"The Dornish delegation is here, your Graces," Ser Gerold announced.
Jon and Dany had reconvened under an open tent flanked by Davos and four of his Kingsguards so they could receive the delegation for all to bear witness. Suddenly, Ghost chose that very moment to reappear. Jon met his wolf's loyal red eyes briefly, and Ghost trotted over to stand next to Daenerys, who stood to the left of Jon.
"We will be honoured to receive them," Jon replied formally, and the delegation was led before them. Princess Arianne, the ruling Princess of Dorne, clad in a beautiful purple gown, led the group, followed by Prince Oberyn, Lord Edric of House Dayne, and two other Lords. The last to enter were Nymeria Sand and a lady with exotic looks who Jon guessed was Obara Sand, based on Oberyn's description.
Oberyn's daughters had been busy. Nymeria Sand been sending them updates from one of the Golden Company's ships and had arrived at the base camp in the Stormlands at the same time as Harry Strickland. As soon as her father had decided that the Queen had enough protectors and that he would try to catch up with the army hunting down Euron Greyjoy, Nymeria had hastened to join him. The two of them had joined Lord Willas' forces as they were closing off the escape route, and they had helped capture the stray Ironborn soldiers who had run straight into their trap after fleeing from the Dornish forces.
Obara Sand, on the other hand, had sent regular reports to her father and to Varys from the Westerlands. She had been posing as a servant and had made sure that she was among the camp followers of Lord Tarly's campaign. She had apparently done a fine job of remaining inconspicuous, for Jon had not caught a single glimpse of her during his brief time as Lord Tarly's guest.
After taking in the colourful group, Jon's eyes rested for a moment on Edric. His friend gave him a quick smile as Prince Oberyn performed the necessary courtesies. The two Lords, whom Jon did not recognize, were the Lord of Godsgrace and the Lord of Blackmont, both bannermen of House Martell. After all the parties were acquainted, it was time for the pledges of allegiance. Jon felt surreal as he watched a Dornish Princess and a few of her vassal Lords kneel on the grass. He gave his official response in a thick voice and gestured for them to rise. Even in this informal setting, he realised that these last few pledges had ensured that he and Dany were now well and truly the King and Queen of all Seven Kingdoms. He glanced at Dany, who returned his intense gaze with questioning eyes. He smiled and nodding briefly at her, silently indicating that he would explain later. Then he turned his attention back to the Dornish delegation, who had all risen to their feet.
Jon gave them a welcoming smile and addressed them. "I thank you all for your faith in me, and I will do my best to be worthy of it. I also wish to express my gratitude." He stopped when he noticed Dany stiffen beside him. "What I meant to say is, my Queen and I also wish to express our gratitude to you for capturing Euron Greyjoy alive. The Crown will always remember how Dorne came to our aid the first time that we asked for help. I am convinced that this will be the start of a mutually beneficial alliance between Dorne and the other Six Kingdoms."
Jon looked at Dany, who now took over. "It is our wish that our relationships are restored to what they were before the Rebellion. My brother's first wife was a Dornish Princess by birth and a Targaryen Princess by marriage. I still consider House Martell to be my good-kin. I hope you will consider us kin as well, Princess Arianne."
"That is my intention, your Grace," the Princess replied. "All of us have agreed to accept your invitation, and we will accompany your party on the journey to King's Landing."
Daenerys stepped closer to Princess Arianne and extended her hand, which the Princess immediately accepted. "Then you will be our guests of honour," Dany said. "Tonight we shall feast around a bonfire, for favourable weather has been predicted again. If you are not averse to such an informal celebration, I will have a seat next to me reserved for you."
"I shall bring my warmest cloak," the Princess replied, bowing over Dany's hand. "You can expect my presence, your Graces." Soon afterward, the official audience was over and most of the Dornish delegation left the tent, as they had been instructed to earlier. Edric was forced to follow the other Lords outside, with he and Jon unable to exchange anything but a simple greeting. Only Princess Arianne and Prince Oberyn had been invited to remain inside longer.
