Chapter Text
Dawn Snow gazed in wonder at the large, ominous castle situated at the top of the roughhewn mountain, surrounded by sheer cliffs. She found it harder to tear her eyes away as their rowboat drew closer to the island.
It was unlike any other castle she had ever seen. The stones were jet-black and the architecture was other-worldly. This was no surprise as Dragonstone, the ancient seat of the Targaryens, was said to have been built out of magic and dragonfire.
I hope you are right about the dragonglass, Sam, Dany thought. But after beholding the island, Dany felt it would be no surprise to her if the very ground was made of dragonglass.
Dany looked at the old knight seated beside her, his brow was furrowed deeply as he too stared intently at Dragonstone.
“Does it look any different from when you were last here, Ser Davos?” Dany asked her adviser.
Ser Davos Seaworth shook his head, “From what I can see, Your Grace, it appears the same as it was when Stannis left it. But, who knows, perhaps the Dragon King may done some redecorating.”
He smiled optimistically at her and Dany couldn’t help but smile back. Ser Davos always had a way of easing her worries but she could still feel the knots in her stomach as they approached the shoreline.
Dany could see that a welcoming party was awaiting their arrival. From what she could make out, it was Tyrion Lannister surrounded by a group of Dothraki men clothed in brown leather and furs. She swallowed hard. It had been years since she had seen Lord Tyrion. She wondered how much he had changed since she last saw him and if he knew about what had been happening at the Wall over the last few years.
She stood up as soon as the rowboat closed in on the beach and jumped out when it had hit shallow waters. Dany felt grateful for the feel of solid ground beneath her feet after weeks of being on a ship. The icy waves pushed her forward as she walked towards the shore.
Dany tightly gripped Longclaw, feeling the pommel of the wolf in her palm as she walked towards the welcoming party. She looked to her side to ensure Ser Davos was close behind her. But the Onion Knight’s face looked relaxed as he walked beside Dany with his hands behind his back.
She looked over her shoulder at the men who came with her as they brought the rowboat on to the shore. Dany took a deep breath and stopped in front of Lord Tyrion. Her eyes immediately studied the Dothraki men with their half-scythes in their hands. Beside Lord Tyrion was a tall woman with dark chocolate skin and tightly curled hair. She had a pleasant smile and was garbed in a black leather dress with a Targaryen sigil on the sash across her chest.
“Lord Tyrion.” Dany greeted as she stopped in front of the welcome party with a respectful bow of her head.
“Dawn Snow.” Tyrion responded with an amused look, “You don’t look anything like the bastard girl I left on the Wall years ago.”
Dany swallowed hard.
That girl is dead, she wanted to say but thought better of it.
Instead Dany forced a smile, “Well, you don’t look exactly like the talkative imp who I last saw pissing off the edge of the Wall.”
He did look different, Dany observed. There was an old scar across his face that she had never seen before. A thick beard covered half his face and his blonde hair was darker, longer and more unruly. A silver brooch with the emblem of a fist was pinned on his left breast. There was little humor in his eyes now, as if he had just walked through hell and brought the demons back with him.
Tyrion managed a small smirk at her response and for a moment Dany saw a hint of the old Tyrion in his green eyes, “No. I believe the years have indeed changed us. But then again, who am I to say what the years have brought. I’ve stumbled my way drunkenly through all of them and yet I’m still here.”
“Yes, and as the Hand to Aegon Targaryen, no less.” Ser Davos spoke up from behind Dany. She passed her advisor a wary look for speaking out of turn but Tyrion didn’t look perturbed.
“This is Ser Davos Seaworth, Lord Tyrion.” Dany stated quickly, “He’s one of my closest advisors and he fought at my side when my sister and I took back Winterfell.”
“Ah yes, the Onion knight. You were Hand to Stannis Baratheon were you not?” Tyrion asked with a cock of his eyebrow.
“Around the same time you were Hand to Joffrey.” Ser Davos replied without pause.
Dany’s eyes darted between the two men. They had just walked on to the shore and already it seemed that tensions were fracturing their already fragile alliance.
“Your wildfire trick killed my son.” Ser Davos said with a hard frown.
A grim look passed Tyrion’s face, “We were on opposite sides at the Battle of Battlewater Bay. War… has unfortunate consequences, as I’m sure you’re well aware.”
“Aye.” Ser Davos replied, “Some consequences burn a far more permanent mark than others.”
“Yes.” Tyrion said with a short nod, “I, more than anyone, know that for certain.”
Dany flashed Ser Davos a warning gaze and the knight cleared his throat as he extended a hand to Lord Tyrion.
“Perhaps it’s best to leave the past where it is and focus on the more imminent future.” Ser Davos stated with a more cordial tone.
Tyrion seemed to breathe a silent sigh of relief as he shook Ser Davos’ offered hand.
The woman at Lord Tyrion’s side was silent as she listened to the exchanges and Ser Davos turned his curious gaze towards her.
Tyrion noticed this and immediately said, “Apologies. This is Missandei of Naath. She sits on our King’s council as one of his most trusted advisors.”
Missandei bowed her head and said cordially, “Welcome to Dragonstone. The King is grateful for the efforts you’ve made on his behalf to undertake this long journey.”
Dany gave her a simple smile, “We are most anxious to meet him.”
“Before your audience with our King, he kindly asks that you surrender all your weapons. If you please.” Missandei stated as she motioned for the Dothraki men to approach them.
Dany noticed Ser Davos’ gaze on her and she glanced at him before nodding briefly. Dany wanted this meeting to go as smoothly as possible and if she had to give up her weapons for that to happen, she would have no hesitancy to do so. She motioned to her soldiers to do the same.
Dany unbuckled her sword belt and pulled out her knives from her boot and sleeve. A tall Dothraki man walked towards her, looking her up and down before he retrieved her weapons from her. He tied his half-scythe to a leather belt on his side so his hands were free to Dany’s weapons. He gave her an imposing glare but Dany stood her ground as he walked away with her blades.
The other Dothraki men walked towards the rowboat they had used to get ashore and without a word, the Dothraki picked it up and took it away.
Dany clenched her jaw. She, her soldiers and Ser Davos had just implicitly become prisoners on this island.
“This way, please.” Missandei said politely as she and Tyrion led the way towards the castle.
Dany watched as Ser Davos walked a little quicker to chat quietly with Missandei. When they finished their brief conversation, Dany lifted an inquiring eyebrow.
