The next days passed quickly with meetings, audiences and a discreet burial ceremony on the fourth day of Aegon Targaryen's reign. Robert Baratheon had passed away the night following Jon's second visit. They had buried him in the crypts beneath the Sept of Bailor in accordance with Lord Baratheon's last will. The man had not wanted his remains to be sent to his homeland but had preferred his last resting place to be a royal one. Jon hadn't minded at all and had granted the former King his final request.
Only once had Lady Shireen accepted their invitation and had been present during lunch. Jon and Daenerys had tried to talk to her a few times but had gotten no further than to extract the promise from her that she would make an appearance at the tournament and sit close to the royal couple to send a clear sign to the nobles of Westeros that Lady Shireen of House Baratheon was on good terms with her distant Targaryen kin and free to go wherever she pleased. On the third day of his reign Dany had invited her for tea and Jon had joined them to inform her of the promises he had made her uncle and that he regarded her as a cousin, no matter what actions her father might undertake against them in the future. She had nodded and thanked them formally but Jon and Dany had realised that she would only come to trust them with time. Jon had made sure that she was well protected and was attended by servants that she liked. If only Sam had not been so swamped with work, he was sure that the gentle nature of his friend and their joint interest in books would have helped the girl relax a bit in this awkward situation.
Jon reckoned that for the most part things were going well. They had established a two-day schedule for the time being because his reign was still precarious and every day there were new issues that popped up. Jon always started his day with some muscle building exercises in his room that did not strain his right leg. These exercises replaced his normal sword trainings for the time being. Then he broke his fast in the company of his entourage. Every other morning there was a small council meeting held as soon as Jon had reviewed the recently arrived messages. On these days there was no Court session in the afternoon and he either granted a few private audiences or held one or more meetings with a particular adviser in his study. Still, he made sure to dedicate at the most half of the afternoon to this so he still had ample time to help Dany bond with the dragons. These were also the days that they held a royal banquet in the evening so all the nobles got their turn to dine in the presence of the King and their future Queen.
The days without a small council meeting, Jon spent his mornings in the room he now referred to as his study. The large desk once put there on the orders of Robert Baratheon was always littered with scrolls. Ser Gerold joined him to give him his daily brief progress report, Davos followed shortly after to do the same and to discuss the newly arrived information if relevant. Afterwards either Jon preferred to be left alone or he discussed things with Sam and Davos. On these days, tedious Court sessions with endless oath takings and a few public petitions took up the entire afternoon. To compensate for that, supper was an intimate affair held in a private dining room with only his closest family and friends.
No matter what day it was, each one invariably ended with the both of them talking quietly in Dany's quarters. He considered it his reward for performing his duties as King to the best of his abilities during every moment of the day and not looking bored when he felt like it or skipping out on his duties. These cosy moments before retiring to his own room had quickly become his most favourite part of the day. Although leaving her afterwards to return to his empty bed got more and more difficult with each passing day.
After she had fallen asleep in his quarters that first evening in King's Landing, they had agreed to meet in her rooms from then onwards. In the event that Dany fell asleep again, she would at least spend the night in her own bed. The wound on Jon's thigh had been healing fast and she had made him promise to take it easy on the stairs. Jon had needed no further convincing. He was more motivated than ever not to sabotage his healing. He was itching to start training again and would do nothing to jeopardise that. Nothing got his blood flowing and his mind focused so much as an exhilarating training session that pushed him to the limit of his abilities.
He sometimes feared that he was addicted to it as much as some people were addicted to getting drunk or gambling. He had never forgotten the strange sensation of time slowing down when he fought the White Walker and was impatient to get well enough to replicate this feeling to some extent. He had felt something similar - though not as intense - a few times before that fateful fight near Hardhome. The first time had been shortly after the attack of the pirates when they had started fighting in formation during training sessions.
During one particular session, his friends fighting by his side had all been waylaid and he had needed to hold off two of his Kingsguards' blunted sword attacks. If he had to describe it to others, he would say that he had felt himself entering a state of trance and it had seemed as if his body had started to move of its own accord. His feet or better his entire body had been performing something akin to a graceful dance, his mind instinctively knowing when or how to cut, not fearing defeat and operating with the absolute conviction that every move he made was the right one.
