*
Jon exited the tent and walked toward the bonfire to claim a spot to share his supper with Dany who had opted to stay in the tent for a moment longer to do some vague female things he hadn't asked her to describe further. He had left Ghost with her and had been happy to notice that at least two of his Kingsguard stayed behind guarding the royal tent.
Davos grabbed this opportunity to approach him. "Can we talk for a bit? Catch up on things? It's been a while since last we spoke."
Jon turned to his squires who had organised a spot for him complete with several small stools just close enough to the bonfire not to get scorched. "Renny, Monty, can you wait over by my tent and escort the Queen here when she ventures outside? As soon as she is settled, you can fill a few plates of food and bring them to us. Only well-done meat. See to it that it is still hot when it arrives. Oh and can you explain to the Queen that there is no need to hurry, mention that it is still quiet out here and that Davos is keeping me company."
"Yes, your Grace". The young boys jumped to their feet and last Jon saw them, they were running past the spot where a large pig was being roasted over a fire.
Jon turned to this his Lord Commander who stood discreetly behind them with Ser Loras and Ser Patreck. "Ser Gerold can you send someone to inform the men who are guarding the perimeter of this royal space you so efficiently cordoned off to wait until I give you a signal before allowing the delegations to join us?
"Consider it done, my King." Ser Gerold gestured for a royal guard to approach.
"Sit down, son." Davos suggested and motioned to the primitive stools. Jon realising he had kind of missed that fatherly tone, readily complied. Davos handed him a cup of ale and sat down to his right. "Daenerys seems well enough?"
"Yeah," Jon answered softly after he had taken a sip. "She is well. We both are well. She has been amazing actually when in Lady Myrcella's presence. You must consider that Lord Willas and Lady Myrcella married almost a moon later than we did and the last few days before we left, the Ladies-in-Waiting were eagerly anticipating news of the quickening. According to the Maester, that will happen any day now."
Davos studied him. "Still nothing to report for the two of you then?"
"She had her moonblood recently, so no. There is one upside to this situation. You see, I won't have to worry about having to protect my unborn heir as well high up in the air tomorrow morning. I'm having a hell of a time trying not to be overprotective." He admitted to his Hand and hunched his shoulders.
"That's very understandable, Jon. We are all worried for her safety here. Ser Gerold has been complaining to me for days what a nightmare it will be to protect the both of you so close to enemy lines. I admit I am guilty of a bit of overprotectiveness myself. Even in King's Landing I sometimes worry over trivial things."
"Like?"
"I've often refrained from imploring you not to let the Queen spar so intensively with Princess Arya. Daenerys trains almost every morning these days and doesn't hold back."
"Dany's technique is improving." Jon dodged his Hand's indirect request. "I actually prefer that it is Arya who is helping her. My little cousin knows what she is about and will not hurt Dany inadvertently." When Davos frowned, he added. "Don't worry. Dany promised to stop her training from the very moment she suspects that she is with child."
"You've always liked Arya best of all your cousins."
"Of all my female cousins." Jon corrected him, nudging Davos' shoulder gently.
"Speaking about cousins, how is Gendry doing?"
Jon smiled. Davos always had a soft spot for the young man and Jon understood how talk of Arya led to thinking of Gendry. Those two were inseparable.
"We're still friends despite my forcing him to stay behind. But I do not think that is what you wanted to hear?"
"I don't mind hearing about that as well. Tell me, is he healthy and not working too hard?"
"He might be the healthiest of all of us, Davos. Don't worry, I asked Sam to look out for him. Arya will keep an eye on him as well." Jon reassured Davos.
"And no doubt you asked Gendry to look out for the both of them and the other ladies for that matter." Davos remarked studying the young King.
"You know me too well, Davos. Why bother asking me these questions if you know all the answers already?
"Perhaps I love to hear your version of things and I missed your company these last few days."