“I take back what I said,” Davos said in a low voice, “This place has changed.”
Dany chuckled as she shook her head at the Onion Knight.
As they passed the enormous dragon head stone sculptures at the open gates, Dany had to remind herself to breathe as her eyes looked upon the long ascending stairway.
Dany kept pace with Lord Tyrion at the front of the group.
“You spoke of your sister, the Lady Sansa. I had heard that she was taken by the Boltons and married off to that unpleasant bastard, Ramsay Snow. But she is safe and well?” Tyrion asked with sincere concern.
Dany felt the familiar stirring of rage within her from just hearing about the Bolton name as she nodded, “She is.”
Tyrion smirked, “Good. Does she miss me terribly?”
Dany passed him a stern look and Tyrion chuckled, “I meant no offense. It was a sham marriage, unconsummated and unblemished. My only regret was being unable to save her from the Boltons.”
“What matters is that she is safe now, my lord.” Dany stated, her eyes staring straight ahead.
“Yes, of course.” Tyrion replied, “Was she agreeable to you journeying south to meet our King?”
“No, she was not.”
“Because of me?” Tyrion questioned.
Dany shook her head and replied with an appreciative tone, “No. She said you were kind to her even before you were both married. I haven't thanked you for looking after her when she was in King's Landing.”
“Any decent person would have done the same if they were in my position.” Tyrion replied, “Unfortunately, there aren’t any decent people in my family or at King’s Landing for that matter.”
“All the same.” Dany said, “I still want to thank you.”
Tyrion bowed his head to her as they made their way up the steps.
“So. I’m interested in hearing the story of how a bastard girl became the first Lady Commander of the Night’s Watch and then the first Queen of the North. That’s a very odd progression of titles.” Tyrion commented.
One thing for sure hasn’t changed… he hasn’t learned to stop talking or poking his nose into everything. Dany thought drolly.
“Well, I’m sure it’s not as interesting a story as yours, Lord Tyrion.” Dany started, sidestepping his remarks, “Your brother killed Aegon Targaryen’s father, your own father betrayed and nearly destroyed the Targaryen House and now your sister is on the Iron throne. If there was an odd progression of titles, you becoming Aegon’s Hand may be the oddest one. I hear it didn’t go so well for the last Targaryen who had a Lannister as his Hand.”
Tyrion chuckled again with admiration, “My, my Dawn Snow. You have come a long way since Winterfell. No longer little girl Dany, are you?”
Dany slightly clenched her jaw but said nothing.
Noticing her silence, Tyrion changed the subject, “So, you were telling me why Sansa wasn’t agreeable to you journeying south to meet with the King.”
“It wasn’t just Sansa.” Dany responded, “All of the Northern lords and ladies were entirely opposed to me coming here. What the Targaryens did to my family… it’s not something that’s easily forgotten and how the North has been treated by the southern kings is not lost on them either.”
“I agree.” Tyrion responded, which surprised Dany, “It seems that nothing but misery comes to Northerners who journey south. Starks, in particular, have much shorter lives in warmer climates.”
“Winter is here, Lord Tyrion.” Dany responded humourlessly, “There won’t be any warm climates to run to when the snows come south.”
Tyrion laughed, “Would you feel safer then when it does? Soon, the whole world will be a cold winter wasteland. Will the dragons fare better than the wolves, I wonder? Perhaps we can ask one.”
Dany’s brows knotted in confusion, “What—”
Just before they reached the top landing platform of the staircase, a gigantic beast descended from the sky. Dany felt the scream catch in her throat as she backed away in fear, colliding into Ser Davos who held her to keep her from falling.
A dragon… a real dragon… Dany thought, her entire body shaking as the monstrous creature spread its dark green wings wide and opened its jaws, screeching at them. The sheen of its scales was almost like it was made from emeralds and the teeth it bared were long and sharp. Its eyes, large and yellow, stared at Dany intently.
Ser Davos whose gloved hands gripped Dany’s shoulders tightened and she could feel him trembling as much as she did.
The last time Dany heard the stories of dragons, she was told they were the size of cats. But the beast standing before them was larger than any animal she had ever seen. Its gaping jaws looked like it could gobble up ten men all at once without any effort.
“{Rhaegal, leave our guests alone.}” a deep, strong voice called out.
A man emerged from the open doors of the castle. His long silver hair was braided with black leather ribbons and hung over his right shoulder. A dark, red cape draped over the opposite side of his body. His armor was black and trimmed with red stones. A thin chain with three dragon heads dangled from his neck. The ruby hilt of his great sword was visible as well from underneath his cape.
“{Fly.}” He commanded in Valyrian as he walked beside the emerald-scaled dragon.
The dragon turned its head from the man to the sky and took off. His wings caused a strong gust that nearly blew back the welcoming party who were still on the steps.
“Your Grace.” Tyrion said as he bowed his head low.
Dany's eyes widened. It was him. The Dragon King. Aegon Targaryen.
Dany noticed the Dothraki and Missandei were on their knees and their heads were bowed low as well.
Dany and Ser Davos exchanged a look.
I didn’t come here to bend the knee. Dany told herself as she stood straighter and faced the Dragon King with her head lifted.
His dark purple eyes met her grey ones. Dany would have thought that their silent refusal to bend the knee to him would upset him but the Dragon King seemed more aloof than insulted.
“You certainly took your time, Lord Tyrion. I was beginning to think the tide washed you away.” The King said dryly towards his Hand.
“Apologies, Your Grace. The Queen in the North and I were… catching up.” Tyrion responded as he looked up at Dany.
Dany was still shaken from the encounter with the dragon and she did her best to hide it.
“Well, it won’t do to stand out here in the cold. Come in. Though I doubt you’d feel any warmer in there.” The King said as he turned on his heel and walked back through the open doors.
Missandei brushed past Dany as she hurried inside after the King.
Dany heard a cacophony of roars and screeches above her and she was mesmerized as her mouth hung agape. She saw not one but three dragons flying above Dragonstone. All of them larger than her ship but the black one was the most massive of them all.
“Magnificent, aren’t they?” Tyrion stated causing Dany to stir from her awe.
“I’d say you’d get used to them. But I doubt you ever will.” Tyrion continued as he walked before her and beckoned to her with his hand, “Come. Their father doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Dany helped took several deep breaths to calm herself as she looked at her advisor. Ser Davos nodded at her and gestured that they should follow Lord Tyrion inside.
Dany gave the dragons one last glance before she continued forward with Ser Davos and the Dothraki men behind her.