Ever since then, he had longed to replicate this experience. He had felt something similar two more times after that. On both occasions it had happened after he had been able to hold out long enough when he finally got his Kingsguards to take him on simultaneously and not hold back. So no, Dany didn't need to remind him not to sabotage his healing process. Jon studied the wound on his thigh each evening before he went to bed and each morning when he got up and was satisfied with the progress he observed. All in all things were going well.
His worst day until now had been the day that they had discussed the situation in the Stormlands and his subsequent meeting with Prince Oberyn. First during the small council session, Lord Varys had given a full account of all the information that he had gathered. So far, no formal answer had been received in reply to the official message announcing the reign of King Aegon the Sixth of his Name. Even if the bird had not reached Storm's End, rumours of his ascension to the throne must have reached Storm's End by now and Stannis Baratheon had certainly already been informed of what had happened one way or another. Jon still hoped that the man would see reason and swear his allegiance. His entourage reminded him daily that it was still too soon and that it was normal that nothing had arrived yet. Jon knew that as well as the others but in this respect the days crawled by. As of yet, Dorne had not sent a formal reply to their official demand for allegiance either. But then again, it was normal that it took more time for a raven to fly to and from Dorne.
Jon was worried however by all the details Varys had related to them about the goings on in the Stormlands. Stannis Baratheon no longer worshipped the Seven but had converted and now prayed to the Lord of Light. Jon was the last person to force a religion on his people, be it Faith of the Seven, the worshipping of the Old Gods or any other deity. In this instance however, the deeds that were allegedly committed by Stannis Baratheon to curry favours from this R'hllor were appalling. People had said the Targaryens were cruel when they burned people alive. Stannis Baratheon had burned his own kin alive. He offered human sacrifices to his new Fire God and did all that to be granted visions. Lots of smallfolk and a few nobles were imprisoned and feared for their lives every night the fires were lit on the beach. Jon had listened with growing concern to all the facts Varys had enumerated.
"As stated before Stannis Baratheon has been contacting several major Houses for some time now and not only ones belonging to the Stormlands. This made us speculate before whether he was planning to overthrow his own brother." Varys' sing-song voice for once had sounded rather flat.
"Add to that that the knowledge that Ser Jorah has sent that several sellsword companies have been approached by Westerosi. Hopefully we will know how these responded when he finally shows his face in King's Landing." Ser Gerold had interjected.
"Mayhap the Red Woman had a vision of the future and Stannis Baratheon's intent has been preparing to overthrow us all along?" Sam had ventured.
Varys had continued unperturbed. "It has now been confirmed that Lord Stannis Baratheon has received a visit from Euron Greyjoy."
"Which other major houses outside of his dominion has he contacted, Lord Varys?" Davos's question had put a stop to the mumblings of the others that had started up when Euron Greyjoy's name had been mentioned.
"The major Lords outside the Stormlands that he has been in contact with that we know of for certain are House Tarly," Varys' voice had trailed off while he looked at Sam.
Jon had nodded at Sam encouraging him to speak up. "I am the last person my father would confide in. But Jon and I, uh we spoke with my younger brother yesterday and he wrote a letter to father then and there and I saw to it that it was sent off immediately. We should have an answer soon."
Davos had gestured to Varys to continue his enumeration. "Stannis Baratheon has contacted House Frey, but ever since Walder Frey has been incapacitated I think we are in the clear there. His sons are neither cunning nor daring. They have been cowered into obeying their entire lives and will not dare to rebel. As you know a delegation of Freys is making its way here. We know for certain that he has contacted House Bolton, but here Roose Bolton's demise has also been a blessing for us and another setback for Stannis Baratheon. Domeric Bolton immediately forwarded us the message he received and reassured us of his fealty."
Jon had spoken up then. "He wrote to me personally to inform me that he has left the north and is travelling to King's Landing as we speak. It looks like he is reaching out to houses that can replace the current Lord Paramounts."
Varys had nodded and resumed. "Stannis Baratheon was even so bold as to contact House Dayne which makes me wonder if he is desperate or wants us to find out what he is planning."
"He probably contacted House Dayne before he knew exactly what happened here and that Ser Arthur is alive and on our side." Prince Oberyn had interjected. "But I get your meaning. He contacted large houses in several Kingdoms. We only know of a few by accident. Who knows how many requests for support he actually sent out and how many will respond now that the political situation has changed dramatically? And now that news of the death of his Robert Baratheon is reaching all he corners of the realm, he has a better argument to rally them to his cause. Instead of Lord Stannis usurping his brother, he can now claim that someone posing as Aegon Targaryen usurped House Baratheon. He can even start rumours that implicate us in his brother's death."
