better
suited to this life than her sister. When they had first met it had been the
opposite opinion, of course, being that Arya had been a wild little girl more
impressed by something whom could scale trees without appearing out of breath.
Now, she was more of a lady than some of the courtiers that loitered here in
the palace. Would he tell her that, no He was smart enough to know she would
balk and call him stupid but he knew. Sansa may still be the perfect lady, with
the ice flowing in her veins but that didn't always equate to someone whom
could rule. Guess in time the world would see whom would be remembered.
“So, if I announced it tonight you wouldn't be upset? It may be good to give
them more than one good piece of news. We could wait till the sex can be
determined, of course. No, tonight should be good.”. He replied, but a frown
marred his features, “We do need to speak about a wedding...”.
Her laughter floated between them as she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek
before turning away to begin dressing. His eyes followed watching as her ass
moved, the soft skin sleek and rosy still from the warmth of the bath.
“We can marry whenever you wish my love, for I do not need a huge ceremony. I
dislike being the center of attention, but I understand if it has to happen. I
just don't like it, that is all.”. She called out as she disappeared into an
adjoining room, her footfalls growing quieter. “What did you have in mind?”.
He hadn't given it much thought, given the news that had greeted him when
returning home to even begin to plan. Things had changed drastically knowing
what was on the horizon with the plans in Westeros, but that was something
which could be handled. They had to be married before she stepped foot back
anywhere in that land, for her to be safe. It would sound irrational to anyone
whom didn't understand the situation, or even if there was one to begin with
since there was no proof that she would be unsafe. He couldn't take that chance
after having almost losing her before. Especially now that she carried his
children, they were the priority after her.
“Would three months be okay? I don't think a large ceremony has to happen, but
there has to be some of the landed families there for it. We could have another
in Winterfell, before we have to go to your sisters so that those in the north
can see the warden's little wolf married. I know that it is important to you,
and me.”. He moved closer to the door, hearing her moving about. The dressing
room was awash in different colored dresses all about, almost as a rainbow had
blasted the room with it's brilliance. “Dare, I ask?”.
“No, you may not ask. Daenerys sent me some dresses that she thought would look
good on me. They have not been put away yet, is all.”. She laughed spreading
her arms wide, “She likes to shop, while I do not. So, she finds things that
she believes I will like. Usually, now I don't tell her this for obvious
reasons, she is quite spot on.” She smiled warmly at him before she turned to
pluck a lacy strapless bra from the chair beside her. “You should go dress,
unless you would rather show up disheveled. Not that the women would mind,”.
He smirked at the jibe, but didn't rise to the bait knowing that she was
jesting with him. He had always been a magnet for the female sex, and she knew
it. It also drove her a little insane, but he found that it spurred him on to
watch her claws emerge when provoked.
“I don't have to tell you to behave tonight again, do I?”. He taunted her with
a laugh, “I don't suppose I do, else tonight you will not be able to sit for a
few days. We wouldn't want that would we?”. He whispered coming up behind her,
one hand sliding down to grasp a handful of ass.
A soft squeak could be heard from between her lips as she whirled around to
look up at him with wide, gray eyes. The pink sheen of a blush forming along
the apples of her cheeks as she reached out to swat at him with a laugh. Before
she could move his other hand slid down, one palm cupping her still naked sex.
“You wouldn't!”. She breathed softly, eyes heavily lidded as one digit ghosted
the slit, not quite sliding inside her ready warmth. “You wouldn't dare...”.
She said again.
“Don't tempt me and You won't have to find out will you my little pet?” His
eyes were following the movements of the fingers pressed against the heated
flesh.
“You know I will not cause a scene, you lech. Now, go and get ready else we
will be late. There is time tonight for you to take what is yours, go on.”. She
inhaled as she felt the digit that had been brushing up again the smooth flesh
slide inside quickly, flicking her clit once before pulling out leaving her
empty.
“Oh, no worries about tonight, my love. We probably won't get much rest will
we?”. He taunted again giving her one last glances before disappearing back
into the bedroom, only his laughter could be heard as the door closed.
 
===============================================================================
 
Later that evening, she stood on the top step that led down into the formal
throne room. Her eyes slid all around watching those whom loitered near the
edge of the arched doors awaiting their turn to be announced. Nervously her
hands fluttered up towards the diadem settled against her brow, remembering the
last time that she had worn this and sighed. No, she thought, this night would
be different, much different.
Eyes slowly turned to look upon her once she began the slow descent towards the
entrance of the room, the dress slithering against the floor with each
movement. She had chosen well tonight, she thought, brushing her hands down to
smooth the long red and black dress that floated along her curves.
Having been lost in her own thoughts she didn't feel the hand cup her elbow at
first until she felt the hot breath against her neck. She turned glancing up at
him with a small, but warm smile eyeing him earning her a wink.
“Chin up, take a deep breath and most of all smile warmly towards the
courtiers. Everything else will fall away, it's just a game of give and take.”.
He whispered as he held out one hand, watching as she laid hers atop his
gently, feeling her warmth seep against his hot hand. “My fierce wolf will be
okay,”. He murmured moving them forward to the edge of the archway, listening
as she gave him a soft laugh, her trembling subsiding.
The yeoman near the entrance gave them both a smile, bowing curtly before
turning to call out, “The crown prince of Valyria, and Lady Arya Stark of
Winterfell.”.
She took another breath seeing every eye now fully trained on the two of them
at the doorway. She chose to look forward to where Rhaegar sat upon his throne
ahead, a smile upon his lips as he watched the two of them.
“Smile,”. Jon murmured to her, his eyes scanning the crowd nodding to some of
those in attendance as her lips curved into a small, but pleasant smile for the
masses. “Breathe,”. He continued, “Almost there, my love, almost there.”.
As they reached the dais Rhaegar stood from the throne upon which he sat with a
smile, clapping gently watching as they stood before him with matching smiles.
He winked, his smile widening as his gaze turned to those in attendance.
“My lords and ladies, tis all good to see you this evening, for it's been a
great while since I have wished to entertain in this way. Tonight however, we
have a cause for celebration...My son Jon has asked for the hand of Lady Arya
Stark of Winterfell as his wife, and she had accepted. Not only has this
occurred but my sister will soon be married to the Dothraki King, Khal Drogo.
So, please let us all give them congratulations,”. Rhaegar's voice rang out
along the room with a soft, commanding tone. His violet eyes scanning the
crowd, watching.
Arya blushed slightly, eyes lowered in a fake submission as Jon began to laugh
noting her expression, “Oh, your good.”. He breathed, tightening his grip on
her hand.
The crowd began to talk softly at first, a few words could be heard as they
drifted up towards the dais, catching Arya off guard. She looked at Jon
quietly, lips quivering as she nodded towards a group of women speaking.
“Ignore them,”. He whispered, his hand against hers still. “Just focus on us,
on this.”.
She nodded, leaning in to press a soft kiss upon his cheek before glancing at
Rhaegar with a smile.
“Don't let what some of the women bother you, little wolf. They did much the
same thing to Lyanna when she first arrived, it took her some time to get used
to them but she prevailed as will you.”. Rhaegar smiled, leaning over to kiss
her cheek lightly. “This will be your court someday, they will follow you
eventually.”.
Rhaegar turned to say something softly to his son as Daenerys quietly stood
from her small chair close to her brothers. Eyeing her nephew as he gave Arya a
gentle kiss on her forhead before moving over closer to his father to begin
greeting subjects, leaving her alone with her friend.
Daenerys grins giving her a hug before squealing softly into her ear. “Showoff,
not one but two babies?! Gonna be the greatest aunt to these two!”. She
giggled.
Arya smiled at her best friend with a little wink. “I had to tell mother today,
not something I wanted to do over the phone, but since they moved Sansa's
wedding back, it's very close to the due date, just had to let her know. So,
I'm sure there will be another phone call from father soon.”. She sighed
gently, grinning again.
Daenerys shakes her head slowly as her eyes glance out over the room, watching
for several minutes before turning back to Arya with a little laugh, “There are
a few women here who have vied for Jon's hand in the past, even if he's never
been interested. I'm sure some feathers have been ruffled that another royal
has taken a Westerosi instead of one of theirs. Don't let them see you rattled,
just take a deep breath and count to ten, then smile and either give them wit,
or turn it back on them.”. She nodded, watching as a few began to approach the
dais, speaking with either their king, or crown prince leaving the two women
alone.
“They don't bother you much?”. She asked Dany with an arched brow.
“Sometimes, mostly because I'm either a female, or that I am not important
enough for them. Either, really used to bother me, but now I figure that if
they don't bother me, then I don't have to cut them off at the knees. Works out
much better, “. She nodded to one of the ladies-in-waiting whom had a goblet of
wine for her, taking it gently she glanced at Arya. “I don't take it personally
at all, anymore. I'm third for the crown, well more once your two bundles
arrive, so I've never been expected to rule.”. She sipped the liquid slowly,
savoring the taste.
She nodded back to her friend, giving the lady-in-waiting a shake of the head
at the offer of wine.
“Does Drogo have a court of sorts?”. She asked cautiously, eyeing her friend.
“I honestly don't know much about the dothraki, but from what I seen in the
time that we were there, he's got an iron grip on what he controls. Except for
you, of course,”. She laughed softly, gray eyes twinkling.
Daenerys tilted her head in thought for several seconds, a steely glint to her
eyes, “Not in the traditional sense, would be the easiest answer. They have
something of a court, but usually it's nothing like this. For the most part
they are busy with their ranches, and some are still considered nomads. I've
been told that those types are in the far reaches of the plains, and are few
and far in-between these days. They have meetings ever six months, like court,
to go over any business that needs done.”.
Soon her friend decided to mingle along those that she was acquainted with and
left her standing on the dais, quietly watching the numerous people that
attended court. Some of the nobles were dressed richly, and others came for
comfort but still were clothed respectfully for their King. One such noblewoman
caught Arya's eye as she came before the dais, giving a little curtsy to Jon,
smiling up at him.
Arya's eyes drifted over the woman critically, glancing at the blond hair
before recognizing whom it was. She could only grit her teeth in frustration as
Beony glanced her way with a cold glare before turning back to speak to Jon
quietly. When she had made jibes at him earlier about being a natural flirt, it
wasn't far from the truth, if she thought about it enough. For he had been
taught to speak with a variety of people since birth and it came out much like
one would think a flirt would, even if that wasn't the case.
“She does not hold a candle to you at all in his mind, little wolf. Do not let
her petty little glances get to you, she has always been a little spoiled by
her father, so sometimes she believes that everyone else will give her what she
wants.”. Rhaegar said softly, glancing in her direction as he motioned to the
seat that Daenerys had vacated for her to sit in, “You shouldn't be on your
feet so much, and I'd much rather have someone to speak with.”.
“You mean you don't want their adoring lavishness right now?”. She teased
settling down upon the smaller throne, fluffing the gowns train around the
floor carefully as she composed herself. Her gray eyes peered out at the room
again, a gentle smile forming on her lips.
Rhaegar snorted softly, fingers gripping the large throne as he began to laugh
again, causing Jon to turn to glance at his father in question. When he was
waved away his attention went back to the woman before him.
“You sounded like her, just then. She once said something similar the night she
was introduced as the crown princess. My father, well he was never like I was,
and thought she was making a mockery of this,” He nodded out towards the room,
his hand widening in explanation, “but, I knew what she had meant, and it was
true. My father wasn't as personal as I am, or as my mother was, but that was
how he was raised, so you cannot fault him. I never wanted to be the stiff,
impersonal King who lorded above everyone, without knowing anyone. Lyanna
helped me with that, much to his chagrin.”.