Jon watched with a careful eye as the Northern woman and her companion entered through the doors of the throne room. He took this time to observe his guests more closely. The incident with Rhaegal outside his doors provided him with only a brief glimpse of the woman. However, he did take notice of her armor, she looked as if she was headed for a battle.
I guess this meeting is a battle of some sort, Jon thought, Just not the kind I’m accustomed to.
The Queen in the North had long, raven-black hair that was half-tied up, with the two front strands of her hair braided into the back. She was clad in light-weight armor, her metal gorget embedded with the two heads of the direwolf sigil of House Stark. She wore a thick, padded, long sleeved gambeson underneath her knee-length leather vest. Her long black boots she wore over tight black pants. Dark grey gloves covered her hands.
Jon was standing to the side of his throne with a goblet half-filled with wine in his hand.
They gave up their weapons without a fight. That’s a good sign. Jon observed as he noticed the absence of their swords.
The Dothraki men stood along the walls of the room, their arakhs ready in their hands. Lord Tyrion took his place beside Jon’s throne.
As his guests walked towards the centre of the room, Jon moved towards his stone-carved throne and sat down.
Melisandre, the Red Priestess, had painted Dawn Snow out to be quite a woman with a long list of accomplishments. Jon did not hide the fact that he was impressed as he watched her walk in, but he was also surprised at her age and stature. She didn’t look any older than twenty and Jon thought that she would have been quite a beauty if not for that fact that she looked guarded and ready for a fight.
“You are standing in the presence of Aegon Stormborn of House Targaryen. Sixth of his name and rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Rightful ruler of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Protector of the Seven Kingdoms. The Silver Dragon. The Father of Dragons. The Great Khal of the Great Grass Sea. The Unburnt. The Breaker of Chains.”
As Dany walked into the massive throne room, she couldn’t help but admire the magnificence of it. The dragon carvings etched into the Valyrian stonework, the tall pillars, and the large Targaryen insignia on the floor. It was all wonderful to behold. Ser Davos had told her about the grandeur of the Targaryen stronghold on their journey but it was one thing to be told and another to behold it with her own eyes.
Her gaze fell on the silver-haired man on the throne.
He couldn’t be much older than I. She thought trying to prevent herself from staring too hard at him.
As Missandei finished with the King’s long list of titles, Dany noticed him sitting back and observing her with an intense gaze as he sipped from his cup of wine.
There was an awkward silence in the room as everyone passed glances at each other.
Tyrion cleared his throat, “Ser Davos, perhaps you would like to introduce your queen to His Grace?”
“Right.” Ser Davos said curtly as he looked at the King, “Your Grace, This is Dawn Snow. She's…uhh...”
Ser Davos looked at Dany and she looked questioningly back at the Onion Knight, frowning at him.
“She’s… she's Queen in the North.” Ser Davos finished and with a shrug indicated that was the end of her title.
So much for first impressions, Dany thought as she fidgeted nervously. She wished she had Longclaw. She now regretted not having worn her fur cape, so she could at least hide her shaky hands.
“Where are my manners?” Aegon began with a cordial smile, “Missandei, some wine for our guests.”
“No, please, don’t trouble yourself, Your Grace.” Dany interrupted, “Ser Davos and I are quite content, thank you.”
The King looked amused as he held out his wine glass to the side, nodding to Missandei who hastily took the cup from his hand, “When I first heard of the usurper’s death, there were five kings tearing each other apart over my father’s throne. Now that I am here, it seems all the kings have turned into queens.”
Jon smiled smugly and continued, “Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns and Yara Greyjoy, presumptive Queen of the Iron Islands, have allied themselves to the Targaryen cause. I expect you’ve travelled all this way to do the same. Have you not, my lady?”
“Apologies, Your Grace.” Interrupted Ser Davos, “I know I sound and look like a lowly knight and you’re not wrong. I was born and bred in Fleabottom. I earned my keep as a no-good smuggler. But, if it please Your Grace. I must remind you that Dawn Snow is Queen in the North. She isn’t just another highborn lady.”
“Ser Davos, was it?” Jon asked turning his eyes to his Hand for clarification.
“Ser Davos Seaworth, Your Grace. Also known as the Onion Knight.” Tyrion informed Jon without hesitation.
Jon smirked as looked back at his guests, “Forgive me, Ser Davos. I never did receive a proper education on Westeros lore and history. But just as I told Yara Greyjoy and her brother. The North, just like the Iron Islands, are not for anyone to simply take away. The North, The Iron Islands and every other dominion in Westeros falls under my rule, my family’s rule, as they are all a part of the Seven Kingdoms, which, if you can recall, were claimed by ancestor Aegon the Conqueror. The same conqueror who Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North, bowed and swore fealty to in perpetuity. Perpetuity… does it not mean forever, Lord Tyrion?”
“It does, Your Grace.” Tyrion replied.
“We can revisit the North’s request for independence after I take back the Iron Throne.” Jon continued as he leaned back on his throne, one hand on the hilt of his sword, “So, with that being said. I assume, my lady, you’re ready to bend the knee?”
Dany could see the pride and confidence in the King's expression and felt her hands grow cold.
He’s not going to get what he wants that easily, she thought.
Dany narrowed her eyes. The arrogance in his voice only further unsettled her nerves. She didn’t come here to be talked down to or lectured at like a child. But Dany resolved to try and be as honest and as patient as she possibly could. After all, she was still Queen and she was not going to let him see her as anything less.
“I am not and I don’t plan to either.” Dany responded firmly, her head held high, “That is not the reason why we came. If you just—”
“If I just what?” Jon cut in, a dark fire in his eyes as he looked at her, “Listen to you? Hear about your rightful claims to the North? Allow you to simply walk of out this room unscathed? If you’ve never heard of my wrath before, you will today, my lady. I know how to deal with oathbreakers and faithless subjects.”
“Oathbreakers?” Dany repeated, dropping her cordial tone as her hands balled into fists, “Perhaps you do need some hard reminders of our history, Your Grace. It wasn’t very long that your father, the Mad King, burned my grandfather and my uncle alive and he would have burned King’s Landing to the ground if—”
“But he didn’t. As you said yourself earlier, Dawn Snow, my own brother put a stop to that.” Tyrion interjected, trying to keep the tensions in the room to a minimum.
Dany felt the fury rise in her chest. Twice in a row she was interrupted mid-sentence. She felt like negotiations were already crumbling even before she had the opportunity to say what she needed to say.