"I'm here now." Jon moved a bit closer to the man he trusted the most of all his advisers. Realising Davos' fatherly feelings needed to be appeased, he decided to provide a better answer. "Gendry seems happy and only works in the forge two or three times each sennight. He never stays in the forge for more than half a day at a time. We need his expertise and it keeps him from growing bored. You can only take so many walks with cousins and friends. He is also keeping up his lessons with Sam and Maester Pylos and itches to go North with me. For now, Arya has been a great help in making sure that he doesn't isolate himself for hours on end. He fancies her, although he doesn't want to discuss it. He takes the occasion meal sitting next to Lord Renly."
"Thanks, son. Perhaps the fact that he is diligently attending his lessons with the Maester will help Lord Renly warm up to him. I make sure to praise Gendry once in a while within his uncle's hearing, but mostly Lord Baratheon just purses his lips and refuses to comment." Davos shook his head.
"I am attempting the same thing. At least as his King, I get polite non-committal answers since Renly Baratheon can't alienate his sovereign. The man is a snob. And not only in dealing with his nephew. Just consider what he did today. He did not say a word during the meeting earlier. He doesn't contribute anything to our cause and still the high and mighty Lord feels that he is entitled to the center seat." He paused to take a deep breath and let out his frustration with Renly Baratheon to whom he was about to hand the Stormlands on a silver platter. Then his tone grew softer. "But I digress. I intended to mention to you that I have spoken with Lady Shireen before we left." Jon didn't have to look up to know that a worried expression had appeared on Davos' weathered face.
"This is not an easy situation for her." Davos offered.
Jon nodded. "I know. I promised her that you and I would attempt to move the Seven Heavens if that would help us find her mother and keep her safe from Stannis."
Davos put his hand on Jon's knee for a moment. "I will pray to all the Gods that care to listen and ask them to help us keep that promise, son."
They fell silent. Davos and Jon sat side by side simply relishing each other's company. Jon was the first one to continue the conversation. "Let's hope that we can get this parlay over with quickly. Then we can start to concentrate on the real war."
"We agreed not to focus on the situation beyond the Wall while we were here. The only thing we will do to further that cause is to try and prevent bloodshed. Don't mention the North during the parlay."
"I know, Davos. I know what I need to say and more importantly what I must not. When they rattle me or when in doubt, I will let you be my spokesmen. 'King' Stannis is deluded though. I can't begin to understand how his mind works."
"Me either. Let's deal with Lord Stannis of House Baratheon and his delusions in the war council tomorrow after you've finished scouting. Now, let's talk about something else, something nice. How are Prince Benjen and Princess Ashara doing?"
"Princess," Jon looked at Davos. "I had forgotten Ashara now carries that title. She certainly doesn't flaunt it the way my other Aunt does. To answer your question, they are doing wonderful. Marriage suits them. Even newly married, Princess Ashara doesn't neglect her responsibilities. She is also planning for the future. She already has two candidates lined up to replace her. Two widows a bit older than her, but familiar with life at court, willing to live in King's Landing and become responsible for all these young maidens and one pregnant recently married Lady-in-Waiting."
"Do I know any of these candidates? I hope Daenerys chooses wisely."
The corners of Jon's mouth curled up slightly. "I can assure you that it will not be Princess Catelyn. I don't know whether you are familiar with her candidates. Better talk to Dany about this. She knows more details than I do. I can only tell you how happy Uncle Benjen is. Most of the time, he is still wearing the same silly grin on his face as when he exited the Godswood moments after saying his vows. You were utterly wrong when you feared that he would not be able to adapt to sharing his living space with a female without the occasional fight."
Davos smiled wistfully. "In this instance, it is wonderful to be wrong. I was so young when I married."
"Just like us then," Dany remarked towering over them both. She smiled when they both startled. "Or wasn't I supposed to overhear this?"
"No secrets here, my love." Jon reached for her hand and pulled her down to him. As soon as she sat down on the small stool that stood to his left, he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer.