Arya tilted her head towards Rhaegar with a contemplative frown, “If he didn't
like my aunt, how ever did you get permission to marry then?”. She asked.
Rhaegar glanced away for several seconds in thought, fingers clenched against
the gold of the throne. Those times hadn't been all fun, he thought, but he
persevered against his father's wishes on that one.
“Well, it's a rather complicated story, but to simplify it I reminded my
parents that I had married the first time out of duty and their wishes. When
the accident happened and I lost her and my children, I told my parents that if
I ever married again, it would be on my own volition. When Jon was young, I
told him that I would never force him to marry someone that he didn't love. So
many nobles still adhere to marrying in one's station without the benefit of
love at the onset, and it's always been something that has bothered me. Of
course, I am realist and know that some do end up admiring and even possibly
loving their spouses, but how long does it take to get to that?”. He
thoughtfully responded, a sad smile upon his lips, “I wish I could have loved
mt first wife as much as I think she did me, but, I admired her but love had
never really taken hold. It's one regret that I wish I never had,”.
Arya nodded in understanding remembering what her mother had told her about her
own marriage and never wanted that as well. She would remember this years from
now when her own children would be on their own quests to find a mate. If she
had not loved Jon, there would be no now for her. She would not marry someone
that didn't love her as much as she loved them. Luckily, that was not the case
for her, for she knew how much he felt.
“My parents had much the same arrangement, for their parents had known each
other and wanted the houses to be connected, much like they had been hundreds
of years ago. They were one of the lucky ones, I believe. For they love each
other now, very much.”. She said with a wistful look upon her face, imagining
her mother and father.
“Aye, those two do. I've often wondered about their sanity however, with a
bunch of wolves for children underfoot. “. He teased. “They are lucky, because
most do not find that. You will not have to worry about that either,”.
She nodded quickly reaching over to pat Rhaegar's hand gently, quietly thanking
him for the encouraging words. It had meant a lot to her that he approved of
this relationship, when some would condemn it because of the shared blood, but
Arya had never really thought there was anything wrong. Nor had her parents
either it seemed, for the heartily approved when Jon had come to ask for her
hand.
“I have plenty to worry about these days, but that has never been one of
them,”. She said softly, gray eyes falling upon the blond woman who had quickly
pulled Jon down from where he stood into the crowd with others whom seemed to
share similar acquaintance. He turned to look back at her with a small smile,
full of unspoken promises, before his eyes fell to her stomach watching as her
hands rested close by.
The time began to pass more quickly as the nobles began to take the chance to
speak to the future crown princess, now that it had sunk in that their prince
was not on the market anymore. She began to meet some of the more important
people whom promised to help her become acquainted with her new home, once she
was comfortable enough to explore. Soon Jon had made his way back to her side,
standing tall next to her chair with his hand on her shoulder for support
smiling proudly with each introduction.
“I believe it is time for the little wolf to take her leave Father, she's
looking a little tired and needs to eat else I may lose a piece of flesh.”. Jon
glanced at his Father with a grin, a joke between the two men. “I will see you
in the morning,”.
They quietly made their way down the dais, arms intertwined as the crowd parted
so they could make an escape away from the eyes that had followed them all
evening. Both of their thoughts miles away from the spot that they inhabited
now, each hoping that the days, weeks and months ahead would be happy ones.
 
***** Chapter 10 *****
Five months later
 
The bright morning sun glistened off the tops of the ice covered trees as the
plane came in for a landing outside the city of white harbor. She smiled
slightly, shifting on the seat as her eyes peered out the small window down at
the landscape below. The north never failed the dazzle when it was still fall,
and winter was on it's way. When she had been younger this was always the best
time of the year, before it was fully covered in snow and ice, there was still
the green of the land, but the trees were ablaze in other colors as well. It
called to her, the land, the wild land which had always been home.
“Almost home,”. Jon leaned in close, one hand against her rounded stomach
soothingly rubbing the taught skin. “How is my wolf doing?”. His eyes searched
hers as she turned back to smile at him.
“They are quiet now, thankfully. Earlier I was the current punching bag for
one, or both. I cannot tell these days.”. She glanced at her stomach with a
sigh. “Of course, they sleep when I am up, it would be far too nice of them to
sleep when we do.”.
Jon laughed softly leaning over to kiss her lips tenderly, inhaling her scent
as he did. His little wolf was a fighter and it seems as if the children she
carried would be as well. Since the moment that she could feel them quicken in
her womb they have been active, almost combative she claimed. A few months ago
they could have chosen to know the sex of each, but decided to let that be a
surprise.
“They don't listen to me already, so even if I give them a stern warning, they
will just do it again anyway.”. He grinned at her, eyes twinkling with mischief
of his own. “They must already take after me. But, seriously are you feeling
okay?”. He asked.
“The doctor said I was going to be fine traveling, and I am, I can assure you.
It's heavy work carrying not one, but two children inside you, you know. I'm
just going to go ahead and start blaming you now, so you are used to it once I
go into labor.”. She hummed lightly, hiding a grin.
“Well, I'm sure there is something I can do to make it up to you, once we get
to Winterfell.”. He murmured low, his brows wriggling slightly.
She began to laugh softly, leaning on his arm with a soft sigh, “That is the
sort of thing that got me into this mess Dragon,”.
“You loved every minute of it, don't deny it, Wife”. He leaned in again,
nuzzling her neck lightly as one hand cupped a heavy breast rolling the nipple
between two fingertips. Hearing the soft whimper from her lips, he began to
smile wide knowing that these days she was particularly needy from the
hormones. It was very bad of him to tease her, but he loved to do so. “Oh, yes
you do. Perhaps tonight my little wolf will need to be petted, yes?”. He purred
into her ear lightly, flicking his tongue along the lobe, hearing her begin to
growl.
Before she could respond the plane touched down upon the ground effectively
cutting off the conversation as she watched her husband lean to yell to the
pilot. She smiled to herself relishing that title, husband.
After the evening in the Valyrian Court, they had decided that a grand ceremony
was not what they wanted at all. They were sure that some had been disappointed
with this decision but, in the end it had been up to them to do what they
wished. So, a week ago they had a small ceremony with Rhaegar, Daenerys, Drogo
and few others whom had been close in essos and wed. Now, they would have
another small one here for family, who could be here, and some friends as well.
This time, it would be in the northern style in the godswood as befitting a
child of the land, her father told her a few days ago.
Eddard Stark had called her the day after she had let her mother in on the
little secret, and had surprised her once again. Much like the reaction she had
received from her mother, He had told her that she had least had the promise of
the ring to back up the sentiment. In that moment, all of her anxiety had
evaporated into the ether. Knowing that they were not disappointed in her meant
a great deal, even if she never vocally announced it.
“Let us get you off the plane and into a warm car to go home, shall we?”. A
voice asked her, breaking the reverie that she had been in, granite eyes
watching. “Don't you fall asleep on me now!”.
Arya rolled her eyes, bracing her hands upon the armrests pushing herself up
carefully. It had been so easy up until a few weeks ago to move but now she
waddled when she had to do anything and it was driving her mad. Jon, being a
somewhat smart man, had chosen to not comment when she would bemoan the state
of things these days.
Quickly the crew had them disembarked from the plane, the luggage was hastily
carried to the car and stowed. She sighed as her eyes flickered around the
airport, watching the activity quietly.
“It's about time both of you got here, I've been waiting ages.”. Sam called
out, rushing forward with welcoming smiles for both of them. When he turned to
look at Arya, his eyes widened, “How're you doing little wolf?”. He smiled
again as she nudged him playfully, leaning in to hug the round man with a
little giggle.
“Quite alright Sam, I'll feel better when I can get to Winterfell and have
myself a bath, nap and some food. Perhaps not in that order, but close
enough.”. She eyed her husband and Sam with identical frowns, waiting for them
to move. When they didn't move fast enough for her, she began to waddle towards
the car, mumbling to herself loud enough for them to hear her.
“Don't think anything on it Sam, I've had to deal with this for a few months
now. Pregnancy hormones make her turn at a moments....”. He was able to finish
before she yelled out, “I heard that, get your asses moving!”.
The two men moved faster than she had thought they could, quickly sliding into
the car as the driver began to steer their way towards Winterfell.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
As soon as the car left the Kingsroad she could see the looming grey walls
rising from the ground alerting them that the seat of the north, Winterfell was
soon upon them. Home, she thought to herself happily, glad to have been given
the chance to come back to visit before the two babes were born. At the very
thought of the two nestled inside of her, little kicks pressed on both side of
her stomach sharing her thoughts.
“I felt that,”. Jon whispered against her ear as he tapped her stomach lightly
which had been pressed up against his side, “Lively little pup,”. He grinned
down at her.
She sighed, “If it were only one, no both decided to let me know they were done
with a nap.”. Her eyes drifted back to watch the eighty foot walls of the outer
become closer, the crisp white banner with the gray wolf flew high above the
battlements.
Once, this had been a castle that could have withstood any battle but these
days it was much like most of those that were in Westeros. These days it was a
large estate that helped support much of the infrastructure around this part of
the north.
“So, either of you crack yet and ask the doctor the sexes of the babies yet?”.
Sam glanced between the two sitting across from him. When they both shook their
heads in the negative he began to laugh, “I would have thought by now Arya
would have”.
“I have come close a few times, only because I want to have names ready but
someone won't let me.”. She glanced at Jon, a little pout forming on her lips.
“He refuses to let me know...”.
“Sam, stop encouraging her.”. Jon growled softly before turning to look at
Arya, “You were the one who decided that you didn't want to know. So, you only
have a little bit to go. It'll be okay, M'love”. He sighed, turning his dark
head to look out the windows of the car as it slowed in front of the great
hall.
The doors to the hall opened quickly and out spilled most of her family, in
their usual glory yelling at each other about one another. Catelyn sighed and
glanced at each of her children, about to yell when Eddard whistled shrilly. As
soon as most of the stilled the young wolf with his wife and child in his arms
stepped out with a smile.
Arya grinned out the window at the mass of people waiting to see the trio that
waited for the door to open in the car. Jon slipped out of the car giving them
all a gallant bow before he held his hand out for her to grasp, but she wasn't
the most graceful this far into her pregnancy. She managed to get out of the
car without falling over, which had happened quite a few times in the last few
weeks.
“Well, it has been far too long since the little wolf has been in these
hollowed grounds, has it not?” Her father said with a wink towards her, opening
his arms as she made her way to his side. Eddard glanced up gave Jon a
welcoming smile, “Welcome back Nephew.”.
Catelyn moved to Jon's side, giving him a welcoming hug, “Let's get you both
inside where it's warmer and then we can all visit. Come along you pack of
wolves, inside.”.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Arya was settled by the large fire in the great hall as soon as they entered,
being spoiled by the staff who were happy to see the youngest she-wolf back
here. Her eyes met her mother's quietly, the elder stark woman blinked back
tears as she came to sit next to her youngest daughter, one hand reached out to
rest along the swell of her stomach.
“Goodness, you never do anything by half do you my little wolf? Are you feeling
well? Hungry? Tired?”. Her mother began to laugh, pressing her hand still to
her daughter's stomach, feeling a soft kick. “Well, one of them is saying hello
to it's grandmother,”.
“I'm quite fine mother, but hungry is a state of mind for me most days. As for
these little pups, they are constantly active, one of them kicked against Jon
earlier.”. She smiled softly, her hand resting atop the swell. “Were you always
this tired with each of your pregnancies?”.