Oberyn had looked the young King in the eyes when he spoke in an apologetic tone. "People might believe him, Aegon. He was the heir before Robert Baratheon changed his mind on his deathbed. And many people still remember the reign of your grandfather, King Aerys II."
Jon had frowned and looked at Varys who had stayed silent. Instead it had been Ser Gerold who had steered the discussion away from the past atrocities of the young King's grandfather. "If I were a Lord who received a request for support from Lord Baratheon and knew of the Targaryen Restoration, it would make me would think twice to go up against dragons. I for one am more worried about Stannis heeding the advice of a Red Priestess, her Lord of Light and the likes of Euron Greyjoy. Those enemies are unpredictable and dangerous, certainly now that we have all come to understand and believe that magic does exist in this world."
Varys had nodded his assent. "My little birds claim that Euron Greyjoy practices black magic. Servants tell stories of how Greyjoy has sailed to faraway lands and has somehow acquired deadly magic by holding a wizard hostage and finding powerful objects. Some stories claim that he has acquired powers himself by bathing in a sacred pool, others that he died and was reborn and is immortal now. The reports are a bit confusing to say the least. I hope things will start to make more sense when new information arrives. I expect to receive several new accounts over the course of the next few days. What I know for sure is that a large part of Euron's fleet is stationed north of Storm's End in a bay where the sea is calmer. And that even though Yara Greyjoy claims that many of his men deserted, he still has an impressive fleet under his command. My birds report that some of Lord Baratheon's bannermen mutter that Euron Greyjoy could sack the Stormlands with ease if he wanted to since too many Ironborn are allowed inside the castle without any precautions. They come and go as they please."
Sam and Jon had exchanged quick glances during Varys' discourse. But Jon had gestured to let it be for now.
"Still," Jon had tried to summarize the situation for now, "Stannis Baratheon has neither declared that he is my enemy, nor has he been moving troops overland in the direction of King's Landing. He is also not sailing here yet. We still have the advantage. We have a large fleet, several armies to call upon and two large dragons. Can't we just wait for a moon or so and then oblige Stannis to declare himself our ally or enemy? If he does not swear fealty, we take the fight to him. We can lay siege to Storm's End and when we have him surrounded, I scare him out by threatening him with dragonfire."
"A sound plan except for one tiny detail." Prince Oberyn had remarked. "You are known as the King who took the Iron Throne peacefully. But more importantly, in an effort to counter the rumours of a power-mad Targaryen with dragons, we spread the news that you care for your people, smallfolk and nobles alike. We have used the argument that you are more Stark than Targaryen. Everyone knows of the reputation of House Stark and what they look like. The tide has turned in our favour but we must not be naïve. Stannis will have spies in the capital and these rumours will have reached him. Most probably Baratheon won't believe you capable of slaughter. If he is smart, he will call your bluff and put the smallfolk in the line of fire. If you are not willing to sacrifice innocent men, women and children, you will lose your tactical advantage."
Jon had frowned. "I used the dragons at the Dreadfort. They blasted the gates so the army could enter the stronghold. I admit that I burned a few vile Bolton guards, a feat that went a long way in scaring the others to submit. But surely we can devise a plan if someone can explain the layout of Storm's End to me? If the dragons can blast a path for our soldiers… "
He hadn't finished his sentence thinking he had said all he needed to get them on board. Realising by taking in their sceptical expressions that his advisers had not been convinced, he had amended his speech. "I will not let one Kingdom stand in the way of my ultimate goal. A united Westeros is needed to fight the Night King and his vast army of wights. I can't take my armies and dragons beyond the Wall if I need to protect King's Landing from a possible attack by Stannis Baratheon and an unknown number of allies."
Davos had interfered then. "Jon, let's table this debate for now. You can't really do anything before either Stannis declares himself or the deadline runs out. As far as we know, you still have moons, perhaps even years before the Night King shows himself again. Remember Lord Reed's last scroll. I propose that unless Varys unearths something rather alarming or a letter from Stannis Baratheon arrives, we table this topic until after your wedding and honeymoon. I know you prefer to deal with your problems head on but these situations take time to develop. Calling banners, preparing for war, it all takes time. The enemy won't declare war or attack before they are united and fully prepared. We probably have several moons to prepare. This is just the first sennight of you reign. Concentrate on domestic affairs."