Jon now took Princess Arianne's hand and led her to a chair close to his and Dany's seats. The Princess was exactly as Oberyn had described her: she had a voluptuous figure, clear olive skin, large dark eyes, and long, thick black hair hanging loose and flowing halfway down her back. She moved gracefully, although Jon suspected that her movements were purposely seductive. He wondered why she was still unmarried, recalling that she was four or five years his senior. As he returned to his seat and motioned to Oberyn to do the same, the Dornish Prince winked at him. Aware that Oberyn had caught him ogling Princess Arianne, and not wanting to give his friend the upper hand in yet another non-verbal contest, Jon merely raised an eyebrow.
The Prince chuckled. "Has a seat been reserved for me at that feast you just mentioned, my King? Or does the invitation exclude the black sheep of the Martell family so that you can surround yourself with only beautiful Queens and Princesses?"
"I doubt we would be able to keep you away, invited or not. A valiant sparring partner, though, will be given the place of honour at my right side this evening." Jon began the familiar teasing.
Oberyn held up his left hand and pointed to its little finger, which was covered with a thin bandage. "Is there no spot reserved for a courageous warrior who was wounded defending the Seven Kingdoms in the name of his most esteemed sovereign?"
Dany now pretended to whisper in Aegon's ear, but in a voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "I am willing to bet two golden dragons that no real wound lies beneath that bandage!"
"Now I will have to insist upon a duel to defend my honour!" Prince Oberyn exclaimed, but his eyes twinkled.
"And I choose my husband to be my champion!" Daenerys countered without blinking an eye.
"Your Graces! Oberyn!" Princess Arianne exclaimed.
"I accept!" Prince Oberyn declared, ignoring his niece's outburst. "My longspear against the King's legendary sword! The first man to take a step back, loses."
"Are you sure you didn't mean the first one to blink his eyes or to exhale?" Jon joked.
Oberyn pretended to mull over the King's words. "No . . . but then again, it might be fun to try that next time!"
"How about I fight with a longspear and you use a sword, for a change?" Jon shot back. He noticed Dany whisper in Princess Arianne's ear, and the latter relaxed, realizing that both men were merely teasing each other.
Oberyn did not skip a beat. "Then I must ask that we postpone the duel so I may have time to familiarize myself with such a highly unusual weapon."
Dany made an elaborately contrite gesture. "I most humbly apologize, my most beloved Prince of Dorne, for forgetting that I am a poor whisperer. I never intended you to overhear the words meant only my exhausted husband's ears. During boring official functions, I sometimes shock him with controversial statements to keep him from falling asleep. I trust that my heartfelt apology is sufficient reason to cancel this duel? I pray that you find it in your heart to take pity on my poor King, who has only just returned from war!"
Prince Oberyn put his arm around his niece's shoulders. "Arianne, we had better allow these two to proceed with the rest of their scheduled activities. I overheard Davos list a few of their duties for today. They will have to hurry if they are to arrive in time for our dinner. You would not believe me if I told you how long it takes them to prepare for a public appearance! We must permit them some time in their tent to, uh, get ready. Besides, there will be time enough in King's Landing to discuss boring trade agreements, make mutual promises of support, and all that other tedious ruling stuff!" Then he all but dragged Princess Arianne away.
***
Before Jon and Dany joined the others for lunch around the bonfire, they held a short, private audience with Harry Strickland. The Captain-General of the Golden Company had delayed his fleet's departure in order to witness Euron Greyjoy's execution, and they would set out for Essos on the morrow instead, taking with them all the confiscated ships.