“Each one was different from the other, while I was horribly sick with one, the
other I felt not one day of sick. You will find that each child will probably
have their own personalities as well. It will be over soon, and then you will
have two little ones to deal with.”. Cat smiled, leaning over to kiss her
daughter's forehead, “Visit with your siblings, while I make sure your room is
ready and that supper will be on time.”.
Her younger brothers had already disappeared back to whatever they had been
onto before she had arrived, which wasn't all that surprising since they were
still teenagers themselves.
“Where is Sansa?”. She glanced around.
“She said that she would be here in the morning, she was tied up with some
alterations or something. I can never tell these days what is going on. He
keeps her busy with this and that,” Jayne said softly coming to sit next to her
good sister with a smile but lowered her voice, “If you ask me, I don't think
he likes her coming up here without him but, that is just how I see it. I could
be wrong, but Robb shares the same opinion but will deny it if asked.”.
Arya nodded slowly glancing over to where her brother Robb stood talking to
Jon, both men laughing over something each other were saying. They had always
been close, she thought with a smile forming on her lips.
“You would not be the only one to wonder just what is going on, but with
anything you can't mention anything because it just becomes another argument.
That is pretty much how it always has been when it comes to Sansa.”. Arya
sighed, shifting on the chair to get comfortable. “I still harbor reservations
with her choice of groom, however, but it is her choice...”.
Jayne nodded quietly and leaned in closer to Arya with a soft whisper against
her lips, “We all share your reservations Arya, every single person here. We
cannot of course say it with as much conviction as you... given whom he is.
Yet, so far he has not shown anything untoward Sansa so we keep our peace.”.
Arya nodded, nibbling on her bottom lip in thought before she turned back to
her good sister, “Now, let me get a good look at the little pup I seen in your
arms earlier?”.
Her good sister smiled happily as she deposited the still swaddled baby into
Arya's arms. Her smile widened as soon as the baby's eyes leveled with hers.
This child was a true wolf child, she thought looking at his flinty gray eyes
and silky black hair.
“He acts much like you did as a babe, you know.”. Robb grinned as he sat across
from his sister, nodding towards his son. “a temper to behold, stubborn.”
Arya laughed softly, leaning in to smell that soft baby scent that always clung
to any child. Rickard took the opportunity to grasp a mass of the silky dark
hair that hung near his tiny fists, pulling upon it with a soft cooing sound.
Quickly she glanced down at the infant with another grin, kissing his plump
cheeks before separating her hair from his grasp.
“Are you sure we aren't speaking about you brother?”. She smirked, handing the
child to Jon whom had come to sit next to Robb, watching the exchange with a
grin of his own.
“Oh, to be sure we are much of the same aren't we. Jon, why would you torture
yourself with having this wild wolf with you for the rest of your days?”.
“We could ask Jayne why she shacked herself to you as well, but I think we all
know the answer to that one. It's probably the same as why I would want to be
around your sister, insanity of course.”. Jon teased, a pleased grin on his
face as he stared down at the child in his arms. Soon, he would have his own
children to hold and that gave him a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in a
long time. “This one is of the north, no doubt for her looks like his
grandfather,”.
Jayne nodded her head in agreement as she took the now sleepy babe back, gently
holding him against her shoulder with a little laugh.
“I'm sure your children will have the look as well. He is a little wolf, to be
sure. He growls when his needs are not met in a sufficient time. Unless his
grandmother has him, in that case he's a good little boy.”. Jayne murmured with
a grin, gently rubbing the baby's back.
Ned stood at the edge of the group and watched as his family bantered back and
forth with each other. It was good to have most of them here under this roof
again. Soon others would arrive for tomorrow's festivities and it would be
chaos, but Winterfell had been used to that when his children were younger. Now
that his children were having children it would be again, he opined quietly to
himself. Starks were a hardy bunch and would survive for many, many years to
come.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The sun had long set and the stars were twinkling high above when Jon set out
to find Robb. Once dinner had finished they went their separate ways, to
prepare for what would be a long day in the morning. Catelyn had come to their
room with Jayne to speak to Arya, so he had left not wishing to intrude of the
female bonding that was sure to come.
He glanced around quietly in the courtyard of the inner bailey with a grin,
remembering those summers that he spent here. They had been some of the
happiest in his life, just to be near those whom didn't want or need anything
from him. Most especially Robb who had embraced him from the moment they met as
friends and family, and had equally did so to his aunt who shared no blood with
him. It had made the world of difference and now he had the chance to pay some
of that gratitude back, he thought looking down at the large wooden box that he
carried carefully with him towards the lord's tower where he knew he would find
the stark men.
“Wondered when you would wander this way,”. A voice came from the darkness, but
he only smiled knowing who it was. Theon emerged with a smirk, “Blimey, you've
grown older. So, serious too.”.
“So have you old friend, I've heard your to be shackled soon as well. Your
father wore you down it seems, who is the unlucky lady?”. Jon snorted, his eyes
glancing at Theon.
“Lyra Mormont,” Theon mumbled, one hand rushing through his dark hair. “I guess
it could be worse, and she's a hell of a lot better looking than her older
sisters. Still, she's a damn fighter.”.
“Then at least get to know her, you may find that she's actually what you need.
At least it'll stop you from acting a fool won't it?”. Jon said softly,
narrowing his eyes at Theon. Next to Joffrey Baratheon, Theon was quite
harmless but still much gossiped about in certain circles. “You may actually
have to stop spending so much time over in Braavos in the pleasure palaces,
won't you?”.
Theon snorted, shaking his head with another laugh, “Not hardly, but I suppose
I'll have to pretend, for a while that is. Father wants another outpost to
build ships on, and bear island is good enough, he says. Besides, I think it's
time that I stopped being a prat that all of you call me. C'mon, Robb had me
wait out here for you anyway, in case the two hooligans tried to get up
there.”.
Jon nodded following Theon into the tower proper feeling the warmth from the
walls closing in on him. Even today the springs still heated this large castle
for those who lived here, but he had never much felt the cold that seeped into
the very hart of this place. Yet, it still was a marvel to him.
Theon grinned and motioned for Jon to enter the room before him, giving a
mocking bow with a wink. He heard the men inside bantering amongst themseves
about some sport they all loved. As he turned the corner he could see Robb
lounging on one of Ned's large chairs before the fire, sporting a mug of ale.
“You left this probate outside to watch for me, I was surprised he didn't
wander off to get drunk on his own.”. Jon motioned to Theon as he entered a
second later with a large grin on his face.
“Sadly, His liver needs to dry out a little from time to time. Else, he's going
to end up needing a few transplants before he's fifty.”. Robb snickered softly,
eyeing his oldest friend.
“Oi, you aren't too far behind me there prick.”. He grumbled flinging himself
into another chair.
Ned glanced up from a stack of papers on his desk with a small smile at Jon,
motioning for him to have a seat with the rest of the men.
“I have something for you,”. Jon began moving to the desk, his hands gripping
the box gently as he set it down. He glanced at Robb with a small smile,
tapping the glossy wood lightly. “I know that the Starks have an ancestral
sword, a fearsome heavy thing it is. I thought that there should be another
one, something a bit smaller. This is a gift for you on the birth of your
heir.”.
Robb glanced at Jon with an arched brow, looking at the box with a curious
look. He gave his cousin a nod before settling down in a chair to watch as Robb
moved forward. The sound of the little metal locks clicking open held the four
men in the room's eyes. The glow of metal could been seen as soon as the box
was opened fully revealing a shining sword. The surface was as dark as Ice, but
smaller with a hilt decorated with a howling wolf, it's eyes shiny made of
dragonglass.
“For the young wolf, as it is such, it must have a name.”. Jon murmured eyeing
Robb as he stood transfixed staring down at the surface watching the metal
dance in the light.
“Frost,”. Robb chanted quietly, his hand brushing along the velvet that lined
the box, “It's name shall be frost, for in winter it comes before Ice, and no
one wants to see Ice before them.”.
Eddard laughed softly, eyeing the sword with an approving smile. “Frost does
come before ice in winter, yes, very wise choice of names.”.
Robb smiled at Jon warmly, picking up the sword gently from it's nest. His
hands wrapping around the pommel tightly, testing the balance as he held it.
The weight was magnificent as was the beauty of the blade itself, but the world
knew how special this metal truly was.
“Thank you cousin, for this gift. Tis truly magnificent, and I'm sure when the
time comes that the wold pup will know how to use this, and Ice. Remember when
we were trained to use swords,” Robb grinned wickledly before adding, “and
guns..”.
Yes, they have been trained to know how to defend themselves and others when he
had come to Winterfell all those years ago. Eddard believed strongly that if
you were a lord of anything, you should be able to defend said place from all.
The boys ate it up, to learn how to use every weapon that they could get their
hands on, save a few that would have been hard to a acquire. That summer had
been a bonding experience that they would never forget for it forged family
bonds.
“It's a beautiful blade, and an excellent addition to the family. Ice has been
in the family for so long, and now it has a mate to stand with it.”. Eddard
smiled, his dark eyes gleaming as they viewed the blade.
“I'm glad that you both like it, for I wanted something to honor the Starks,
both because you opened your home to me and because you gave your blessing for
me to marry the little wolf. However, more than that you are family, and as
such it's the little things that bind us to each other.”. He explained with a
smile upon his lips. Robb came up next to him with a smile, patting him on the
back with a little laugh.
“You do not have to tell us thanks for being family, it's what we are. You are
wolf as well, part of this pack. As for taking Arya off our hands, well you
made that choice. You can't give her back now.”. Robb laughed softly, “More
importantly, you will always be part of this family, regardless.”.
“Now, we have that out of way.. Theon would you go down and get some more ale
for us?”. Eddard asked quietly, smiling up at the tall man. “and make sure the
hooligans aren't milling around, because I have a feeling they are..”. He
growled, thinking about his two younger son.
Theon nodded and shook his head, rolling his eyes at the thought of Bran and
Rickon loitering around trying to get some brew for themselves. He jumped up
quickly and hurried out of the room.
“Now, that he is gone.. I wanted to ask how my girl is doing?”. Ned glanced at
Jon, those dark eyes that were so familiar yet serious. “Will she be up for
going to King's landing for the wedding?”.
Jon knew what Ned was asking without even having to say it outloud. Yet, he was
surprised that Ned asked.
“She's doing good, but you know how she is... always trying to get herself into
something or another. Luckily, she has been trying to help my aunt with her
wedding to really have time to cause mischief. As for the wedding, I think she
will be okay it will be close for her due date. However, the doctor assures me
that it will be fine. She will not have time to be alone for anything to happen
to her, I will probably have someone near her when I cannot be. There is no
need to tempt fate. I also have rented a floor of the best hotel in the
capitol, so there is plenty of room for all of us. Including my father, aunt
and her intended. I will not have her stay in the keep, there will also be
guards on the floor. Call it being prudent.”. He said quietly, a fierce smile
upon his lips. He had said everything he felt, without having to utter the true
meaning of it.
Eddard nodded in agreement, for he knew that his nephew had gotten the gist of
what he had really been asking. When it came to Sansa, if she was happy then
that was all that mattered, but her choice of groom had been a little
concerning. Still, from what he knew there had been nothing to give any doubts
in the two years since.
Before any could continue this line of conversation heavy footsteps came up
from below on the steps and two voices were in deep conversation. The two men
entered the room loudly, holding more mugs of ale for each of them with
identical grins.