Jon had looked doubtful but everyone around the table had nodded their assent. Eventually he had given in but had stayed troubled all the same. Dany had not been present at that meeting. For once she had given precedence to other tasks when she had heard that the sole item on the agenda had been the possible war with the Stormlands.
After lunch, Jon had taken a stroll outside and had visited the Godswood. Even if there was no real heart tree present, it still was a place where he could find solitude. His Kingsguards had made sure that nobody entered and only one of them had followed him inside and shadowed him from a discreet distance. He debated on the possibility of Euron being the undead foe he had been warned against. Lord Reed had warned not to underestimate this foe, he would be a formidable opponent, dragons or not.
The moment Varys had uttered something about Euron possibly being re-born, he had remembered the ritual that some Ironborn go through to prove their bravery and ability to lead. Theon had boasted about it enough to Robb. In the presence of a priest, the man is drowned, preferably in salt water and then brought back with the kiss of life. Theon had told Robb that some men didn't survive the ritual. Most did though. Some of them were brought back after their heart had stopped beating for more than two hundred drumrolls. Those were considered as being favoured by the Drowned God.
During the meeting Jon had shared a look with Sam and had known instantly that his friend had been thinking the same thing. If Euron Greyjoy had survived such a ritual, he could qualify as the undead foe they were looking for. A drowned man brought back to life. In the Godswood, seated on the ground, leaning with his back and head against the red oak, Jon had closed his eyes in an effort to find a moment of peace. He had startled when he had heard a voice calling his name.
"Aegon, we need to talk. There are a few things you should be aware of."
Jon recognising Prince Oberyn's voice, had opened his eyes and had looked up into the grave face of the Dornish Prince. He had immediately known by the Dornish Prince's unusual demeanour that something serious was afoot. He had invited the Prince to sit down next to him and Jon had learned a few things about life in King's Landing. It had not improved his already perturbed state of mind.
He couldn't fault Prince Oberyn for telling him. Quite the opposite in fact, he had thanked his friend for coming forward and not protecting him from these things. He had already gathered that his upbringing had been too shielded in some ways. The Starks and his Kingsguards were all men who lived and died by their honour. And even though he knew already to some extent that not everything was black and white, it seemed that there were still things he didn't see coming. He had learned a very valuable lesson in the Godswood that afternoon.
Afterwards, the Prince had encouraged him to relax for a while and they had arm wrestled on a large tree trunk and indulged in other silly games that tested your reflexes. They had exited the woods at ease with each other and Jon had been fairly relaxed. Later that evening though his mind kept returning to all the things the Dornish Prince had revealed to him. For the first time since spending his evenings in Dany's room, he had been distracted and not totally focused on her.
They were seated close together on a chair wide enough to accommodate the two of them. Jon had his arm around her shoulders. Dany was in the middle of recounting her accomplishments of the day when he sighed for the second time. She stopped abruptly and faced him.
"Want to tell me what is troubling you? Has it already become an obligation, a burden to you to come here and spend time with me?" Even though her words sounded rather unforgiving, the look she gave him was filled with worry.
Jon startled. "I'm sorry, you were saying?"
She studied him carefully. "Aegon, something is troubling you. I noticed that you ate little during supper and that you were somewhat preoccupied then also. You have been distracted before but never here when it is just us. What is the matter? Can't you tell me?"
He hesitated but his face softened a bit. He gave her a gentle kiss. "I can tell you. Of course I can tell you, it is just that I didn't want to spoil our time together. I had hoped to find some reprieve here. But my thoughts keep going around in circles and won't let me be at peace."
She took his hand. "Then tell me. Let me help you carry the burden."
"Even if it is not a subject suitable for our limited private time? Even if what I tell you will cause you to become troubled as well? It might even cause you to have a hard time falling asleep because you won't feel safe anymore."
"Now I won't stop harassing you until you tell me." She answered severely but then her expression softened again. "Share your burdens with me, Aegon. I'll do all I can to make them easier for you to bear. Is it not possible that from my female perspective I can see a solution that you cannot?"
He once again gave her a light kiss. "You are right. You are absolutely right. I could use a female perspective on this although," he hesitated, "you never had to put up with expectations from your parents or grandparents. Forgive me for saying this so crudely. But it is a fact that is at the heart of this matter."