She quickly scanned the environment and pecked his cheek. "Where did your squires run off to in such a hurry?"
"They went to fetch us warm food." Jon pointed to the other fire where a pig was being roasted. He smiled the moment he noticed that he was correct in predicting her next question.
"Ghost didn't follow me here. Do you know where he went?"
"Out hunting, I guess." Jon shrugged his shoulders, not worried about his wolf's whereabouts. "Do you want me to check?"
"No, it is just strange that he is not here to protect either you or me." She dropped the subject and looked past her husband. "How have things been here, Davos?"
"I only arrived yesterday, so I have been rather busy. I am glad the both of you arrived safely. I can never get quite used to seeing the two of you arriving on those dragons. They have gotten even bigger."
Dany chuckled. "You say that every time you see them."
"He does." Jon confirmed while he lingered with his nose in her hair before giving her a chaste peck on her cheek. "But he is also right that they have gotten bigger. He always is. You'd better get used to that. Are you hungry?"
"Starving." She answered very convincingly. "I didn't eat much this morning. And after the long flight, my stomach felt a bit queasy so I didn't have an appetite during lunch. I believe I could eat two plates."
Monty and Renny chose that moment to appear with three steaming plates containing a pile of food each. "We fetched one for you too Lord Hand.
"Thanks, lads. I appreciate it." Davos accepted the plate after his King and Queen had received theirs.
"Now run off and fetch something to eat for yourselves." Jon ordered them. He saw several of the royal guard helping out with the distribution of the food. Only Ser Gerold, Ser Patreck, Ser Oswell and Ser Loras still stood at attention a few feet away from the spot where the three of them were seated. Jon nodded at them and noticed they were more alert than ever, with their hands on the pommel of their respective swords, scanning the environment without pause.
When they had eaten their fill, Jon signalled Ser Gerold. Ser Kevin Lannister was the first to be allowed to approach. The courtesies were kept short.
"Your Graces," Lord Lannister bowed. "I wondered if I could use this opportunity to get a bit better acquainted?"
"Of course. I hope you don't mind joining us here in these primitive surroundings." Jon gestured for a stool to be put in front of him. "It is always good to get to know one's military commanders better. I appreciate you taking the initiative."
"Thank you, your Graces." Lord Kevan of House Lannister sat down. Jon made an effort to recall what Lord Tyrion had told him of this uncle as he studied the portly man before him. He had broad shoulders and a thick waist. His once blond hair was greying and he kept it short. His beard was also close-cropped. He had the Lannister green eyes and fair skin. He remembered Tyrion telling him that his uncle had become his own man as soon as he had stopped grieving over his older brother's disappearance. Before that he had just been a pale shadow doing Tywin Lannister's bidding. Tyrion had praised this uncle for his strategic mind and had claimed that the man was solid, reliable and the best man to lead the Lannister forces. And if Jon remembered correctly, this Lord Lannister had fathered three sons and one daughter. At the moment he envied Sam for his eidetic memory. He could recall the names of the first two sons, Lancel and Willem but no further. He had probably been too tired when Tyrion had told him of his extended family.
"You left your wife and your children in good health, I trust?" Dany spoke up when Jon kept silent.
"I preferred not to bring Lancel, who is my heir, your Grace. My twin boys, Willem and Martyn are still too young to be of much service having only recently celebrated their thirteenth nameday. Dorna insisted that I leave the boys at home. They were all in good health when I set out."
"We brought a letter for you from your nephew in King's Landing. It is in my tent." He gestured for Monty who happened to look his way. The boy came running up. "Monty, you know where I keep the sealed messages we were asked to bring. Fetch the one that has Ser Kevan Lannister's name on it for us, please."
"I am much obliged, you Grace." Kevan Lannister bowed his head in thanks. "My nephew was on point with his description of you. I should have known better than to doubt Tyrion's words."