“He waylaid me, sorry.”. Theon said sheepishly glancing at Bran, who had the
decency to give a little shrug.
“It's not like I'm crashing a stag party here or anything, I came up to see the
sword!”. Bran exclaimed, his eyes falling on frost with wide, interested eyes.
“Bloody hell, that is beautiful! Oh, obsidian. Good choice for a northern
sword, I take it you designed this?”. He glanced towards Jon with an inquiring
gaze. Jon nodded his head, smiling at the younger boy.
No, he was no longer a boy Jon thought of the now eighteen year old young man.
Already a few inches taller than his cousin, he looked more like his mother's
family, with his curly auburn hair and lively azure eyes that were always
dancing with interest. Always on the quest for knowledge this one, the old soul
looking for something to quell his thirst for the world.
“I design most of the ones that are ordered, which isn't much considering how
expensive they really are.”. Jon grinned, shrugging his shoulders. “These days
there isn't much of a call for them, but the metal itself is still in want.”.
“Bran, where is your brother at?”. Eddard asked, glancing up from his desk with
a frown. “Or did you mother get ahold of him?”.
Brandon nodded with a smirk, leaning against the desk with a little laugh on
his lips. “Yeah, the moment we got in, she pounced on him. I think I heard her
threaten to chain him in the dungeons, or something like that.”.
Ned sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a few seconds. His youngest was his
test, he knew it the moment the child was born. Wild was not the word that you
would begin to think of when your eyes fell upon Rickon, but that was what he
was.
“What did he do now?”. Robb asked with a smirk, clearly enjoying this. Once, he
had been the one to get the weekly conversations with his father after they had
caught him with Jayne in a compromising position. Now, he was able to clearly
enjoy watching his siblings get the full weight of disappointment settled upon
them.
“Where do I start?”. Ned began, grumbling softly as his hand rubbed the back of
his neck, “First he was caught drinking but no, he was completely off his
rocker and then decided to get into a bar fight with some of his fellow
classmates. I mean, I guess I can be glad it hadn't had anything to do with
females.” He glanced at his eldest, eyeing him. “Shoes on the other foot isn't
it now? Just remember this when Your older and it's Rickard, and you have to
deal with this.”.
Robb laughed loudly, “Well, in that case he's going to an all boys school. I
learn from my mistakes, even slowly, but I do!”.
“No, no you don't”. Theon mumbled glancing at Robb. “How many times did you get
caught? Fifty?”.
“I rest my case,”. Ned eyed his son, lips twitching in a smirk of his own. “No,
Rickon likes to fight. Perhaps it's time to send him somewhere he can hone
those skills before he hurts himself, or someone else.”.
“Send him to Braavos, where you sent Arya. He'll be close enough by for his
sister to go knock sense into him if need be”. Jon grinned as Bran began to
laugh softly at the image of the very pregnant woman slapping around the feral
wolf.
“That's an option, he's fifteen and needs to lean that he cannot go through
like like a warlord. Maybe I'll go over and take a look after the wedding.”.
Ned said thoughtfully as the men began to drink the ale, each in their own
thoughts.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Her feet whispered against the ground as she made her way towards the glass
gardens that stood at the edge of the Godswood. The trees themselves bare with
the coming of the season, all except the weirwood tree in the center of the
space looking high above everything. She had always loved this space in the
castle grounds the best, both because it was quiet and most people left her be
when she visited. But, tonight she wanted to go into the gardens, where it was
warm and inviting since she couldn't sleep.
The stars blinked down from the night sky as she stopped before the glass
doors, one hand pressed against the warmth letting it seep into her skin for a
moment. Since a child, this had been one of her favorite places to visit when
she felt restless. Catelyn could always find Arya here, among the flowers,
breathing in the heady fragrances or digging her hands into the dark and moist
earth. Yet, no one really wondered why she came here, but the answer was
simple. She loved to stare at the winter roses that grew here, crawling up the
among the many panes of glass towards the sky.
Those winter roses always made her think of love, or the memory of love. Ever
since her mother told the story of Lyanna, and when she had missed winterfell
so much her husband planted many of the roses on both Dragonstone and at the
palace for her to remember the north by. As a child she didn't understand the
full meaning of this, but now, it was clear the lengths someone would go to
make another happy.
Her hands cradled around her stomach gently, rubbing the taunt skin. One day
the children would come here and she would tell them the stories that she
learned, and they would know this history. Family. Home. Love.
“Somehow, I knew I would find you out here... Without shoes and enough
layers.”. She heard him behind her, but didn't bother to turn as she smiled
glancing up beyond the glass ceiling at the moon.
“It's warm enough in here, and I couldn't sleep. I tried to get comfortable
but, it's damn near impossible these days.”. She sighed, one hand cupping her
back feeling a slight twinge of muscles. “I know I should be laying down, but I
just wanted to visit here”.
She could hear his sigh as he stepped up behind her, arms wrapping protectively
around her midsection laying those long fingers against the swell of her
abdomen. Leaning back against the hard planes of his chest, her eyes closed
breathing in the scent of the roses, and dark earth below.
“You know, the summer when you first visited... Well, you and the rest of the
hooligans used to go out into the woods to swim...”. She began, a slight blush
forming on her cheeks heating the skin lightly. She could feel him nodding
against the top of her head, only the steady rhythm of his breathing alerted
her that he was awake.
“One night, you all went out with some of the local girls.. probably by Theon's
invitation.. and skinny-dipped.”. Sheepishly she glanced back at him with a
grin.
“I remember.....”. He grumbled, his eyes lidded the gray beneath them dark, as
the sky above.
She nodded, giggling softly as she remembered like it was yesterday the way the
boys were trying to persuade the girls to come into the water with them. All,
except for one who had been quite nude as the rest, but had chosen to not
bother the girls, but lounged on a large rock in all his glory.
“I had followed you all out there to see what you were up too. My curiosity had
gotten the best of them because, night after night there would be a ruckus on
my side of the castle. I was shocked that Mother and father never caught on. I
saw you sitting there, not joining in with the Robb and Theon.”.
He laughed softly into her ear, pressing himself closer to her backside, “None
of the girls interested me, at least not the ones whom would meet us there. I
should confess I was sure you had followed us, but I hadn't actually spotted
you. So, a few times I would just sit on the rocks. Hoping that you were
watching, but you never let on. So, after a while I just would swim and ignore
the girls.”. He breathed against her neck, lips sliding down the sensitive
skin, nuzzling it lightly.
She squirmed against him with another giggle rising from her lips, “I looked,
and watched and fantasized, but I honestly realize why until years later .
Mother would have skinned me alive if she caught me, and would have chained you
all in the dungeons if she had caught all of you. I cannot believe you did
that.. very naughty of you.”.
His laugh filled the air, that wickedly deep thrum that pulled deep inside her
bringing up a gasp as her nipples puckered against the thin material of her
nightdress. Those long fingers of his began to slide up cupping the heavy
globes, growling playfully back into her ear.
“I will be very jealous of the babes once they arrive, for they will get to
touch these while I do not”. He whispered against her ear again, flicking it
lightly with his tongue as his palms tightly cupped the skin again. “They are
magnificent, and so very sensitive. It's amazing how much they have enlarged.
“.
Arya breathed, her skin turning to fire as he touched her extra sensitive skin.
She began to squirm, hips grinding back against him.
“I bet your soaking wet, aren't you my little wolf?”. The soft hiss from his
lips blew across her ear gently, the hot breath making her shudder against him.
When she didn't answer his hands crept towards the hem of the gown, pulling it
up slowly along the creamy expanse of thigh until he could cup the hot flesh.
“No, not soaking.. dripping.”. His voice rasped, deep with desire.
“ye..yes”. She sobbed, biting down upon the lower lip drawing blood, the
metallic taste filled her mouth. She could feel his fingers sliding along the
swollen skin of her sex, only delving in every so often to flick against the
clit causing soft moans to escape her lips.
“My sweet little bitch, always in heat... just for me, only for me. Aren't
you?”. He growled low, “Mine,”. Sliding his fingers from their warm nest as he
spun her around to face him, “Tell me, tell me.. who's are you?”.
Gray eyes peered up at him through the haze of need, coral lips glistening as
they part breathless. She takes a step back but feels the cool surface of the
wall against her backside. She can only watch as he advances on her, eyes dark
and ruthless as a wolf with prey. Before she can look away one hand grasps her
hair tightly, pulling her close to his body again.
“Who's are you?”. He asks again, eyes narrowed and dangerous.
“Yours,”. Arya sobbed out against him, pressing the curve of her stomach up
against him, wanting to be against the warmth that the dragon possessed.
His eyes lightened giving her a little purr of satisfaction from her words,
lips brushing against lips as the fire between them began to lick against each
of their bodies.
“So sweet,”. He murmured against her lips, “turn around and lean up against the
wall, m'love”.
Her body trembled slowly hearing his words, the wolf inside wanted her to run
and let him catch her to mate, but she knew that she couldn't run. Turning away
from his gaze with a little whimper, biting down again upon her lower lip.
Tentatively fingers pressed against the steamy window panes, trying desperately
to calm the heavy thuds of her heart. Ever so slowly the nightgown that she
wore was pushed back up against her hips baring the naked flesh to his eyes.
The urge to squirm surfaced quickly, the heated air touching her already
inflamed skin.
Jon's eyes devoured every curve of his wife's heart shaped bottom. Ever so
gently fingers caressed the soft skin before they crept lower cupping her wet
heat. He could feel the wetness begin to drip down onto her upper thighs,
making them shine in the faint light that enveloped the two lovers.
The only sound that could be heard was the faint rustle of clothing falling
towards the floor of the gardens. The press of the head of his cock against her
flesh caused her to shiver in excitement. In one swift movement, he slammed
into her soft body filling it completely. The feel of his hands grasping her
hips, brought a soft gasp from her parted lips, as he began to furiously thrust
against her soft flesh. This was not the night for soft caresses, or gentle
words she thought to herself. No, they both needed a release.
His hands tightened cruelly against her waist, slamming his cock deep within
her cunt, those velvety muscles that gripped him began to flutter with
excitement. She was close, he knew, those little sounds she made drove him on,
faster and deeper into her willing flesh the wet, slapping sounds of their
union filling the room.
Arya's body began to shiver uncontrollably , the onslaught of an orgasm so
intense made her breath catch. Tiny twitches erupted from deep within her
center pushing them outward, clamping down upon his cock, milking him with
those flutters.
He continued to pump into her body, feeling his own release close to the
surface. Those tight muscles of her glorious cunt rippled over and over as he
could hear the whimpers coming from her mouth. Bracing his palms against the
window, he slammed into her repeatedly, faster than before.
“Fuck,”. He growled jerking his hips tightly against hers as his orgasm
responded to her own. The heat of his seed pouring into her still clenching
muscles, draining him completely. As his body slowed he glanced down upon her,
watching the sweat glisten against her skin.
“You wear me out m'love,”. He murmured softly, pressing himself against her
back, pressing soft kisses along the exposed skin. After a few minutes he
stepped back, gently pulling her up with him. He started down at her with those
gray eyes, lidded still with lust and love.
“I didn't hurt you or the babes did I?”. He asked looking down upon her again,
brushing tender kisses upon her lips.
Arya chuckled softly, shaking her head up at him. She knew that he was worried
their lovemaking would hurt the children, but he was never truly rough enough
to do so.
“You worry too much my love, I would have said something if there had been.”.
She admonished him teasingly, glancing down with a little grin upon her lips.