She studied his serious expression and he could sense her mulling over what he was hinting at. She slowly started to speak. "My brother had expectations of me. Granted, I was freed of them when he died. I still remember how guilty it made me to feel relief over his death some times. But otherwise, no, there were no expectations of my kin since I had none left. I only could guess at the expectations my parents would have had for me. I did long to return to Westeros and find some kind of connection with the history of my house." She squeezed his hand to emphasize her next words. "I was so happy when I received your first letter. I still remember it to this day. I am glad you wrote to me as soon as you knew of our kinship." She gave him a close mouthed kiss and withdrew when he tried to lengthen it.
"Now tell me?" She asked and installed herself so that she faced him.
Jon sighed and started to tell her all that the Tyrells had been up to. He mentioned that he heard about most of it only that afternoon, specifically the part about Lady Margaery's involvement. He didn't embellish nor did he leave anything out. She grew pale but kept her silence until he had finished.
"She entered my room?"
"Technically it was my room." Jon corrected her. "She wanted to be discovered in my bed so she could claim I had compromised her and I would have been honour bound to marry her."
"And Lady Olenna tried to poison me?"
"Yes, although we have no substantial proof. It would be her word against that of a servant. Varys is fairly sure she is the sole instigator of that plot and the other Tyrells are not complicit."
"I owe Lord Varys and Prince Oberyn my life. You were right. This will trouble my sleep."
"Oberyn reassured me that the poison they wanted to use was not lethal. Oberyn and Varys have taken several extra measures to limit the access to harmful substances. Ser Gerold does not know that Lady Margaery was involved, but it has been brought to his attention that there is a serious threat and he has doubled surveillance in the hallways. I would prefer to stay by your side all night but it is not yet permitted."
She swallowed and let him install her in what had become their favourite position. She sat with her back against his chest safely between his thighs, his arms encircled her waist and his chin rested on her shoulder.
He turned his face slightly and kissed her neck. "All the maidens of the realm can sneak into my bedroom and I will chase them all out. None of them could tempt me to take what they offer me."
"I am a maiden." She was happy however with his reassurances.
"You are the exception of course. I should have said all the other maidens in the realm." He nibbled at her ear and she giggled.
Daenerys withdrew her head. "Aegon, that tickles. We need to stay serious for a bit still. You wanted my female opinion. I suppose it is in regard to Lady Margaery?"
"I do. Ever since I was told, I have been wondering about her. Is she as devious as Lady Olenna or has she been forced perhaps even terrorised into doing her grandmother's bidding. Has her upbringing corrupted her or can she still be a kind, faithful wife to her husband once she is free from her grandmother's influence."
He could feel her grow still in his arms. "You are thinking of Robb Stark?"
"He is like a brother to me. I wouldn't want him to be tricked into caring for someone who will only use him to obtain power and will drop him as soon as a better opportunity presents itself. Perhaps they will even try to poison him when he has served his purpose."
She stayed silent for a while. When she started to speak it was rather hesitant. "I do not know her well enough to offer an opinion. The Tyrells have not been granted many occasions to mingle with us. I don't think anyone of us knows her well enough to either condemn her or to vouch for her."
"Perhaps I should contrive to have a private talk with her without alerting Lady Olenna. My Kingsguard will chaperone me but stay out of hearing distance of course."
"She would probably just start to cry and play you for a fool." Daenerys protested and squirmed a bit in his arms. "It won't bring us anything and if I am being honest, I would not like it one bit. Can't anyone else do it?"
Jon turned her sideways and gave her the kiss she had solicited earlier. When he released her again they were both slightly out of breath. He touched the tip of her nose with his finger in an admonishing gesture. "You're the only one I want to kiss all the time."
But then his expression sobered again. "Varys is gathering as much information on Lady Margaery as he can. Soon we will know how kind she is to her handmaidens, the lower servants, her guards, in short, how she treats anyone she interacts with. But how that will help us find out whether she will be faithful to a prospective husband?"
"What if I try to befriend her, invite her to tea or for a stroll? And then talk to her about crushes on boys and subtly ask her what kind of men she prefers? You know, girl talk? Perhaps I can even steer the conversation to what living with an overbearing grandmother is like, one that is known far and wide as the Queen of Thornes?"