Jon smiled. "Lord Tyrion has a gift with words although he sometimes gets carried away. I have grown to like him." He took Dany's hand. "We both have."
Dany nodded. "I only try to avoid him when he is a bit too deep in his cups."
"He told me he was doing better." Kevan Lannister frowned.
"He is." Davos was quick to mention. "He only overindulges at the occasion banquet when the other Lords challenge him. He prides himself that despite his small stature, he can keep up with the best of them in that department."
Kevan Lannister chuckled now and Jon was glad to see the man relax a bit. Lannister nodded. "That's our Tyrion all right. But he can outdo larger men with other things as well."
"Like winning at cyvasse or talking someone into doing things they had no intention of doing in the first place." Jon smiled. "I make sure I keep my wits about me every time I talk to him."
"I am glad he turned out as he did. My nephew's childhood was not all that happy but nobody in the family dared to go against my older brother."
"Who is ruling the Westerlands now that you have answered our summons?" Davos quickly changed the subject.
"My sister, Jenna. Don't worry, Lord Hand. The servants know better than to try and go against her wishes. I left the Rock in capable hands."
"She is married to Lord Emmon Frey, is she not?" Dany interjected.
"Indeed, my Queen." Kevan Lannister sounded pleased the royal couple took such an interest in House Lannister.
"Your Grace?" Ser Gerold looked up. A delegation from the Vale begs to be introduced to your Graces."
"And that was the reason we took our supper outside." Jon nodded to Kevan Lannister. "I am sure we will speak again. Perhaps a bit later, you can return and introduce some of your knights to us as well?" Then he turned to Ser Gerold. "Tell Lord Yohn of House Royce that we are happy to spend some time in the company of the honourable knights of the Vale."
"Your Graces! Damned fine weather for the Stormlands, wouldn't you say?" The loud voice of Lord Royce boomed and Jon braced himself to meet the twenty knights that had accompanied the Lord Regent of the Vale, all very eager to exchange a few words with their King and Queen.
***
Ghost turned up just when Jon and Dany were about to call it a night. The three of them walked slowly to their tent followed by their Kingsguard. Jon was about to enter the tent with Dany, when Thoros of Myr made it past his guards. "Do you still have time for a word, your Grace?"
Jon helped Dany step inside the tent and murmured something in her ear. Dany gave him a quick kiss. Jon threw Ghost a look and the wolf obediently entered the tent and lay down next to the cots.
"I presume you need a quiet spot to talk, Thoros?" Jon, reassured that Dany would be well-guarded, stood with his back to the tent.
"I'd prefer that. The weather is fair for a change, perhaps a walk to the edge of the woods?"
"I'll alert Ser Gerold. Don't worry. My Kingsguards are trained to keep just enough distance so we will be able to talk privately. And in the event that they should overhear a word or two, I trust these knights with my life and with my secrets." Jon reassured the Red Priest. A bit later they set out and Jon was glad that he had succeeded in getting away without Davos' noticing. He was sure this talk was one about magic and visions and Davos' presence would only make Thoros hold back.
"Did you find Melisandre and were you able to communicate with her?" Jon asked when there was a fair distance between them and the encampment.
"I did. That is the reason I came to find you when you were not surrounded by your advisers. I preferred to tell you first. The red Priestess asks for sanctuary and safe passage to the Wall. She claims that the Lord of Light tasked her to prepare everything over there for the arrival of the King That Was Promised. Your Lord Hand might not be as receptive to her request as I pray that you will be."
Jon nodded. "My Stark cousin had a similar vision. I promise to spare her life and will help her reach the other side of the Wall safely."
"Just like that? That was easy." Thoros smiled. "I like you, kid. I don't know if I told you as much before, but it is true. You are unlike anyone I have ever met. I would have to travel a long way to find someone who not only respects more than one religion but also readily embraces the existence of mystical forces that have been increasing their influence over the world of the living lately."