“I mean, you could hurt me.. but you didn't...”. She trailed off as he began to
smirk.
She watched intently as her husband began to pull his clothing back up, a
little pout emerging as he finished. “Such a good view too,”.
“You can have more of a view once we get back to our bedchamber, I'm sure that
I have more for you.”. He growled, pulling her up against him again, rubbing
his lips against hers. “Let us go, before we are discovered,”.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
Morning came quickly at Winterfell, and with it many preparations for the
midday nuptials. The castle was buzzing with talk and everyone was doing this
part to help get it finished. All, except the bride herself, whom was currently
cradling the littlest wolf in her arms entertaining the baby with funny faces.
She had came to the nursery to get away from her mother's military like
precision.
Little Rickard was a very robust baby, she noted as she gazed down at the plump
little cheeks. He was of the north, to be sure, she noted that he looked much
like the pictures of herself as a baby. He had the temper to match as well, for
little growls could be heard before she entered the room, of him demanding
attention.
“Sweet little wolf, I hear your growls.”. She cooed down at him, a little smile
upon her face inhaling the baby's scent. “What is the matter little one?”.
She hadn't heard Jayne enter behind her but the woman began to laugh watching
the big and little wolf growl at each other.
“You should be sitting down Arya. Hell when I was in my eight month all I
wanted to do was eat, sleep and lay about. Yet, I rarely see you sitting.”.
Jayne grinned leaning over to kiss Rickard's downy head. “He probably needs to
be changed,”.
Arya chuckled handing the child over to Jayne before settling into one of the
comfortable chairs. Yawning wide as the exhaustion of the last few days began
to catch up with her.
“You do have a few hours before they begin to come for you yet, go get some
rest. Your sister should be in any time now. Daenerys and Rhaegar have just
come in. They were scooped up by your mother to help her. She's a great
taskmaster.” Jayne chuckled as she quickly changed the little wolf, listening
to him giggle up at her.
“Were my parents disappointed that we wed after....”. She glanced down at her
round stomach, fingers gently laying atop with a little sigh.
Jayne shook her head quickly, frowning as she picked up Rickard and moved to
the other chair opposite of Arya. The little lord growled up at his mother when
she settled him against her shoulder, patting his little back tenderly.
“Why would you believe they would be disappointed in you?”. Jayne asked her
quietly, a sincere frown upon her face. “No, they were not. However, I believe
they were concerned, but it's you Arya. Of all of their children, they knew you
would be okay and that Jon was beyond honorable. Your father told me he knew
years ago that you would one day marry Jon.”.
She nodded with a little smile, sighing again. “For a while there, it wasn't a
certainty that we would. I'm glad to know that they put their faith in me. I
will say that we were engaged before I knew about the babes, so yes he is very
honorable.”. A blush began to bloom against the apples of her cheeks.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
She stood in the great hall listening to her mother give last minute
instructions to the staff before the ceremony was to begin. Everyone was
outside waiting, but she had almost fifteen minutes before she had to step out
with her father. One would believe just by looking at her that there was no
anxiety flowing thought every nerve in her body, but that would be untrue. This
institution of marriage was still new to her having really only been wed a
little more than two weeks now, but that had been in Valyria and now they would
repeat it here, in the customs of the north.
A flash of red made her eyes turn towards the doors leading out into the yard.
Her sister, Sansa, stood demurely hands clasped together in a nervous pose.
“Arya!”. Sansa exclaimed rushing forwards with a bit of laughter on her breath,
casting a look at Arya's ensemble.
When her gaze fell upon the swollen stomach she stopped, blinking in confusion.
The family had decided that it was not best to let her sister know because of
certain people having knowledge of it, but it had hurt to exclude her. They
were not close, no, and never had been really but she still was family.
“Woah, You're pregnant? Why has no one told me?”. She frowned glancing at her
mother and then back to Arya, eyes filled with confusion and hurt.
“I didn't want to take away from all of your shine, with the wedding and
coronation. We only decided to get married this quick because of the babies...
else we would have waited...”. She murmured quietly, feeling guilty now seeing
Sansa's face.
Sansa's eyes widened again, her lips circling in a perfect circle as those
words sunk in. “Babies? As in more than one?” a fleeting smile appeared, still
betraying the hurt on her features.
Arya stepped forward taking her sister's hands in hers and smiles, pressing a
kiss to the other's cheek gently, “Yes, twins. We do not know the genders, we
chose not to know. Please do not be mad, we didn't do it out of malice. You
know I don't like the spotlight on me,”. She grumbled unhappily as Sansa began
to laugh, shaking her auburn locks.
“I'm more hurt than anything, but I'll get over it. I admit that I have been
very busy so I wouldn't have had time to come visit anyway. But, I think
everything is just about done. It's stressful to have both ceremonies at the
same time, I will tell you that. However, I am glad to be here now.. both of us
are. I dragged Gendry along with me, we needed to get away from his mother for
a few days.”. Sansa said brightly, a pleased smile upon her lips.
Arya nodded in agreement, but deep inside her she began to shriek. By now, she
thought, this whole weird thing should be over with since he's going to marry
Sansa and has not tried to cause any trouble with anyone. Still, She couldn't
shake a feeling that something was brewing, but if it never did it would be a
welcome relief. There was something to be said about not bringing it up to her
sister, because that would cause more hard feelings and she was ready to move
on.
“He's going to be family soon enough that You don't have to ask anymore, and
I'm sure that Mother and Father would like to spend time with you both before
your super busy with being a Queen. This is partly why we wanted to have a
second ceremony here, for Jon was of the mind as well that this was a shared
family so we wanted everyone to celebrate.”. She explained, squeezing Sansa's
hand gently.
“Thank you,”. Sansa whispered, her eyes filling with unshod tears, “I mean it,
I know that there has been problems in the past, but everything is different
now. I've seen Him change, and I just hope everyone else can too.”.
Before Arya could muster up an answer their mother swept back into the hall
making sure that everyone was ready. Her eyes fell upon her eldest and they
quickly hugged before she shooed her off to the Godswood so that Arya could be
in place.
“Thank you, for this. I know that we did this all wrong, children before
marriage but, it was not intentional. I hope that I didn't disappoint either
you or father.”. She whispered, laying her head on Catelyn's shoulder, feeling
those arms wra around her tenderly.
“Oh, my little wolf. You didn't, I swear. It was, yes, a shock to know that you
were pregnant, but you wouldn't be the first bride to be carrying a child
before the ceremony. I didn't worry because of whom I was thinking of, You and
Jon, if it was your brother's then yes, I would have worried. You, however, my
little wolf have been straight in your affections for him. After you had left
home, we figured out it was because you loved him, but as a thirteen year old
we just didn't know how much. At that age it's hard to understand the logical
thinking of a teenager, but we knew that neither of you were flighty. That
helped quite a lot. Also, he was one of the most mature sixteen year old's that
I have ever met.”. Catelyn smiled down at her daughter, brushing back a stray
tendril that had escaped the braid that hung against Arya's shoulder.
“I feel I don't deserve him, sometimes. Yet, I cannot live without him
either.”. She confessed, blushing slightly.
“Rubbish, pure rubbish. You deserve all the happiness in the world, my love.
Sure, it's not been the smoothest of roads for you both, but most of that was
stubbornness on both of your heads. I can only imagine what my grandbabies are
gonna be like if they both have that in them, which they will. It's a stark
trait, your father has it in spades.”. Cat grinned, rolling her own eyes
quickly. “Now, I need to get outside to see if everyone is ready. I will send
in your father in a moment. You take a few minutes to relax.”.
She watched as Catelyn gave a few more instructions to some of the staff before
stepping out in the late afternoon sun. Her voice could be heard for a few
moments, then faded into a dull murmur that came from the direction of the
Godswoods. Anxiety settled into the pit of her stomach as she waited for her
father to come collect her.
“Are you ready little wolf?”. Eddard asked quietly stepping into the hall
quietly, holding the maidens cloak up with a little grin. When Arya nodded he
stepped forward, placing it securely around her, hiding her figure from sight.
“Well, then let us make our way there.”.
She gave her father a smile as she laid her hand upon his arm and stepped into
the bright sunlight.
 
***** Chapter 11 *****
 
 
The large weirdwood tree loomed over the Godswoods like a giant sentinel,
guarding this sacred space as it had for centuries since the first Stark built
Winterfell. The early winter sun's rays casting a brilliant light against the
red leaves that clung to the branches dazzling those whom stood below. The
crowd whom gathered here whispered quietly among themselves before the ceremony
started.
His gray eyes glittered nervously among those who stood close to him, but he
quietly watched. This was what He had waited for so long to do, and now today
was the day that she would fully be his. The first ceremony had been to
formalize, but this one was special. Family would be present for this, and that
made all the difference in his world. Especially here, he thought to himself,
this place would always be special to him because this was the place where
destiny had been set. Had he not visited that summer, perhaps they would have
met later, but he didn't want to think about that.
He had been far too in his own thoughts to notice someone had moved to stand
close to him, giving him a soft smile. His lips curved into a smile of his own
seeing the auburn tresses braided into an elegant crown atop her head.
“We were not sure you were going to be able to make it cousin,”. He smiled at
her, reaching out to hug the tall woman gently. She quickly returned the hug
with a soft laugh, shaking her head.
“It was hard to get out of the capitol, especially with having to wait on
Gendry. However, I told him I would leave without him, if he was going to
continue to stall. This was something that I refused to miss. I have a
multitude of congratulations to give out to you, it seems. No one bothered to
tell me that you were going to be a father soon.”. She pouted, “and my little
sister a mother before me. You will have your hands full.”.
Jon laughed softly, nodding in agreement at the assessment. He already had his
hands full with Arya, but two babies was going to be an adventure. Luckily,
help would be easy to find.
“We will cope as best as we can, but truthfully there will be plenty of help if
it's needed. So, where is your fiancee at?”. He glanced up over the crowd,
finally having spied a flash of gold and dark hair, “Ah, spotted him. So, are
you ready for your own nuptials?”.
Sansa glanced over towards where Gendry stood speaking to Robb and Rhaegar, a
cautious smile formed on her lips watching before she turned back to Jon with a
nod.
“As ready as I can be, I believe.”. She laughed, “Mother just came out of the
hall, so it should be starting soon. We will talk later, yes?”. She whispered
giving a gentle pat before turning to move to where Gendry stood.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
Arya smiled up at her father's nervous look as they stood at the edge of the
godswood. Her eyes glanced through the trees to see the crowd waiting for them
to make an entrance, but instead she sighed softly.
“I felt the same way the morning that I married your mother. I could barely
walk to the sept, but then again I had been rather drunk the night before too.
I know your not having second thoughts, so what is it little wolf?”. Ned said
softly, patting her hand gently.
“Nothing is wrong Father, for once it's all right. I just never thought that
this day would come. I've never been the one who dreamed of all this, that was
Sansa. Yet, here we are.”. She laughed lightly, gray eyes light as they peered
up at her father again.
“Bah, sometimes fate has plans for those whom don't even know it. You were just
a girl who wasn't into what others were, that does not make you any less of a
female. Now, you've turned out to be fantastic, and will continue to be so. We
are all wild when children, myself no exception but I was the sensible one, my
father used to tell us. That does not limit what we can become, but it makes
for some interesting recounts when older. Just remember that. Now, how about I
give you away before he comes back to look where you disappeared to?”. Her
father laughed, glancing ahead with a little grin.
After several minutes of silence between them her father gave a little nod for
them to make their way towards the center of the Godswoods, where Jon stood.