“If you both would just listen to me, I could say my piece and be done.” Dany said with restraint, as she was about to step forward, the Dothraki guards moved as well, the glimmer of their sharp blades flashing in her eyes. Dany took the hint and stepped back.
“What we’re all doing right now is a complete waste of time.” Dany stated as she looked around the room, “The war with Cersei Lannister can wait. There is a greater danger coming for us all. The Night King and his army of dead men are marching on the Wall as we speak. Their force grows larger by the day. We have to stop them or we will all die.”
“The Night King and army of dead men?” Tyrion repeated slowly.
Jon slowly stood up from his throne. Dany could feel the heat emanating from him as he got to his feet.
“You have some gall, my lady. Walking in here, outrightly defying your King by refusing to bow, thinking you can belittle all that I’ve done to get where I am and then expect me to fight imaginary demons with you?”
“The army of the dead is real, Your Grace. The Night King and the White Walkers are all real. I know because I saw them and I fought them and they are coming for all of us.” Dany responded, her tone almost pleading as she emphasized her last words.
“I will not hear any more of this.” Jon said in a low growl, intent on ending this ridiculous charade and throwing this Northener and her old knight into a dark cell.
“You will hear it and gods help you if you don't!” Dany cried out angrily “I took you for a King, Your Grace, not a coward! Only cowards run from the truth when they don't want to hear it.”
There was an eerie, tense silence that came over the hall as Dany finished. Dany swallowed and took a shaky breath wondering if this would be the moment that he would order her death.
“Everyone. Out.” Jon commanded, his voice soft but enflamed.
“Your Grace, if I—” Tyrion started to say.
“I said OUT!” Jon barked, his hand was gripping the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His loud cry made Dany jump as she cast her eyes down to the floor.
Jon muttered his commands to the Dothraki who bowed their heads to him and exited the room. Missandei followed after them.
“Dawn Snow. You stay right where you are.” The King declared as he turned his gaze to her.
Ser Davos gave Dany a worried look but Dany placed a hand on his arm and nodded.
“I’ll be alright.” She whispered reassuringly to her advisor.
“Don’t be so sure of that.” Ser Davos replied, “You’ve gone and pissed off the Mad King's son. I don’t know if you can come back again if you’re no more than a pile of ash.”
“Go.” Dany insisted, “If you don’t. We’ll both become a pile of ashes.”
Ser Davos nodded reluctantly and he followed after Lord Tyrion through the large doors of the throne room. Dany watched him as he walked out.
When the doors closed, she turned her attention to the King.
“I was going to apologize, you know, for what happened to your family. I understand who my father was, what he did. He was an evil and terrible man and I’m glad the Kingslayer put a sword through him. I am not my father. I swore high and low that I would be better than he ever was, than any Targaryen ever was.” Jon said as he unhurriedly walked down the steps of the throne room.
“I’ve lived through every level of hell all my life and spent more than half of it running from those who wanted me dead. Not the least of which was the usurper, Robert Baratheon who as I’m told was your father’s best friend. I was born here in this very castle, this country is my home but it was taken from me when I was no more than an infant. Now here I am, the long lost son returned and yet I feel more like a stranger here than I ever was during my years in exile.”
Dany didn’t understand why he was telling her all this as she stood in the centre of the room.
The King was now on the same level as she was as he walked closer to her.
“Do you think a coward would have survived what I survived? No. Cowards appeal to their gods, their myths and their legends. Not me.” Jon stated in a subtle, arresting tone, “I’ve known what it is to be bought and sold like cattle, to starve, to be beaten and chained, to be burned, abandoned and betrayed. I’ve seen things that you couldn’t have imagined, done things no man or woman ever could. So many people have tried to kill me over the years, to try and take away everything and everyone I’ve ever loved, and yet here I stand. Stronger than ever.”
Jon finally stopped a few inches away from her that Dany could clearly see the dark purple irises in his powerful gaze.
“I am Aegon Targaryen. The son of the Dragon. The blood of Old Valyria in my veins. I took my Unsullied, my Dothraki and my three dragons here, the first in history to ever do so. I will take the Seven Kingdoms, just as my ancestor once did, not just because I can but because they belong to me by right. I will do whatever it takes, as I’ve always done, with fire and blood.”
When he finished, Dany matched his gaze and responded, “There’ll be nothing left for anyone to take if the Night King and his army get past the Wall.”
Jon pulled his sword slightly out of its sheath, so Dany could see the sheen of Valyrian steel, “Do you know what this is? This is Blackfyre. The very sword Aegon the Conqueror wielded when he first came to Westeros. Thousands of men have fallen on this blade, by my own hand.”
“I don’t doubt that, Your Grace.” Dany stated simply, “But if you kill me then you’re leaving the North and all of Westeros and perhaps even the whole world in great peril. If we want to win this Great War, we have to fight together. I need your help and you are going to need mine.”
“Why?” Jon asked with his teeth gritted as he slammed his sword back into its sheath, “Why should I trust a woman I don’t know who makes such audacious claims and expects me to believe her?”
“Do you honestly think that I came here, risking my life and the lives of my men, so I can tell you lies and make you think I’m a madwoman?” Dany shot back, “You’re right, I don’t know you and you don’t know me. But being a liar is the last thing in the world that I would ever want to be. I know the power that lies can have. Lies can tear people apart, lies can murder and lies can destroy. I am no liar, Your Grace.”
Dany continued, “If you don’t want to believe me, I can’t force you to. I didn’t expect you would. I know it’s all hard to believe. White Walkers and an army of dead men. But dragons and Dothraki and Unsullied coming to Westeros led by a Targaryen no one knew existed was an impossible thing not so long ago too.”
Jon watched as the raven-haired woman turned from him, pacing towards the edge of the steps, “You say you’ve been through hell, I don’t doubt you have. But I know what hell really is. It isn’t fire or pain. Hell is a frozen, barren land and the King of Demons is made of ice and death. And when death comes for you, the cold and the darkness, they don’t ever leave, they stay forever. Like a knife to the heart.”
Jon’s brows furrowed as he listened to her. She spoke of death as if she knew it firsthand.
Dany realized she may have said more than she wanted to and tried to keep her voice steady as she spoke, “My father is dead. My mother, whoever she was, is probably dead too. Half of my siblings are dead or missing. All I have left is my sister and my people. The Lords and Ladies of the North chose me to lead them. I don’t know or understand why. I haven’t a single birthright or claim to my name. I don’t even have a true name, I’m a Snow – just another high-born lord’s bastard girl.”