"I have no other choice, Thoros. Do not forget that I stood eye to eye with the mystical creatures that we need to defeat north of the Wall. I would be a fool to reject the help of any deity that is willing to offer his assistance. Your Lord of Light has proven to be on our side. For now, we all have the same goal. Your God and my people have a vested interest in annihilating this common enemy. Such a situation makes for the strangest allies. I'll do everything in my power to help your Lord of Light, all living beings and the Old Gods to join forces and constructively work together, even if it has never been attempted before." Jon clarified.
Thoros nodded. "So about Melisandre, she promises to contact you on Stormland territory while you are there for the parlay the day after next. She will be disguised but told me you will recognise her anyway. She hopes to leave with your party after the parlay.
Jon studied Thoros for a moment. "She was the source of the intelligence you brought us?"
"For the most part." Thoros conceded. "She is truly helping us, Jon. She convinced me that she has your interest at heart. I trust her. She is ready to lay down her life for you because she is adamant that you are the key to bringing the Dawn."
"And the Lady Selyse? Did Melisandre bring you any news of her?" Jon asked Thoros.
"Only that she stayed behind at Storm's End. She mentioned that Stannis Baratheon will ask for his daughter to be returned to them."
Jon nodded. "And for countless other things that we will not grant him, I am sure. How does Euron Greyjoy fit into all this? What does he want?"
"The Iron throne." Thoros shook his head as if he did not believe that Jon could be so naïve. "Baratheon is a fool if he thinks the man is a trustworthy ally. Greyjoy will usurp him the moment he can."
"Have you found out anything more about the magic that Greyjoy claims to possess?"
"I only exchanged a few words with Melisandre before she had to make herself scarce again. I could not risk staying much longer without endangering myself. Many guards still know me from my disastrous visit to Storm's End a while back. Most of what I told you, she put in a small note that she handed me. To be entirely honest, I suspect her to be playing it safe. Just as I did, she probably presumes that you will need to be persuaded into helping her and it is likely that she will use whatever knowledge she has obtained as leverage to bargain for her life and safe passage on the dangerous journey north."
Jon sighed. "The day after tomorrow then. I hope the intelligence she has obtained will not influence our tactics overly much. I intended to finalize our potential battleplans before leaving for the parlay."
Thoros turned around and they started to walk back in the direction of the camp. "Your cousin, the greenseer, you mentioned just now that he had a vision about Melisandre?"
"Yes. But I can't tell you much more than you already know. He claims that she will play a vital role beyond the Wall and somehow will be able to prepare me for my role or provide me with something or…," he sighed. "Why do the Gods only show us bits and pieces and allow enough room for us to draw the wrong conclusions and fail anyway?"
"I can only give you my best guess. As far as I understand it, the Gods are not a part of our realm. Even if they are much more powerful than all of us put together, they, for some reason are kept separate from interfering in in the affairs of mortals. But as with everything, nothing is fool proof and they have found a way to get through to our world occasionally. Unfortunately the messages they succeed in sending are uh distorted or something. Also, who knows how Gods actually communicate amongst each other. Perhaps they have to translate their way of communicating into ours and some things get lost in translation at their end as well?"
Jon mulled that over for a bit. "My friend Sam would argue that all that you described just now is merely a hypothesis without any substantial proof to back up your premises so he would lend it no credibility."
"I'd argue that Samwell Tarly can provide us with not a single plausible theory to explain the fact that visions reach us from somewhere. Tell me, does young Tarly worship the Seven?" He paused but continued when Jon gave no answer. "Believing what we can't see is the leap of faith each religion requires of its followers. The North and you, for as far as I know, worship odd looking trees that someone carved a face into hundreds, perhaps thousands of years ago. The other folk living in Westeros pray to sculptures. What proof do any of them have that their Gods exist? I bet young Tarly can't come up with a logic explanation for the large following the Faith of the Seven have in Westeros."