Her eyes lowered but they were trained on the one face that she could see, even
in the dark.
The crowd parted slowly as the two came to stand in front of the tree. She
turned away from her father as his hands pulled the cloak from her shoulders
revealing the black and red gown that didn't hide her condition from those whom
hadn't known. Her palms pressed against her sides gently cradling her stomach
as she moved to stand near Jon with a shy smile.
“You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection,”. The septon
said softly, his eyes turning to look out at the crowd assembled.
Jon turned to look towards his father, one hand out to take the large red
velvet cloak that quietly unfurled against the ground, the black dragon's three
heads became visible as it settled against her shoulders warmly. As soon as she
smiled his hand shot out to capture her's tightly against his, the warmth began
to spread into her whole being.
Quietly a scarlet ribbon was tied around their wrists, sealing the together.
She stared at the little bit of fabric with a smile, there was no going back
now she thought to herself. Not that this had ever been an option for either of
them, and would never be.
“I the sight of the seven and the old gods, I hereby seal these two souls,
binding them as one for all eternity.”. The septon drawled, “Now, look upon one
another and say the words,”.
Arya smiled up into his eyes as her free hand met with his, when they both
started to speak together.
 "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his/hers and
she/he is mine from this day until the end of my days."
She peeked out towards the crowd and noticed her mother's tear stained face
watching them carefully as she leaned against Eddard, who was watching proudly.
The rest of her family's faces were quite the same, which moved her to no end
to know how much they really did care about her.
His hand squeezed her gently as she smiled looking up into his eyes as he
leaned closer to her kissing her lips lightly.
“With this kiss I pledge my love,”. He huskily, “and take you for my Lady and
Wife,”. He smiled down at her, eyes shining.
She gave a gentle laugh, the blush beginning to spread across her cheeks as her
lips did the same to him.
“With this kiss I pledge my love,”. She replied, “and take you for my Lord and
Husband,”.
The septon gravelly looked up from the two of them out into the gathered
people, “Here in the sight of Gods and Men, I do solemnly proclaim that Jon of
the Royal House Targaryen and Arya of House Stark to be man and wife.. one
flesh, one heart, one soul now and forever. Cursed be the one whom comes
between them.”.
As soon as the septon finished the words Jon leaned forward to plant another
soft kiss against her lips, his hands reaching under the cloak to press against
the curve of her stomach, “Mine forever now,”. He whispered into her mouth.
She pulled away with a little grin upon her lips reaching up to pull the ribbon
off their joined hands. “I've always been yours, and you know it”. She
whispered back, her free hand resting atop his. His eyes lightened at her
words, the small nod dipped his head against her own. “I love you,”.
“Now, my love when we get home there will be a formal one of these, most likely
after the babes are born, but for now and you don't have to wear it but on
formal occasions. This is for you, and I should confess this but it had been
made years ago because...”. He glanced away for a second, but swung his eyes
back at her. “Well, you know why I don't think everyone needs to know.”. He
murmured as she nodded, knowing.
“Years ago?”. Her eyes narrowed slightly, tilting her head aside looking at him
curiously.
“Yes, years ago. I had hoped, and well it came true didn't it? Anyway, this is
one of my gifts to you, since you will be giving me two priceless gifts soon.”.
His eyes slid down to where his hand still held against her stomach, tenderly
his fingertips brushed against where his children lay.
She could hear the crowd chuckle softly behind her as her grin widened.
“Okay...”. She breathed happily watching as Rhaegar came forward with a small
polished box in his hands, giving Arya a wink as he unlocked it hearing the
click as it opened for her to look down upon. Her eyes fell upon a silver
circlet encircled with rubies and pearls.
“The rubies are for my house, and the pearls are yours, for you were their
pearl and now are mine.”. Jon answered softly, plucking the circlet from it's
nest settling it against her braids gently.
Her mother stepped forward with a teary smile, turning to look out at those
assembled with a clap, “Please, let us go inside and celebrate this with a
feast, and some music!”. Soon most of the guests were making their way into the
castle, chatting merrily with each other. Leaving only a few to stand before
newlyweds.
Jon glanced down at Arya with another warm smile, “I do have other gifts for
you, M'love, but I will not be sharing them with everyone. However, I do have
another later for you.”.
“Now, now let us have at the new bride.. You have had enough time with her,
given her advanced pregnancy there.”. His aunt badgered as the silver haired
young woman appeared at Arya's side with a great laugh, pressing her hands upon
her friends stomach. “Has he told you what your having yet? I know he knows! He
has to know!”.
“Daenerys! Stop badgering, I doubt he knows.”. Rhaegar growled at his younger
sister, “behave yourself, or at least pretend to.”.
Arya began to laugh softly. For she had missed this greatly in the last few
months that her friend was gone out on the plains spending time with her horse
king. There were times when she needed a good laugh that Dany could provide.
“I honestly do not know. I do know that they are quite active all the time now.
When Arya sits next to me sometimes those little pups seem to be moving around,
or kicking.. I dunno. I do wish we did now know.”. He eyed his bride, dodging
an elbow from her with a laugh of his own.
The newly wedded couple stood alone watching as those they loved filed past,
offering little cheers of congratulations as they did warming Arya with praise.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
She could hear all of those inside chatting loudly to one another as she stood
outside in the receiving hall with Jon. Their fingers still entwined afraid to
let either out of their sights.
“I think we shocked some people today, espically after taking off the maiden
cloak, didn't we?”. He asked with a laugh, his fingertips brushing down the
sides of cloak she wore now.
“I hardly doubt I am the first woman to marry this late in a pregnancy... but,
I do doubt that Royals do this at all.
It's all your fault, you know. We could have been more careful.”. She eyed him
with a grin hearing the growl that rumbled from his chest as his hands grabbed
her, pressing her body against his.
“We should have been, but when it's you.. I sometimes forget to be careful.”.
He whispered, lips nuzzling her neck teasingly.”I should probably just go ahead
and apologize for the future because I am sure you will have more accidental
children because of my need for you.. but then again...You didn't stop me all
the times that I did fuck you now did you?”. His eyes rose looking at her with
a triumphant smirk upon those lips. “No, you didn't, admit it. You have not had
a bad pregnancy, so lots of children wouldn't bother you would it?”?
She caught the curious look from him with a laugh upon her own lips. He was
nothing is not subtle, and would continue to not be when it came to this
subject. Yet, if she acquiesced to his words, then he would win and that was
not going to happen any time soon.
“I will only say that I did enjoy creating them, past that I shant say a word.
Now, shouldn't we be be inside there letting everyone give us congratulations.”
She caught his hand, pressing it against her own with a little smile. “You are
incorrigible, what am I to do with you?”
He laughed low, his eyes turned to look at the door, pushing it open allowing
all inside to see the happy couple, “Well, for now you are to come sup with me,
and then perhaps tonight we shall see.”. His gray eyes bore down on her with a
need so fierce it caught her breath, “But, the only thing I ask of you is to
never lose faith in me. I know you won't but, it's important enough to just
have you swear you won't.”.
She glanced at him with wide, frightened eyes, “You speak as if something is
going to happen my love. What is it?”. Her breathy voice whispered up at him,
as the people before them began to wonder what was going on with the wedded
couple.
“Nothing as bad as you may imagine, my little wolf. However, you asked and it's
all I want in return.”. He replied, grasping her hand pulling her into the
large room to the cheers of the crowd. Her answer was drowned out by the
applause and catcalls from those around them. Soon, they were led to the dais
upon where they sat to look out at the rest of those assembled there.
“I promise that I will never lose faith in you, and you should never lose faith
in me.”. She leaned closer to him, eyes searching his.
“I never have, and never will.”. He answered looking away from her with a
grimace upon his features. “A promise is a promise, and I will hold you to
thee.”.
In that moment it felt as if a bell rang deep within their souls, that only
each other could hear. As if a stir of echoes moved through the pair, binding
them to this promise. Neither heard the whispered talk from below, their hands
intertwined tightly, hearts beating as one.
“And I to you,”. Her words quietly drifted to his ears making him smile. His
nod was enough of an answer.
They sat with matching smiles as those they loved came forward with presents,
or just wanted to give them well wishes. There were also exclamations of wonder
over her figure since none except family had known that she was with child, for
good reason, she mused watching the hall with quiet dark eyes.
“When I first met you the first impression I had of this place, was you.
Honestly, father had told me when I was younger about this place, and the
family whom inhabited it. He had never really hid whom my mother was, but he
told me to make my own impressions of the family once I met you all. I never
understood it until the moment I stood in front of the great rooms fire,
listening to a little girl snarl at me because I chuckled at her. You were ice
to my fire, and have been ever since. We are the song of ice and fire are we
not m'love?”. His voice was low, as he began to chuckle at his own words.
“No, I think you are ice and fire yourself. A royal dragon and wolf combined.
If that is not a song of ice and fire, I do not know what is.”. She replied
with a smirk upon her lips, reaching for a goblet with a little chuckle.
“Ah, then I can only imagine what our children will be then.”. He mused,
reaching out to touch where his children lay, “more wolf, I bet. One of them
will be given a good northern name, I think.”.
Before she could answer her sister appeared before the table with a gentle
smile upon her face, clutching a goblet in her nimble hands.
“Family and Friends, We meet here today to celebrate both a wedding and it
seems the imminent birth of some princes or princesses.”. Her eyes flickered
towards her sister with a little pout upon her soft lips, “Since no one will
tell me anything... anyway, congratulations to the wedded couple, and
congratulations on birth of the new heirs to the throne of Valyria.”.
Arya gave her sister a wide smile, knowing how much the siblings had not gotten
along for most of their lives, being too different in temperament and looks to
have it otherwise. Yet, she was still family and that was important in the
little wolf's mind. She rose slowly, hands bracing against the chair's arms
pushing upwards to gain some traction as she began to chuckle softly.
“Thank you sister mine, but we should also be celebrating another upcoming
event which will be here before we all know it. That is, Sansa will be wedded
and on her own way to a family, Gods willing.”. She exclaimed softly, her voice
carrying around the room. The guests began to cheer, and began to offer their
felicitations to the other couple. Sansa turned to give her a wink and a laugh.
Sansa turned to look towards her intended, motioning him to join her near the
dais. When he stood, taller than many of the men assembled eyes turned to look
upon his visage remembering his own father, but they knew he was cut from a
different cloth. Sapphire eyes took in many of the faces watching him with a
smirk.
“We have brought a gift for you both, but had we known about the children it
would have been another gift as well.” His eyes shifted between the two before
him, hiding any emotion from being read yet Arya could feel the intent every
time they rested upon her.
Jon looked up watching the man before him silently for several seconds, dark
eyes taking in the scene before him. When he seen nothing that would be taken
as Gendry still having feelings for his wife, he began to smile. Perhaps it was
time to let the guard down a little, but not completely. He had to remind
himself that some people are good at hiding their emotions to others,
especially those bred for thrones were. Those were qualities that had been
taught for as long as he could remember, so he knew that Gendry would have been
shaped like that as well.
“We thank you then Gendry, and will soon welcome you to this rather
rambunctious family as well.” Jon replied cordially, his gray eyes locking with
the blue seriously but a smile curved his lips after a few seconds. “You will
need it when dealing with the stubborn Stark Ladies.”.
Sansa turned to look at her good brother with narrowed blue eyes, “I'm hardly
stubborn, I thank you very much. That would be your lovely bride cousin, yet
you seemed to have tamed the wild little wolf. Soon you will most likely have
your own little wolves, or dragons to deal with and then you shall know.”. She
laughed softly, a soft smile upon her lips. “Just hope she can last till my
wedding, for I don't wish for her to miss it!”