"Do girls that hardly know each other really talk of such subjects? Won't she be suspicious if you ask her things like that? I suppose you could invite her for a stroll or whatever you ladies do to pass the time." She playfully raised an eyebrow at him but he stayed serious. "Perhaps you might find out a little what she is like. But be careful if you venture on her territory. Don't eat or drink anything and excuse yourself without causing suspicion." He paused and was about to recant the entire thing when she reacted.
"Aegon, didn't your uncle write to you once that he had a conversation with her soon after she arrived in King's Landing. He deemed her suitable to marry his son and heir. I recall you telling me that he was so impressed by her that he even wanted to betroth them before Robb and Lady Margaery had the opportunity to meet each other."
"I'm not sure I can trust my uncle's judgement in this. Besides, I can't tell Uncle Ned any of this yet." Jon protested. "If he gets wind of this, he will cut Lady Margaery. Even if it turns out that she is a victim and acted out of fear for her grandmother. Even if we had absolute proof of that, my uncle will not find her fit to become his good-daughter any longer. He abhors deceit and she will have played him perfectly. He will never again believe anything she tells him."
"What a mess. But surely you would tell Robb before a deal was struck. Even if you can forgive her, he would have to live with her for the rest of his life. They can't have such a secret between the two of them."
"I hadn't thought that far yet. But you are right. If Lady Margaery turns out to be decent and kind and a betrothal between them is back on the table, then Robb should know. Before I could allow anything to move forward, Lady Margaery should confess it to him herself. That would be the only way I can see it work. If we ever get that far anyway."
"I agree." Dany said with a heavy sigh, looking rather glum.
Jon sighed as well and tightened his hold on her. "If I had my way, Lady Olenna would be banned from Court. I would imprison her in Highgarden and forbid her to have contact with the outside world. Her kin would have to enforce her isolation on the pains of losing all status if they failed."
"That would only be possible if you could prove what she did. If not, such actions would endanger peace in the realm. We need to keep the Reach on our side, Aegon."
"I am aware of that. Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why are people so obsessed with power?"
"Says the man who wants to rule Westeros." When Jon stiffened, Dany quickly added. "I was kidding, Aegon. There is not a sliver of doubt that you are different. You have an ulterior motive and a true claim."
"And I am not some power hungry mad Targaryen. I would ask for nothing more than to live happily ever after with my loved ones somewhere safe and have just enough of everything to stay healthy and live in peace. I didn't ask to be this King that was Promised. I didn't ask to be born with a birthright and a larger than life destiny. We need Westeros united. The dead are the only enemy that count. I can't help but think that we are being way too accommodating to the Tyrells. The Reach owes the Targaryens everything and we have two large dragons to intimidate them."
"Don't focus solely on your troubles and responsibilities but stop for a moment and count your blessings, Aegon. You have so many. Think of all the honourable men that support you and guide you. You have so many friends and resources. And where others are forced to marry someone they hardly know you can marry for …" She couldn't finish her sentence because he had shifted their position slightly and had captured her mouth. No words were being spoken for a long time.
***
The next morning during breakfast a servant came running up to Ser Gerold who stood guard by the door and handed him a small scroll. After he had read it, Ser Gerold approached the table. "Your Grace, Princess, we can expect Ser Jorah to arrive soon. His ship has docked early this morning. Shall I put him on the list of people to swear allegiance before the royal court this afternoon?"
Dany looked at Jon with pleading eyes. "I would very much like to see him before that. Will he be allowed in our presence before his formal pledge?"
Jon smiled at her and turned to his Lord Commander. "He can make his pledge in private, Ser Gerold. Ask Ser Barristan to join us, will you? If Ser Jorah agrees to join the Dragonguard, he should have an outfit with our sigil at the ready. Send someone to escort Ser Jorah here. He must be made welcome."
"Thank you, Aegon." Dany gave him a close mouthed kiss and blushed when Ser Gerold coughed. They were in what Ser Gerold considered a 'public' setting since servants were coming and going with plates and pitchers. He didn't say the actual words but Dany could read them from the Lord Commander's face.
"What are your plans this morning, Aegon?" She asked quickly to cover her embarrassment.
"Read the newly arrived messages, hear the latest reports, placate Davos and then finally have a long overdue meeting with Sam."