"This is perhaps too heavy a topic to end the day with." Jon gave Thoros a small smile. "But before we part, I wish to thank you, Thoros for your loyalty and all the help you have rendered my cause. You will always have a place at my court and I promise you here and now never to prosecute the disciples of R'hllor unless they commit a crime that is punishable by law. Burning people alive is forbidden, except when it occurs during a fierce battle in self-defense or to save the lives of your allies. The other exception is when the victim has stood trial and was sentenced to death."
They walked in silence for a bit until they needed to separate to follow a different path to reach their respective tents. "Good night, King Aegon. Long may you reign." Thoros nodded to Jon and disappeared in the dark.
Jon pushed the flap of the tent aside and found Dany asleep curled up against Ghost. The direwolf opened one eye and closed it again as soon as he recognised his human. Jon made quick work of removing his outerwear, deciding to sleep in his tunic. He would put on a fresh one in the morning. Since the two small cots combined as they stood still had not enough room for the three of them he woke Ghost and convinced his wolf to make room. The direwolf readily obliged and settled himself at the foot of the makeshift bed without much protest. Jon now curled himself around Dany and threw his arm over her. It took him a while to empty his mind and fall asleep.
***
Early the next morning, Dany woke him up and had little trouble convincing him to make good on the promise he made her the night before. The small cots proved to be too fragile and squeaky. A frustrated Dany threw the covers on the cold ground and pulled him on top of her. It was a hurried coupling and Jon was not entirely sure that she had reached her peak when he spilled his seed but she seemed satisfied as she convinced him to join her on their cots to cuddle some more. She stroked her belly slowly with a wistful expression on her face. "I can still feel your warm seed inside of me, Aegon. I always relish that feeling. Perhaps you can take me again before they bring us breakfast? It is still rather dark outside."
Jon put his hand on top of hers and together they stroked her flat belly. "I will enjoy giving you my seed again, my love if that is what you truly desire. Just give me a bit of time to recuperate. I don't think it will make much of a difference though. I gave you plenty just now. The Gods will grant our wish when they decide it is time. Remember my vision. We will have a child or children one day. We can't have grandchildren otherwise." Jon frowned. His eyes had adjusted to the faint light and he noticed a large blue spot above her elbow. When his fingers moved over it he felt a small swelling there as well. "Where did you get this bruise?"
"During my last spar with your cousin."
"Arya usually is not that clumsy." Jon stated, the frown not leaving his face. "It is because I know that she has full control and can hold back when necessary that I'm not worried when she spars with you."
"It wasn't Arya who did this. It was Sansa." Dany bit her lip.
"Sansa is training with a sword?" Jon propped himself up on his elbow to better look at her face.
"Shireen too." Dany confessed.
Jon shook his head. "She never mentioned it. Neither did Shireen." He thought back to his last conversation with Shireen the day before the army was ready to march towards her homelands. His Baratheon cousin had confided to him how worried she was for her mother. She had also found the courage to enquire after what would happen to her father. Rationally she knew that her father's life was forfeit. She had pleaded though to let him join the Night's Watch if he surrendered or was captured alive. Jon had kept his answer vague about her father's fate and had quickly skipped to repeating his promise to do whatever he could to save her mother and maybe bring her back with them to King's Landing. He had been pleased when Shireen had hugged him and urged him sincerely to take care and come back safely to her, proving to Jon that her loyalty lay with him no matter what happened. Jon had reassured her that her cousin Gendry would keep her safe whatever the outcome in the Stormlands. That he should have brought up sword fighting lessons with her had been the farthest thing on his mind.
He took Dany's hand. "Why didn't you mention it to me? Now that I think on it, it is strange no one told me. Ser Gerold never once brought it up during his detailed morning briefings. Perhaps one of you begged Ser Jorah to keep it quiet?" His free hand framed her face so she couldn't look away. "Are you being properly supervised during these sessions, Dany? Do you always wear enough padding? Sword fighting is no child's game. You could cripple each other by accident. What if you were pregnant without us knowing and something happened?"