Arya glanced at her sister with a wolfish grin upon her features, dark eyes
twinkling merrily as she came to stand next to Sansa. One dainty hand rested
upon her arm with a little laugh. She knew the game her sister played, but she
was far better at this and always had been she found.
“I cannot make promises when the Gods decide things, but I think I will make it
without incident. In fact, they shouldn't arrive for several weeks after the
big day. I may not be able to move much, but I will be there. Even if someone
has to carry me around, I will be.”. Her eyes slid back over to Jon with
another wide grin, watching as his own rested upon her breasts.
If she moaned now, they would know what she was thinking, she mused feeling the
tight buds begin to pucker against the material of the gown against her
sensitive skin. Damn him and his libido, she growled internally. As soon as she
had hit the eight month of pregnancy there had been a switch that hit making
her crave sex even more than normal. Of course, Jon used it to his own
advantage which made her already overwhelmed senses going into overdrive.
Arya knew that the doctor had warned of this at the onset of pregnancy and it
hadn't been a bother really, just inconvenient at times. Still, this has been
fairly easy for her except being uncomfortable most of the day. No one had told
her about never being comfortable or that she would be best friends with her
bathroom because her bladder had shrunk several sizes since the two within her
began to grow. Yet, even after all of this those two whom stirred within were
the most precious beings in her life.
“...need to rest dear, you are beginning to look a little peaked,”. Catelyn's
voice reached her brain making her thoughts go away as she looked up into blue
eyes.
“What? I'm sorry my mind wandered there for a moment. It seems to happen more
these days,”. She said softly, a frown upon her features.
Catelyn gave her daughter a soft, but understanding smile having been a mother
she knew what the human body did when a child grew. Gently she took Arya's arm
and guided her back to the table next to Jon, settling her down upon a chair.
“Rest my little wolf, your food should be here soon. When I was carrying you, I
had a hard time sitting for you were a restless babe within me, always moving
and kicking. A mother should rest, and eat and be waited on,”. Her blue eyes
looked over to her good son with a little smile upon her lips, “shouldn't
she?”.
Jon laughed reaching over to take one of his wife's hands in his, bringing it
up to kiss with a little wink towards Catelyn.
“I do all I can for her, if she lets me. She has slowed down in the last few
months, and hopefully will continue after the children come. But, this is Arya
we are talking of, so it's all I can do to help.”. He murmured as Arya turned
her eyes towards him with a little laugh.
Catelyn nodded, reaching out to place one hand upon her daughter's stomach. The
taught skin rippled as a small foot kicked against the hand pressed upon it,
causing her to laugh softly. Her daughter had been the same way when someone
pressed a hand against her own body during pregnancy. It boggled the mind that
her youngest daughter was married and going to be a mother in a few months.
This was the child that she had worried about the most growing up, because she
was the north made flesh. Yet, now looking back upon it all this was the child
that she knew would survive on her own.
As the evening wore on the guests were replete from the massive quantities of
food and wine, and soon they would be worn out from the music that urged them
to dance in the middle of the hall. The only one whom didn't much dance was the
bride herself, whom chose not to because she was so uncomfortable as the
children shifted within her. Yet, she didn't complain a bit to anyone and kept
a smile upon her lips each time anyone looked up at her.
Jon quietly dropped into the chair next to her with a little sigh upon his
lips, glancing out at Rhaegar who was conversing with Gendry and Sansa. He knew
that his father was an excellent judge of character and yet he still couldn't
find anything that would mark Gendry as less than honorable, but there was
still something in his gaze. Something that he couldn't quite figure out, but
until such time there would always be doubts between them. He wouldn't allow
anyone to hurt Arya now, or ever.
He could feel something in the air, something that he wasn't quite sure of and
from the looks of the Starks. He wasn't alone in the assumption that they
didn't feel it as well. Bran was restless, more than usual for a boy of
nineteen, he thought watching him out the corner of his eye.
“He's restless, and that usually means something,“. Arya said quietly, watching
Bran herself pace near a window, looking out into the night. “ Something is
brewing, I've felt it too...”. She trailed off as Jon stood holding out one
hand for her to grasp to stand.
“We will see, and then it's time for a little mother to be abed, with her
husband, no?”. He said softly, his eyes dark as they assessed her. He knew she
was slowly fading and needed rest. Each day it seemed that she grew more tired
as they day went on, but the doctor assured them it was the children that
zapped her, and to rest more each day before the birth.
Arya sighed unhappily at the thought of going up to rest but not as unhappy as
she would be if it was alone. These days it was a struggle for her to stay
awake even just sitting in a chair.
“What is bothering you love? Don't give me this stupid answer that I am tired,
because that won't wash with me and you know it.”. She hissed as he pulled her
up from the chair, one hand cupping her stomach with long fingers, brushing
against the material of the dress gently. “Don't seek to distract me either,
I'm serious. What is it?”.
Jon sighed softly, his dark head dipped in frustration at her tone, but he
nodded back at her.
“Bran has been agitated since the sun went down, and the wolves have had to be
penned. That has never been the usual around here, granted there are a lot
extra people here but they are generally well behaved. Does that not tell you
anything? It's most likely the free folk again, one can hope. I wanted you to
go on up to the room just so that you can relax, I don't want you to get
upset.”. He stepped closer to his bride, his hand still upon her midsection,
caressing the mound that held his children. “I hope that it isn't the free folk
again, but they scattered too quick the last time. Luckily, meleys came with
father when he flew them over. I can go take a look in the morning, if that is
the problem.”.
She eyed him sharply knowing that if there were problems farther north, that he
would go help possibly missing the birth or the wedding that would be occurring
within the month. Yet, she knew he considered this to be a duty to help the
family. Still she had every right to be concerned because the free folk were
often times dangerous.
“Well, let's find out what is going on before you start giving promises.”. She
said softly, “I know how you are when you start doling out those promises that
you are steadfast in keeping.”.
Jon glanced at the small woman in his arms, sighing softly at the rebuke but
deep down the truth was what she said.
“I don't promise many people, nor do you my love. You've kept every promise
that I've elicited from you. We are both steadfast, are we not? So, will the
little wolves you carry, I suspect. Now, before I have to drag you off, let us
go wish everyone a good evening and get you into bed, my bed.”. He leered,
leaning down to capture her lips against his.
 
***** Chapter 12 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The stars were twinkling down quietly as he stepped from the battlements a few
hours later after dragging his bride off to bed for the rest she desperately
needed. As soon as she fell deeply asleep, he slipped from her arms and out of
the room to seek out answers for the questions that arose earlier.
“Should you not be abed at this hour with your new bride?”. Came a voice from
behind him, but he chose to not turn to look at the newcomer.
“Should you not as well?”. He returned, eyes still scanning the dark horizon
hearing the dragons beat their leathery wings in agitation. Even those beasts
were agitated, as if they knew what others didn't.
“I suppose if I had been tired then the bed would be the best place to be, but
as it stands I am not. There is something out there stirring the peace and we
all feel it. Do you not?”. Bran muttered looking out over the inner bailey of
Winterfell with a sigh. “I know you do, I could see it earlier. The wolves had
to be penned because they were agitated and it seems the dragons as well.”.
“Free folk at it again?”. His gaze turned to look at his good brother, brows
arching.
“So it seems, but there is something else out there stirring or awakening but I
don't feel that it's the white walkers from legends, no this is the work of
men.”. Bran said softly, shaking his head. “No, they are trying to stir
something up, but nothing like we learned in history. They were defeated a long
time ago by start ancestors, and hopefully stay in the realms of time. One can
hope, but it may be prudent to take the dragons and wolves out tomorrow to
check out the wall.”.
“I was going to take Meleys out anyway, it's not far to the wall when on his
back. Your sister will hurt me of course for running out on her but, it
shouldn't be a long task and on the wall should be able to tell me what is
going on better anyhow. The wolves can be let out of the pens now that most of
the guests are gone, I think.”.
Bran glanced down at the courtyard below with a sigh, knowing that summer was
down there pacing up a storm urging on his own mood.
“I'll let them out when I go down to check on things, I'm just not feeling
sleepy tonight, but you need to get back to bed before she finds you out. Her
temper is terrible, always has been so it seems. If you are lucky one of those
children will take after you, but that is just as a scary prospect as her,”
Bran snickered and ducked away from his cousin rushing down the stairs calling
out to the wolves below leaving Jon to his thoughts.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
The next morning hadn't been the best farewell that had received, but he knew
that she was still emotional from both a wedding and pregnancy, but the tears
he didn't expect. They both knew he had to go finish what he had started so
many months ago at the wall, but neither had expected it so soon.
“I will return before the children are born,”. He whispered against her ear,
arms encircling her body pulling it close to his. “Go down to Dragonstone and
relax before the wedding. Don't stress yourself,”.
Arya nodded in agreement with a little sigh against her lips, arms tightning
against his warm body. She knew that he had to go and help, but dammit she
wanted him to stay and be with her. It was selfish, that much she realized but
it was how she felt.
“Please, be careful. I wouldn't know what to do if I lost you.”. She pleaded
softly, eyes closing as her head snuggled up against his chest, breathing in
the scent she so loved.
“I won't take any unnecessary risks, and there will be plenty of us there.
Daenerys will escort you home, and I'll be there hopefully in a few days.”. He
glanced down at her with soulful eyes, unhappy to have to part with his mate
even for a small amount of time.
They both heard the footsteps coming in quickly behind them and the time they
had together was ending. Sam scurried around the corner with his ever present
clipboard in his arms, speaking quietly to himself as he noticed the two
standing there the smile spreading across his plain face.
“Ah, just the man I needed. Arya, good morning to you too. However, I am going
to have to abscond with your husband so that he can get himself ready to head
to the wall with the men. Dany was looking for you as well so that you can
begin your way to the airport. I will of course, keep you updated daily on what
is going on.”. He glanced at Arya with a small smile as Jon kissed her again
before stepping away to pat Sam on his back and moving off talking to each
other.
“Behave little wolf,”. Jon called out loudly making her laugh as they
disappeared behind the library tower leaving her alone in the bailey. It was
not as if she could get in any trouble such as she was a great house now,
waddling to and fro.
As soon as she stepped back into the great hall there was such a ruckus of the
staff rushing about in a quest to get the visitors off to their certain
destinations. In the midst of it all was her mother whom was dictating to some
of the maids where particular luggage was going, as soon as her eyes fell upon
her daughter she stopped with a gentle yet hesitant smile.
“Daenerys has been looking for you, but we all knew that you had to see Jon off
before you would come back here. So, she had the staff gather your things and
is in taking breakfast. Your father and I and your siblings will be staying
with you in a few weeks before the nuptials. Sam told me that everything is in
order for that plus our lodgings for the wedding itself. If you need me there
any earlier, just let me know.”. Catelyn said softly, smiling down at her
youngest daughter with warmth, one hand reaching out to press against her
stomach. “Relax these last few weeks, you won't have much time once they do
arrive. Believe me, I know full well.”.
She nodded to her mother with a tired smile, hands bracing against her back
with a sigh. This morning had been hell on her back when she woke, but she
didn't mention it for fear of more concern. Any time she mentioned a slight
twinge to any of them within hearing it became a bigger hassle with a demand
towards her to slow down, which she couldn't do. Somehow, she knew the twins
wouldn't make it within their nest for the whole time, and it scared her to
think he would be up in the frozen north still as she gave birth.