Dany knew Sam was researching the Long Night and fire resistant substances and was also looking into alternate ways to control dragons and the properties of Valyrian steel. Jon had told her to keep that last fact a secret. He wouldn't want to get his advisers' hope up or put Sam and Gendry in danger when word got out that they had a fair chance to produce new Valyrian Steel for the first time in centuries. If they succeeded it would be an invaluable find, one people would be willing to kill for.
She nodded and whispered back. "Then I wish you strength. We will see each other at Court and later tonight.
Jon was about to respond when Davos interfered. "Your Grace, perhaps we can have a word this morning. There are some things you need to know."
"Of course, Lord Seaworth," Jon made it a point to address him by his new title every time Davos called him 'your Grace', "I was just finished here anyway." He gave Dany a quick kiss on her lips and looked defiantly at Ser Gerold challenging him to chastise his King. Ser Gerold merely raised his right eyebrow. Jon smiled and left the room with Davos in tow.
***
As soon as Jon had left, Dany smiled at Lady Ashara. "I'll meet you at the seamstress shortly before lunch." She nodded at Sam who smiled sheepishly in response and then asked Ser Barristan to follow her outside. Dany was strolling around the rose garden to pass the time until Ser Jorah arrived. Ser Barristan followed a step behind her. Suddenly she stopped and turned toward him.
"I noticed you hardly leave my side, Ser Barristan. I know that the guards have been doubled outside my door at night but you are there every time I go to sleep and are also the first one I see when I venture outside my room in the morning. Do you get enough rest?"
"When you get to my age, you don't need as much sleep. And there is a real threat. We are not just being overcautious. I learned that the King informed you last night. Ser Gerold and I are of one mind here. You need to be protected, Princess. And we trust no one as much as the four of us."
"What about Ser Jorah?" She asked him. "Will you trust him?"
"I hope so, Princess. In any event we will know soon enough. Much will depend on how he reacts to the situation. I will not press him into service but will engage him in conversation and inform him of the pending threat. If he really cares and worries about you, he will not want to leave your side after hearing that your life is in danger. He will pledge himself to your service immediately with our without our blessing. That is how a true sworn shield would act."
"I understand, Ser Barristan. Knowing Ser Jorah, you will not be disappointed. He guarded me faithfully long before you came to take me to Westeros."
"He did not follow you as soon as he could have." Ser Barristan countered. "He lingered in Pentos much longer than necessary."
"Test him if you must, Ser Barristan. I understand and promise neither to interfere nor warn him. Tell me, will the four of you ever allow others to join your ranks as equals?"
"They will have to prove themselves first. Ser Gerold is in charge of the selection. I will become more involved as soon as things settle down a bit." His posture stiffened and he reassumed his posture as a Kingsguard when he heard footsteps along the path.
Dany smiled. "It is Ser Jorah. They must have told him to find us here."
Ser Jorah immediately kneeled before her. "Your servant, my Princess. I have returned and am yours to command."
"Please rise, Ser Jorah. I am delighted to see you. You remember Ser Barristan? He has been appointed as Commander of my Dragonguard."
"Then I humbly ask to be allowed to serve under him. I was happy to hear of your betrothal. I can imagine no one more suitable to be Queen than you, my Princess."
"Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan decide the appointments, Ser Jorah." She answered and then changed the subject with an innocent expression on her face. "You stayed away longer than I expected. I was getting worried."
"I apologize, Princess. I hesitated at first, unsure if Ned Stark as Hand of the King would still want to carry out my sentence and I confess that I jumped at the opportunity to prove my usefulness in another way when I got the assignment to contact the sellsword companies in Essos to find out whether they had been offered contracts to fight in Westeros. It took some time before I was able to track them all down and send a full report. If it means anything to you, I did board a ship for Dragonstone before I knew of the abdication."
Dany looked at Ser Barristan and gestured for the loyal knight to handle this further.
"You will need to swear your allegiance to King Aegon before you will be allowed to roam the keep or be in the presence of the King or Princess unaccompanied." Ser Barristan's tone left no room for misinterpretation.
Ser Jorah didn't startle at the slight. Instead he was quick to respond in a calm manner. "I understand, Ser Barristan. I wouldn't think highly of the Kingsguard if they allowed otherwise."
"Then follow us." Ser Barristan ordered him formally. "The King has been informed of your arrival and has agreed to make time for you this morning."
Dany smiled encouragingly at Ser Jorah and the three of them walked in the direction of the Red Keep.
***