"Most of the time the Bravoosi sword teacher, Syrio Forel is present but the last time he was not because it was kind of an impromptu goodbye session sort of."
He had noticed her becoming a bit irritated by the way he was questioning her actions but that didn't prevent him from uttering his next words in a condescending tone. "Do I need to have a talk with Ser Jorah? There must have been one or perhaps even two of your Dragonguards shadowing you. Were they just standing by when it happened?"
"I understand your concern, Aegon. I promise to see make sure that us novices are always supervised from now on." He winced when he recognised the sarcasm in her voice. "You do not have to go all high and mighty on me. Besides, how often do I get to kiss your bruises better? Surprisingly enough her next act was to kiss him, smothering the retort she surely knew was on the tip of his tongue. To make sure that he understood that the topic was closed, her hand ventured lower to caress his member back into stiffness. "The Gods can't grant us children without our cooperation, Aegon." She whispered in his ear as she climbed on top of him, her hand still stroking his member.
He moaned and for a moment forgot that they had been in the middle of an argument. Removing her hands he trusted upwards and entered her in one swift movement.
She leaned over and whispered in his ear while rolling her hips. "And you ordered me once always to be honest and tell you when I felt wanton. I feel very wanton right now. Can you stroke me down there?"
"I am pleased you are at least uh willing to follow that suggestion of uh mine." Jon moaned the words while she rode him. His fingers found her small nub and started circling it. "Very pleased actually." He would bring up the topic again some other time. Perhaps not with her. It might be more productive to talk to Ser Gerold and Ser Jorah and give them thorough instructions. All conscious thought left him when Dany leaned forward and kissed him speeding up her rhythm at the same time. For now he would make love to his wife and catch another wink of sleep if he was lucky. The coming day would be stressful enough.
***
It only seemed a short moment had passed when Davos woke them up. "Your Grace, Lord Lannister just asked for an audience. A messenger arrived from Casterly Rock with news from the North and he requests to be allowed to stay neutral in the conflict with Lord Baratheon."
"Neutral? The Lannisters? Whatever for?" Jon asked trying to get his bearings. He quickly covered Dany up upon noticing her leathers were still loose after their last coupling. "Give me a moment. I'll join you outside as soon as I am decent."
Jon made didn't take the time to dress properly and hid his incomplete attire under a wide cloak when he stepped out of the tent. "Davos? What the hells is going on? Can you tell me more?"
"I'm afraid not, my King. Only that he seemed angry about something. It felt as if he had trouble holding back and staying polite while he formulated his request to speak with you. Perhaps you should finish dressing first?"
"Your Grace." Lord Kevan of House Lannister appeared before them and bowed. 'House Lannister formally requests to stay neutral. I want to discuss with my nephew what the Crown must do to restore our faith in it."
"I beg your pardon?" Davos reacted not hiding the affront he felt. "If you are you accusing King Aegon of something then I urge you to be clearer!"
"My niece perished under the King's care." Lord Lannister accused Jon directly now. "I just received word that she took her own life."
Jon frowned and looked at Davos. Davos shook his head and clarified. "We received word a moon back that she attempted to jump of a rock into the Bay of Ice but the guards got to her just in time. The King ordered House Mormont to double surveillance on her ever since. We have not heard of another attempt."
Jon addressed Lord Lannister. "Are you willing to show me the message you received?"
Lord Lannister took a step back. "You call me a liar?"
"Of course not." Davos intervened. "The King merely meant that since we have not received any tidings, he would like to read the message, hoping that the message was poorly worded and she survived this alleged attempt. Will you at least reveal to us who wrote that message?"
Lord Lannister hesitated. "We may have someone visiting Bear Island to keep us informed or our Cersei's circumstances?"