Dany turned to face the King with her arms wrapped in front of her, “But I accepted the title and the responsibility because I knew it was the best chance I had to unite the North, all of the living North. Not just the Northern Houses but the Free Folk who live beyond the wall as well. Winter isn’t coming, Your Grace, Winter is here and when the storms come south, so will he and all the rest of them. Once they do, I don’t think it’ll matter who’ll be sitting on the Iron Throne. We’ll all be dead or worse if we do nothing.”
Jon looked intently at her. He knew now just how serious she was and as much he wanted to, he didn’t see any advantage to her lying to him. Tyrion had told him that she had as much reason to hate the Lannisters as he did, after what they had done to her family. She spoke of their deaths, the Lannisters caused that, she surely wasn’t intending on leading him on some wild goose chase North of the Wall as a distraction while Cersei maintains control over the Seven Kingdoms.
Jon took a deep breath as he answered, “I can tell by the sincerity and gravity of your words that you’re not a liar, my lady. Forgive me for ever thinking you were. But words are not enough for me to lend you my support.”
Dany dropped her arms and sought to retort when Jon added, “Bend the knee, Dawn Snow. Swear fealty to me and we will defeat those who seek to ruin this country. Whether living or not, we can fight them together, just as you said. Our Houses have done so since the days of Aegon the Conqueror. With you, a Stark, as the Wardeness and Protector of the North and I, the last Targaryen, as King of the Seven Kingdoms. I would have just cause to lend you my armies, my dragons and my sword to help you defeat the terror you say threatens us all.”
Dany shook her head and sighed deeply, “Your Grace I--”
The throne room doors opened and they both turned at the sudden interruption.
Lord Varys, the King's Master of Whisperers, slipped through the door and came running in.
“I asked not to be disturbed, Lord Varys.” Jon said with a frown.
“Apologies, Your Grace. If I may approach, I have ill and urgent news that cannot wait.” Lord Varys said with an apologetic bow.
Jon nodded curtly and listened as Varys whispered in his ear. The news he heard caused the King’s expression to turn even more foreboding.
Dany had heard of the Spider before but this was the first time she had seen him in person. She had heard that Lord Varys had spies all over the world and that if you were a person worth anything, he would know everything about you. From when you woke in the morning to what you had for supper that night.
If the King had the Spider on his side, Dany knew that there would be nothing that she could hide from him.
“You must forgive me, my lady. It grieves me to cut our conversation short, particularly at an inopportune time. But there are pressing matters I must attend to.” Jon stated in a formal manner.
Dany nodded her head to him, “Of course, Your Grace.”
“Your journey here must have been long and arduous. I’ve had our best rooms prepared for you and Ser Davos. You may retire to them until I call for you. Baths will be drawn and supper sent to your rooms. Should you require any further assistance, Lord Tyrion will be with you shortly.” Jon stated matter-of-factly to Dany, then he looked at Varys.
“Call my council to the Chamber of the Painted Table.” He said to Varys who bowed acquiescingly.
Jon began to make his way back up the steps towards his throne.
“Am I your prisoner, Your Grace?” Dany asked as Varys drew near to her to escort her out of the room.
Jon paused and turned his head but avoided her eyes, “Not yet.”
The Dragon King pulled his cape over his arm and proceeded to the war room.
Dany was about to follow after him when Lord Varys touched her shoulder, giving her a look that told her the conversation was over.
Dany decided to heed the Spider's warning and turned to leave with him.
“So we’ve lost Dorne and the Iron Islands all in one night?” Jon asked angrily as he threw the small metal figurine of the Martell sigil against the wall.
“Your Grace,” Tyrion said in a calming voice, trying to pacify his King, “They were caught off-guard by Euron Greyjoy’s fleet just as they were about to enter Blackwater Bay. He must have made an alliance with my sister and kept his fleet in the shadows of the bay.”
“And you knew nothing about this, Lord Varys?” Jon seethed, glaring at his Master of Whisperers.
Varys looked disgruntled, “It seems my little birds in King’s Landing are no longer my own. Cersei’s Hand, Qyburn has tricked away all my doves and pigeons. Apologies, Your Grace. I will get them back.”
“How many ships were lost?” Jon asked, his hands gripping the edge of the Painted Table.
“We do not know yet, Your Grace.” Varys answered.
Jon grunted furiously and he glared at Tyrion, “If Euron Greyjoy thinks he can single-handedly win this war, he doesn’t know what’s coming for him. I will take Drogon tonight and burn all his ships to the bottom of the ocean!”
Tyrion looked at Jon sternly in the eye, “Your Grace, listen to me. We do not know where Euron Greyjoy’s armada is at, they may not be all in one place and we can’t have you and the dragons circling around the seas for days on end.”
“Then what would you have me do, Lord Tyrion? Sit and wait for Euron Greyjoy and your sister to attack us?”
“They won’t attack Dragonstone, Your Grace. They would be fools to lay siege to this castle and face the wrath of three dragons.” Tyrion insisted.
Jon breathed hard through his nostrils as he closed his eyes, “And what of Highgarden and my Unsullied?”
“Lady Olenna is rallying her armies to march, they are awaiting our next instruction at Highgarden. The attack on the Sands and the Greyjoys may have impacted our naval blockade on King's Landing but the Unsullied should be just days away from Casterly Rock as we speak.” Tyrion said as he looked closely at the map table surveying the movement of their troops.
“And you are certain taking Casterly Rock will be a boon to our war efforts, Lord Tyrion?” Jon asked as he picked up the Lion figurehead from the table.
“It will, Your Grace. We will not only be taking hold of a key strategic landmark in the Westerlands but we will also gain access to the Lannister gold mines and control of Lannisport. This also guarantees that Cersei and Jaime will have nowhere to hide once we take King's Landing.” Tyrion explained.
“If we take King’s Landing.” Jon grumbled. “I still don’t understand why I can’t just take my dragons and fight them head on. We would have victory by nightfall if we did.”
“Because you want to be more than just the King of Ashes or the Mad King’s son.” Tyrion gently reminded him.
Missandei who remained silent all throughout the exchange spoke up, “Your Grace, if I may speak.”
“Of course, Missandei.” Jon said with a nod.