“I am trying, believe me but I fear I cannot sleep well.”. She said with a
frown upon her lips at the thought of a good nights rest. “I cannot get
comfortable,”.
Her mother nodded knowing what she had said was the truth, being it was just as
hard with each pregnancy that she endured. Women it seemed had the hardest job
with children, but they had a bond that the men really didn't have but they had
their own ties to the children that women didn't know about too.
“Well, try in any case to get some rest even when you can, it will help when
the time comes for labor. Hopefully, we will all be there when that time comes
so it should help you. Now, go get some food while I get everything in order
out here.”.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
One month later
 
The cry of sunfyre made her look up from the book she was trying to read but
having no luck at actually accomplishing. It had been close to a month since
she had heard anything from those at the wall and it made her nervous. Those
whom were attending her in Dragonstone made it a point to not mention anything
related to the north for fear she would dissolve into tears. Which, for a
pregnant women really wasn't a hard thing to do. She knew he was okay, because
if something had happened she would have felt it, she thought.
Still, it gave her great pause to not have heard anything from her husband in
these few weeks. She knew it was worse this time than the last time they had
been up there, more attacking settlements close to the wall this time. The
winter was finally settling in and with it cold weather and harsh climates in
the edge of Westeros.
Most of her family were here in attendance now that they wedding was two weeks
away, all except for the bride herself whom was far too busy to be around
everyone. The capitol was buzzing with activity was all anyone could speak
about, and that was pretty much anyone who was in the know. Yet, she could
really care less about it all because the one person she wanted was not here.
They all fussed over her, making sure that she had everything she needed even
if she refused, they still carried on.
“Princess, you should go relax in bed before you overtire yourself.”. Graves
said seriously as he came to look up at the sky watching the dragon soar in the
currents above the castle, the gold of her skin flashing in the sun's light.
They all meant well, she thought to herself before she turned to look at the
butler with a scowl.
“When I am tired, I will retire but not until that time. I'm fine, I assure
you. They seem to be less active right now, so I have some time to myself.
Please tell mother that I am fine.”. She growled softly up at the tall butler,
who waves away her growl with a scowl of his own.
“Your mother scares me sometimes, so, I must decline to refer to her. She'll be
out here soon enough, for your parents have to fly over to the capitol for some
photo opportunity. No, this request came from the young wolf's wife. She told
me that it's imperative that women this close to birth should rest, or be off
their feet.”. He quietly shrugged, “Her words, not mine Princess.”.
She waved him off with a little frown, clearly not going to follow anyone's
directions but her own. Until she heard from Jon there would be a ball of
stress that had settled against her being that wouldn't go away, just yet. They
all meant well, she knew, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was
happening and that either they didn't know, or weren't telling her.
“Very well Princess, supper will be at the normal time. If you need anything,
let me know.”. Graves said softly, turning to go back towards the castle
leaving her to the thoughts that ran through her head.
Arya turned to look up at the dragon again, watching the leathery wings unfurl
in the currents high above the castle. The rider was barely visible as the
creature dove down towards the water, causing the silver haired woman to cry
out in valeryian towards the dragon as it moved. Daenerys was determined to
have her dragon trained soon so that she could go north if need be, to help she
claimed. Yet, so far they have all told her that it wouldn't be necessary for
her to go up there since there was two helping the effort, and also since she
was in the line of succession that they needed to keep one of the heirs away in
the event something happened.
“She's fearless with that beast isn't she?”. Jayne murmured as her eyes
followed the descent of the silver dragon as it skimmed the water, the shriek
of another high above caused the women to laugh softly.
“As long as I have known her, she had been the same. It's just how she is, and
will always be.”. Arya smiled up towards where the dragon had descended, “I
hope you didn't come out to lecture me, because I am relaxing, just outside
where the fresh air helps. I cannot sit inside for a moment more.”.
Jayne just smiled, shrugging slightly as the child in her arms gave a great
yawn and snuggled up against her neck. Every day her son looked more and more
like his aunt, and acted a great great deal like her as well. The stubbornness
seemed to be inherited it seemed.
“No, Actually I didn't because at this point you will do what you want and no
one will be able to tell you any different, except Jon, and since he's not here
no one will. I will however caution you to at least get out of the sun, if you
would. The gardens would be a better place to enjoy the outside without the
heat bothering you, yes?”. Her good sister said softly, a small smile forming
on her lips. “I promise that I will not nag you anymore for I know it's falling
on deaf ears. Just do this for me will you?”.
Arya nodded, agreeing with her good sister else she would have been dragged to
the shade otherwise, she thought with a smirk at the older girl near her. They
meant well, she noted as she moves away from the seawall, hearing the waves
crash against the rocks with a little smile remembering all the times she spent
there with Jon. This was home to her and would always be now.
“Have you heard from Robb yet?” she asked quietly as they walked into the
shade, the heady aroma of the winter flowers engulfing them in the quiet
silence.
“ As much as you've heard from Jon, which is pretty much no. Then again it's
spotty to hear them that far north because there are their precious few towers
up there, and the cold sometimes messes with reception they tell me. Don't you
worry love, they will be okay and back here within the week, I bet.”.
Before she could comment a sound emerged from the leafy foilage and Nymeria and
her pups emerged cheerfully letting out soft yips at seeing her near. Soon the
four pups would be given away, she thought touching their soft furry bodies as
they lay at her feet quietly growling at each other.
“You scamps behaving for your mother while your father is away?”. She smiled
down at the pups watching as they rolled close to her hands, eager for a
scratch against their stomachs. The contented growls that emerged from the four
gave her a great delight that they were soon to be on their own, and growing.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
King's Landing
 
Catelyn glanced at her daughter with a critical eye as another of the planners
left her side, leaving the young girl grumbling.
“What is the matter love?”. She asked quietly towards her eldest daughter with
a fond smile. Truth be told she loved her children all the same, but Sansa had
always held a special place in her heart because the Tully blood was strong in
this one. This child had given her the least amount of trouble as a baby and
then a young adult, but that should concern her the most because it seems now
is when she would be the problem.
Sansa turned to look at her mother with a small frown upon her face, “Nothing,
really. I'm just nervous is all. Well, that and having to listen to Cersei's
constant complaints have given me a foul taste in my mouth. She's rarely ever
satisfied and I'm to the point where I just do not want to listen to her
anymore. One can hope she takes herself off to the rock or Dorne when this is
all said and done, but somehow I doubt it.”. She grumbled softly, glancing
around with a critical eye.
Cat frowned at her daughter with a soft frown upon her features, the words that
Sansa said made her wonder if she still wanted to go through this, but was
afraid to say so.
“You know, if you are having second thoughts...”. She began but the younger
woman shook her head quickly, a soft laugh emerging.
“Nothing like that Mother, I want to marry Him. Not because he's the king but
because I do love him, I just dislike his mother greatly, and I suspect she
feels the same way about us. When I am queen, I will ask Gendry to make sure
that she spends some time away from us, else this will not work.”. She sighed,
glancing out of the window in the small solar that was her's alone for time to
reflect on things.
“As long as You are happy, then I will not voice an opinion on anything because
this is your life and we support you. So, what else needs be done? I don't want
to leave your sister for very long, I have a feeling those babes will be here
earlier than any of us know. She'll make the wedding, but I'm not sure how much
longer after...”. Cat said quietly, eyes full of concern for both of her
daughters.
Sansa nodded in agreement with her mother's assessment of her sister's
pregnancy. At first, she had been quite put out that they had kept this from
her, but in the end she knew they hadn't done it on purpose but figured that
she was already overwhelmed with her own planning to not put more stress upon
her frayed nerves.
“It will all work out, besides I would be most put out with my sister if she
couldn't attend. If she must be carried around, then so be it. Now, I believe
everything is in order and the first guests should arrive in about a week.
Thank you for helping me with everything, don't think I could have gotten it
all finished in time. Cersei has been no help at all, but I think that is a
blessing because I would be afraid she would sabotage it.”. She mused with a
wry smile at her mother who gave her the same look back, both knowing that it
was entirely possible that the Queen would do something such as that. It was
not that she didn't find Sansa a good fit, she just disliked the Starks because
of the love Robert held for her aunt. It was a fact that stood between them,
and kept Sansa on her feet around the blonde.
 
===============================================================================
 
The Wall
 
The winds stirred the snows that began to drift down towards the ground that
morning, bringing the hint that winter was on it's way and that it was going to
be one to remember. Some of the older black cloaks mumbled that snow this deep
early was a bad omen for those not ready for the season, but most on the wall
were having been used to the extreme temperatures here in the frozen north.
Yet, it still was hard to swallow the stinging wind at it whipped across the
vast expanse of flat land around the frozen wall that separated Westeros from
the free people.
One of the men from the wall glanced back at Jon with a nod towards the edge of
the tree line with a little look alerting them to the presence of wildlings
around. They had become a little bit bolder with each passing day, and yet they
still hadn't tried anything close to all out battle. This made some of the men
who went out each day to inspect the lands that bordered the areas in the north
nervous but not enough to pull back.
The sun was quickly setting causing shadows to begin lengthening against the
large trees that bordered the vast forest which spanned much of the lands this
far north. Cold winds brushed by where the men stood watching and listening as
they had been bidden to by the commanders, knowing full well that the wildlings
were somewhere close.
“The young wolf wishes to speak with you Prince,”. A soft voice whispered from
beside Jon with a little motion towards the lift that took the men back down to
castle black. The words caused a slight hitch in his breath as his dark headed
nodded towards the man who spoke before turning to move away to see what his
cousin wished to say.
“He generally had much to say to me, thank you for letting me know,”. Jon
murmured quietly with a tight smile as the man took his place watching down on
the other side of the wall. Quickly he moved away from the men and back towards
the quiet solitude that he relished from time to time when by himself.
As soon as his feet touched the ice-packed earth it was apparent that his
cousin had news for the both of them. Those eyes so like his were seeking his
out the moment he appeared before Robb.
“What news do you have to share with me?”. He bid quietly as Robb's wolf came
closer to rub against his leg. Jon's fingers dug into the grey of the fur with
a light rub waiting to hear his cousin's news.
“It appears that the wildlings have crowned not a king but queen to speak for
them, which is why they are restless these past few weeks. Oddly enough, it's
someone whom seems to know you, and my illustrious sovereign.”. Robb drawled
with a faint smirk upon his face yet his eyes grew serious as they rested upon
his own.
Ygritte.
“Your kidding right?”. He asked quietly with a soft sigh.
“No, in fact she's going to be at the wedding it seems. Apparently, and now I
do not know if this is truth or no, but they want to have some sort of peace
negotiations so that no one bother each other. Seems, odd but stranger things
have happened.” Robb eyed one of the dragons wearily with a little grimace
still nervous around the large animals.
“So, these little troubles here were because she was chosen?”. Jon quipped
lightly watching his cousin's gaze upon the larger dragon as it slept curled
close to the wall away from the stronger winds. The cold made them tired
quicker which is why it was best they leaved sooner than later before anything
happened.
“Seems so therefor the commander deems that if there is anymore trouble that it
can be handled without our assistance. So, go get your things because we have
three days till the wedding and I don't want to be flayed by my wife, mother or
sisters.”. Robb grinned slowly watching at Jon's face lit up in a rare smile.
There were no words to say between the two men as they went off on their
respective rooms to ready themselves to leave the cold north for the capitol.
 
Chapter End Notes
     I a sorry that it took so long to update the story... life and the
     show intruded on my thoughts. However, I will be finishing this
     story!
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