"Then that man will surely have told you of the difficulties House Mormont has been having all this time to keep your sister fed and healthy. Perhaps he might even have mentioned that she cries out for her brother Jaime every night and proudly proclaims to all within her hearing how she should have murdered her husband when she was pregnant with her twin brother's first child." Davos stopped talking when Jon threw him a warning look.
"Excuse my Hand, Lord Lannister. Your sister's antics have caused us many problems and it is not only my Hand that has been losing his patience. She managed to organise attempts to sabotage my reign more than once despite her imprisonment. Perhaps 'your man' might have helped her smuggle messages south and you are involuntarily complicit to these acts of treason?" Jon paused for a moment before continuing. "I should not have to justify myself but I will do it all the same because I highly value Lord Tyrion and have some affection for Lady Myrcella and Lord Tommen. So here goes. I, King Aegon the Sixth of my Name swear on the Old Gods and the New that I have not conspired in any way to bring harm to Lady Cersei of House Lannister while she resides under the protection of House Mormont." He exhaled and then continued in a normal voice as if defending his actions to a vassal was an everyday occurrence. "Couldn't it be possible that she ordered your spy to send you a fake message to have you withdraw your support and that she is in fact still very much alive and well?"
Lord Lannister reached inside his doublet and pulled out a tiny scroll. Jon accepted it without uttering a word of than He read the few words it contained and handed it to Davos.
"This doesn't help us much." Davos remarked as soon as he had studied it. "No date, no signature, no cause of death." He sighed.
"Lord Lannister," Jon spoke firmly and both men turned their head away from the scroll to look at him. "May I remind you of all the favours that the Crown has bestowed on House Lannister since I ascended the Throne and even before that? Lord Tyrion as well as Cersei's children were allowed safe passage to Casterly Rock. Jaime Lannister's life was spared and his bastard children were legitimated. House Lannister was neither stripped of lands nor power. Lord Tommen is recognised as the heir to the Rock. Lady Myrcella recently married into a ruling house and Lord Tyrion is a member of my small council. You are treated with respect and no one has been allowed to besmear the Lannister name despite your niece betraying her King and husband for almost two decades. Do you really believe that Lord Tyrion will be pleased with your decision to stand down and abandon the King you all owe so much at the first hurdle? And make no mistake. You need me more than I need you. I still have enough support to see this through should we need to do battle with Stannis Baratheon without the Lannister army. But what about you? What position will you have put your house in when word spreads that House Lannister refused to defend the Crown when asked for their support? How many noble houses from the Westerlands will approach me with a petition to be granted the position of Lord Paramount, do you think? And how big are your chances that I would be a fool twice over and give House Lannister the benefit of the doubt once more as soon as you come to your senses and beg my forgiveness?"
Ser Oswell and Ser Patreck who were on guard duty had trouble keeping the stoic look on their faces when Lord Kevan of House Lannister bowed his head in submission.
"Are you telling me this report is false, your Grace?" Kevan Lannister uttered in a small voice.
"I am not for I do not know." Jon replied evenly. "Does it really matter any which way? If your niece took her own life, does that diminish the loyalty you owe me for all I have done for your house? Do not forget that your niece was exiled under the reign of King Robert. Further investigation proved that during her time as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, she had a hand in murdering innocent children and servants. But all that is irrelevant to our current issue. If the forces of House Lannister will not heed my call to battle when the parlay falls through, I will have no other choice but to consider your house in open rebellion and will have to act accordingly. Keeping in mind your outstanding reputation and considering our good rapport last night, I will grant you one last chance to reconsider. You have until the Queen and I return from our scouting mission to renew your pledge of fealty in front of witnesses. And now if you will excuse me, I need to dress properly and break my fast." Jon not waiting for a reaction turned his back to both Lord Lannister and his Hand and entered their tent where Dany sat with big eyes. It was clear she had overheard the entire altercation.
"I'm sorry I didn't get to see his face," she whispered and Jon could have kissed her. On second thought, he did just that.