“Have faith in your armies and in your council’s plan, my King. We've come to a strange land and I believe Lords Tyrion and Varys understand our enemies better than we do. If you fly with your dragons, there’s no knowing who is looking to the skies with a crossbow in their hands. It only takes one arrow, Your Grace, and we need you with us in order for your conquest to be a successful one.” Missandei stated in her calm voice.
Tyrion and Varys both looked at her with grateful expressions.
Jon took a deep breath and nodded, “Thank you Missandei. I always appreciate your input in these matters.”
“Your Grace.” Missandei answered with a soft smile.
“I will end the war discussions for now. You are all dismissed. Lord Varys, I trust you’ll have your little birds all in a row again come tomorrow?” Jon stated bitterly as he gazed at the Spider.
“I will do my best, Your Grace.” Lord Varys said with a bow of his head as he turned to leave.
“Missandei, will you please see to our guests and ensure they are… more than comfortable?” Jon said in a gentler tone to Missandei.
Missandei nodded obediently and left the room.
“Lord Tyrion, you asked to have a word with me after we had discussed the attack on our fleet?” Jon said, turning his attention to his Hand.
“Yes, Your Grace.” Tyrion replied and then looking to ensure the others had left, he cleared his throat, “I had a quick word with Dawn Snow just after you dismissed her and—”
Jon stared hard at the Painted Table, “And what did the Queen in the North have to say?”
Tyrion took a deep breath, “She would like to ask your permission to mine and forge… dragonglass.”
“Dragonglass?” Jon repeated.
“Yes, it’s called by many other names… obsidian, volcanic glass…”
Jon sighed exasperatedly, “I don’t care what it’s called. What does she want with it?”
“She says you have a mountain of it somewhere on this island. Apparently it can be used as a weapon of some sort against this… army of the dead? White Walkers? Wights? I’m uncertain as to which one is which.” Tyrion answered as his brows knotted in confusion.
Jon rubbed the bridge of his nose as he felt an impending headache coming on, “I’m in the middle of a war, Lord Tyrion, the war I’ve been preparing for my entire life, and I’ve just lost two of my allies!”
“Which is why I’m talking to Dawn Snow, a potential ally.” Tyrion said in a patient tone.
Jon walked towards an end table where a jug of wine and a few glasses were set. He poured himself a glass and poured another one for Tyrion. His Hand never refused a glass of wine.
Jon walked around the table and handed Tyrion the glass. His Hand took it gratefully.
Jon walked to the fireplace and drank from his cup, “Do you believe her?”
“About the army of dead men?” Tyrion asked as he sipped from his own glass, “I know this sounds strange but I actually do. I’ve been hearing about them for a while now. When I was Hand of the King to my hideous nephew, the old Lord Commander of the Night's Watch sent one of his men down to King's Landing. He was asking for more men and resources for the Wall. We assumed it was for their battles with the wildlings but then he mentioned something about a dead man that tried to kill him in the night. His men tried to show us proof of these dead men but all I saw was a rotting hand in a box.”
“And did you? Send more men and resources to the Wall?” Jon asked.
Tyrion shook his head, “We were right in the thick of the war of the five kings, Your Grace. My sister had no intention of sparing a single soldier much less a single criminal for the Night's Watch. But I didn’t take Lord Commander Mormont for a liar or a fool. I trusted him as much we both trusted his son.”
Jon passed Tyrion a knowing look.
Tyrion sighed deeply, “Look, even if it could be all lies and make-believe, you’d have to take into consideration the fact that Dawn Snow travelled all the way here to talk to you about it face to face. Despite everyone, including myself, thinking her journey here was an utterly ridiculous and suicidal decision, she is here anyway.”
Jon looked down at the wine in his cup as he pondered over Tyrion's words.
“Give her the dragonglass, Your Grace. It means nothing to you and you didn’t even know it existed until just a few moments ago.” Tyrion stated, “You have nothing to lose and you can start building a more productive relationship with a possible ally.”
“I don’t think it's all lies and make-believes, Lord Tyrion.” Jon said as he turned towards his Hand, “But I don’t know if I trust or believe in her enough to fight for her cause when she has not moved an inch towards mine.”
Jon took another sip of his wine, his eyes deep in thought, “But, when we were alone, there was something about the way she talked about death. It was like … I’m not sure. Like she herself experienced it firsthand. ‘Like a knife to the heart'. That’s what she said.”
Tyrion shrugged as he tipped his cup into his mouth, “I wouldn’t read too much into it. Her father was much the same way. I’m sure it gets quite dreary in the North, Your Grace. You must allow them their fantastical storytelling.”
Jon remained unconvinced as he drained his glass as well, “Tell Dawn Snow to meet me by the steps outside early tomorrow morning and I’ll give her my answer as to the dragonglass.”
Tyrion closed his eyes with an expression of relief, “Thank you, Your Grace.”
Jon nodded as he gazed into fire. As Tyrion left him, Jon couldn’t help but think of this woman from the North. The way she stood her ground against him and how passionate she was about her cause. Despite her refusal to bend the knee, she was nevertheless honest, courteous and straightforward. Jon had never met a woman quite like her. His mind wandered to Doreah, she was a strong woman as well and a fighter but Dawn Snow had a different aura about her. Jon couldn’t quite place his finger on it, perhaps it had something to do with what she said. The sincere quiver in her voice. The way her dark grey eyes stared intently back at him. The slight curl of her dark hair against her pale skin.
Jon shook his head. What am I thinking? She’s a potential ally not someone to gawk at.
However, Jon's curiosity peaked as he thought about her. Perhaps once he had more time getting to know this Northern Queen, he might learn how she came to know about death so intimately. Maybe it did have something to do with the Night King and dead army.
A knife to the heart…
Jon sighed deeply and decided he needed to refill his cup.
Dany stared out the window of her quarters, Ser Davos was sitting in one of the two wooden chairs by the fireside with a wine cup in his hand. A plate of food, a wine jug and another cup was on the small table in between the chairs.
"This is fine wine." Ser Davos commented after he took a sip, "You certain this isn't all just a trick? Placating us with wine before they come to throw us into the dungeons when we wake tomorrow? If we wake tomorrow."
"I don't think Aegon Targaryen is that kind of man." Dany responded without looking at him.
"Of course, he isn't. What was I thinking? He'd have his dragons burn us black and then he'd throw our ashes into a cellar." Ser Davos muttered with sardonic amusement.
Dany sighed deeply but before she could respond, there was a knock on her door. She turned quickly and she and Ser Davos gazed suspiciously at the door. Dany nodded at him to answer it.
Ser Davos opened her door to find the King's Hand standing outside it.
"Lord Tyrion." Ser Davos greeted gruffly.
"Ser Davos. I was hoping to have a word with your Queen in the North." Tyrion stated as he looked over Ser Davos' shoulder at Dany.
"Come in, my lord." Dany said as she turned from the window to face him.
As Tyrion walked in, he glanced back at Ser Davos, "I should have been clearer. I was hoping to have a word with your Queen in the North... alone."
Ser Davos frowned and looked to Dany.
Dany nodded at Ser Davos again to let him know she was alright.
"I'll be in the next room if you need me, Your Grace." Ser Davos responded and with a subtle glare at Tyrion, he closed the door behind him.
"I'm curious as to how the Onion Knight came into your service." Tyrion mused as he walked towards the wooden chair in which Ser Davos was sitting at.
"I'm sure you're curious about a lot of things, Lord Tyrion. But I doubt any of them are your reasons for wanting to speak to me." Dany responded as she crossed her arms.
Tyrion chuckled, "Not sure I like this new Dawn Snow very much. You've grown up to be quite a suspicious woman, though no less clever. Always admired that about you, your cleverness. Still not as clever as you want to be. I'm sure your foolery in the throne room earlier proves that."
"I wasn't trying to make a fool of myself, I was trying to tell everyone in that room the truth about what's coming!" Dany stated fiercely before she gave a frustrated sigh, "But I'm sure you all think I'm mad and that I'm a liar and a Northern fool."
"I don't think you're any of those things." Tyrion answered straightforwardly as he sat down.
Noticing the untouched plate of food, he commented, "I see your journey hasn't made you ravenous."
"Can't exactly eat when you're left wondering whether you're going to be thrown in a cell or burned to death any moment." Dany replied.
"The King isn't going to kill you and you're not a prisoner here. You're free to go anywhere you like on this island."
"Except off it." Dany sighed as she walked towards the fireplace and placed her hand on the mantle, "Maybe Sansa was right. Maybe it was wrong and stupid of me to abandon my people on a faint hope that I could get the Mad King's son to fight a war he doesn't believe is real."
"I think he does believe it." Tyrion said as he poured some wine into an empty cup.
"He just wants me to bend the knee first." Dany responded bitterly as she stared into the fire.
"Not exactly an unreasonable thing to ask." Tyrion pointed out as he sipped from his cup, "You just met the King and already you've defied him, insulted him and blatantly expected him to fight for your cause. I would say your half of the bargain isn't as demanding."
"He's asking me to swear allegiance to him. To give him the North. That's not something I can do. I don't even know anything about him other than that he's the last living son of the Mad King and that he brought a foreign army to our shores. My own father fought to overthrow his to save the realm. A Stark bent the knee once to a Targaryen conqueror. Not this time."
"Aegon Stormborn is not his father or his ancestor." Tyrion stated, "And you are not a Stark. You're a Snow."
"I'm Queen in the North, Lord Tyrion. Bastard or not, my people are relying on me to fight for them and protect them." Dany countered, glaring at him.
"What makes you think that bending your knee to Aegon, isn't doing just that?" Tyrion asked, "You say you know nothing about him. Well, here's a chance for you to change that. What do you think he was doing all his years in exile? Sipping tea in a manse waiting for a ship to take him home? No. He was fighting. First as a slave in the Yunkai fighting pits, then as a Dothraki Khal and finally as King of Meereen and the cities of Slaver's Bay. He's a champion of the people, just like you. While you're here, maybe ask some of the people he's saved what they think about the Mad King's son."
"It amazes me how you think there's time to do all of that." Dany muttered as she walked away from the fire, "I have my own war to fight, Lord Tyrion. If Aegon isn't intending on holding me prisoner on this island or fight by my side, then give me my ship and let me go home. I need to prepare my people for what's to come."
Tyrion watched her intently as he drained his cup and set it on the table.
"It would be a shame to have come all this way for nothing. Besides, what of your request?"
Dany turned to look at him, "The dragonglass?"
Tyrion stood from his seat, "The King would like to speak with you tomorrow morning by the steps outside the castle. I think it might be a conversation worth having given your suspicions. Perhaps his answer will change your mind about him."
"Or perhaps he'll tell me to fuck off and have one of his dragons burn me alive." Dany uttered back dryly.
Tyrion shook his head with an amused smile as he walked to the door, "You really have changed Dawn Snow. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you in the days to come."
As Lord Tyrion exited her room, Dany breathed a heavy sigh of frustration.
All in all, it had been a trying day and she was exhausted. Lord Tyrion's words lingered in her mind as she returned to gazing out the window that overlooked the cliffs of Dragonstone.
The Mad King's son and the bastard daughter of a Northern Lord.
It was an unlikely pair for an alliance but again she couldn't help but agree with Lord Tyrion's words. Maybe it was wrong of her to judge a man so quickly on his preceded reputation. Perhaps there was more to this Dragon King than his dragons and his armies.
Dany wasn't sure why but thinking of his striking dark purple eyes and silver hair made her curious about him. He didn't look like any man she had ever seen before. His Valyrian features, the subtle Essosi accent in his words and the way he stood before her explaining his story made her wonder what kind of man Aegon Targaryen truly was.
She looked at the plate that was on the table. All of a sudden, she felt hunger churn in her belly.
Best to have some food before I turn in. I'll have to let Ser Davos know of my meeting with the King.
Dany walked towards the table and took the slice of bread sitting on the plate. It had grown cold from being left out too long.
Oh well, not the first time I've had cold food.
She chewed on the piece of bread quietly as she sat on the wooden chair, lost in her thoughts.
It was a cold, windy morning at Dragonstone when Dany walked outside the castle. Her long black hair was loose of any braids or ties and blew wildly in the wind. She was glad she had her thick fur coat on this time. As she drew the furs closer to her, she thought of Sansa back home at Winterfell. Sansa had made this new coat for her, she said she wanted it to look close to what their father used to wear but she designed it so as to be appropriate for a woman.
Dany smiled to herself, she could never learn how to make anything even remotely close to a dress but she was grateful that she had Sansa for a sister who did have the skills and talent for it. Dany missed her and she made a mental note to write to Sansa that day. She and Sansa had never been close as children and the last few months were difficult for them as they struggled to come to mutual decisions and compromises. But Dany knew her sister loved her, she just wished she could understand Sansa better sometimes.
“Dawn Snow.” A voice greeted her.
Dany was brought out of her reverie by the sound of the King's voice. He had come up from behind her and she turned to bow her head respectfully to him.
“Your Grace.”
“Come, walk with me.” Jon said plainly as he walked ahead of her and started down the steps.
Dany followed after him, moving one step behind him as they descended the long staircase that overlooked the Narrow Sea. She observed that he wasn’t wearing his armor today but instead under his red cloak which was draped over his left shoulder, he wore a grey leather tunic with long sleeves that covered his wrists and dark grey breeches. Around his waist was his sword belt where Blackfyre hung.
Dany heard the distant screeches of the dragons, and one of them flew high above their heads. It was the green one from the day before. He and a golden-colored dragon began feeding on the large fish in the sea. They dove straight into the water and when they had caught their prey, they tossed the fish into the air and burned them with their fiery breaths.
Lord Tyrion was right, Dany would never get used to the sight and spectacle of seeing a real dragon with her own eyes.
“Never thought I’d ever see a real dragon in my lifetime. Now I’ve seen three.” Dany said with breathless awe as her eyes watched the dragons flying over the water.
He replied, “You’re not the first to say so. People thought that dragons were gone forever yet here they are.”
Jon stopped as they came to a small landing on the staircase. He walked leisurely towards a low stone wall and rested his arms on them.
“That green one who surprised you yesterday. I call him Rhaegal, and that gold one over there is Viserion.” Jon pointed out to her, “I named them after my brothers, Rhaegar and Viserys. They’re both gone now.”
“I’m sorry.” Dany said quietly as she stopped behind him.
This time, Jon turned to look at her, his dark purple eyes looked almost lilac in the early morning sun.
“You mentioned your siblings yesterday. Lord Tyrion tells me you had two brothers who are gone as well?” he asked.
Dany nodded and replied in a low voice, “Robb was slaughtered at a wedding and Rickon was shot through the heart with an arrow. I wish I could tell you that I avenged them but I did next to nothing and the ones responsible for my brothers' deaths were killed by others… not by me.”
Jon felt a twinge of compassion at her response, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I do envy you. At least you cared enough about your brothers to want to avenge them. I take it you grew up with them, loved them, and knew them well. I never knew Rhaegar, he died sometime before my birth. Viserys sold me into slavery when I turned thirteen and I killed him four years later.”
“Yet you named your dragons after them?” Dany asked curiously as she walked towards the wall, facing the sea.
“It’s quite ironic, I know. But I think perhaps it was to acknowledge that, although I despised one and never knew the other, they were both still my brothers and they were both the sons of the dragon. Just as my children are.”
Jon looked back at the two creatures as they flew towards the other side of the island. When the dragons were out of their sight, Dany felt an odd tension in the air between them. She wasn’t sure what it was but she felt strangely uncomfortable and her face was slightly warm despite the brisk morning air.
“Lord Tyrion said that you wanted to see me?” Dany asked, hoping the change in subject would keep her from staring at the King and watching his long silver braid blow in the wind.
“Yes, he and I spoke at length about you. Well, he did at least.” Jon replied as he folded his arms across his chest and leaned his back against the low wall.
They both avoided each other's gaze.
“Your Hand does enjoy talking. A lot.” Dany stated, the memory of her conversation with Lord Tyrion the day before passed briefly through her mind.
“He enjoys what he's good at. I suppose we all tend to do the same.” He responded dryly.
Dany huffed wryly and said in a soft response, “Maybe for others. I don't, though.”
Jon glanced at her curiously. It was a strange and peculiar response, and it only served to peak Jon's initial intrigue of her. For some reason, it had echoed sentiments Ser Barristan had shared about his brother, Rhaegar, back in Meereen. Jon’s thoughts also returned to her words in the throne room but he decided it wasn’t the right time to ask her of it.
Jon hated to admit it but his Hand did have a point. Perhaps making the first move to establishing a productive alliance with the Queen in the North may prove valuable to their cause.
“I’ve thought about your request concerning the dragonglass,” Jon started.
Dany turned to him, her grey eyes attentive.
“I will allow you to scout the island for it and when you do find it, I will provide any resources or men you require to mine and forge the weapons you need. Since the Dothraki are the only men I have on this island, Missandei will be accompanying you and Ser Davos as your interpreter.”
Dany couldn’t believe it. After their last encounter, she was not expecting the King to grant her request so easily, especially after their heated spat in the throne room the previous day.
“T-thank you, Your Grace.” Dany replied in astonishment.
Jon nodded curtly and walked past her as he was about to make his way back up the steps.
“Your Grace?” Dany called out after him.
Jon paused to look back at her.
“Have you thought about what I said yesterday? About the Night King and his army? Will you join us?” Dany asked, her voice sincere and expectant.
The King laid his hand on the hilt of his sword and after a brief moment of silence, he asked, “Have you reconsidered bending the knee?”
Dany felt her heart sink a little as he brought up her submission to him again as a prerequisite to gaining him as an ally.
When she didn’t respond, Jon tilted his head slightly, “I thought so. But I’m sure your current task will keep you occupied here for a few weeks at least. Plenty of time to re-examine past thoughts and decisions. So, I suggest that you better get to work, Dawn Snow.”
Then he turned his head and continued towards the castle.
Dany stared up at him as he walked away. She was relieved that her purpose for coming to this island was not in vain, despite not being able to fully convince the Dragon King to fight alongside them in the Great War.
But this is a start… Dany thought.
It was then that Dany realized that her cheeks were still warm and her heart was beating rapidly. As she pressed her gloved hand to her face, she shook her head. Just a slight infatuation, that’s all. The King commanded quite a presence and this was nothing more than superficial attraction towards that.
Dany took a deep breath and closed her eyes, she had to focus on her task, he had told her to get to work and that’s exactly what she needed to do. As Dany stared out into the sea, she couldn’t help but wonder when she would have another opportunity to ask him more questions. Although coming from different worlds, they had both talked about their brothers and Dany wanted to know more about him and his journey.
Focus, Dany, her mind interrupted her. The Night King’s eyes and the avalanche of dead men flashed through Dany’s thoughts and she clenched her fists. There was no time for any of this, she had to find the dragonglass, take as much as she could find, try and get the Dragon King on her side and return to Winterfell to prepare her people.
That’s all I came here for… that’s all…
Dany opened her eyes and lifted her head. She had to find Ser Davos and tell him about all this immediately.
The King was right… she had work to do.