"This time, I do not need to embellish the rumours much, your Graces." Harry Strickland flashed his charming smile after uttering these words, his eyes lingering on Dany longer than necessary. "The Golden Company, along with dragons and some help from the armies of Westeros loyal to House Targaryen, has helped secure peace for the new King Aegon the Sixth of his Name, blah blah blah titles, and helped cement his reign over the Seven Kingdoms. And this great, historic achievement took my illustrious company only a matter of days to accomplish. If that does not convince the third captain of the Stormcrows to merge with us, then nothing will."
"You can add that the King of all Westeros was very pleased with your services and that he was your friend and ally long before they ever heard of me. That way, you can still convince them that although the dragons are King Aegon's and not yours, you did borrow them occasionally, and might still do so in the future." Jon shared a serious look with him. "One day, we will arrive in Essos with the dragons. And I will make sure to give you advance notice so you will be able to assemble your most influential clients and your serjeants, and we can put on a show for then."
"I would be forever grateful," Strickland replied, bowing. "Now, allow me to address the real reason I asked for a chance to speak with you. Have you, by any chance, heard of a sellsword company called the Company of the Rose?"
Jon glanced at Dany and they both nodded. Jon replied, "My teachers did not omit that part of my Northern ancestors' history. I know that the Company of the Rose was founded by Northerners some three hundred years ago. They were a group of disgruntled men who didn't care for the fact that their King, Torrhen Stark, had knelt to King Aegon, the First of his Name. I was told that some of the founders of this sellsword company were closely related to the Starks ruling at the time. These men and their families willingly went into exile, choosing to live across the Narrow Sea rather than serving a foreign conqueror. Many of their descendants still serve in that same sellsword company. Is that information still accurate?"
Strickland nodded. "Even three hundred years later, some of them have the Stark colouring, grey eyes, dark hair, and the typical Northern build. Others have mixed features, but often one of their characteristics betrays their Northern origin. The reason that I bring this up is that I have been approached by a representative of the Company of the Rose. You must be aware that rumours about you have reached Essos-- rumours not only about your deeds, but also about our acquaintance with each other."
When Jon raised an eyebrow questioningly, Strickland elaborated. "They know of how both of us conquered the Iron Islands in less than a day." Jon nodded and Strickland continued, "Their representative was interested to learn all that I know about this new King of Westeros, and, more specifically, whether it was true that he was half-Stark and half-Targaryen. He was quite pleased when I informed him that you were often mistaken for a trueborn Stark because of your dark grey eyes, long Northern face, and dark curls. And he seemed even more interested when I told him that you were raised to follow Northern traditions and beliefs, and that you pray to the Old Gods."
Jon rubbed his chin. "Am I right in assuming that the Company of the Rose was not among those sellsword companies that wished to merge with the Golden Company?"
Strickland nodded. "Indeed you are. I want to warn you that one of these days, you will most likely receive a message from a certain Snow. This Snow is a distant relative of House Stark and the current leader of the Company of the Rose. The direction that my contact steered our conversation in, and the nature of his questions, made me suspect that a large fraction of this Company might be considering a return to the homeland of their ancestors. A half-Stark King might just be the inducement they need to reconcile themselves with the fact that the North is now part of the Seven Kingdoms. They may even be willing to swear fealty to the Crown. You still have time to decide what to do once they actually ask permission to return to Westeros. Perhaps you can convince your uncle, the Warden of the North, to give these people and their families, lands in the North where they can settle down. In exchange, they shall provide you with an army of several thousand, all loyal to you."
Jon studied the Captain-General for a moment, pondering all that he had just heard. "You are not simply exaggerating the importance of that single meeting?"
Strickland shook his head. "He didn't come straight out and say it, but it was heavily implied. I am quite positive that they will either contact you or go straight to the Warden of the North."
"Do you really believe that they will ask for lands in the North? The people who will return have lived their whole lives in Essos and thus know nothing of the Northern climate. Have they ever even seen snow? Do they know how cold it can get up there?"
"I believe I am not the person whom you should be discussing this with, your Grace. And I hope you take no offense for my putting this so bluntly. I have told you all I know and have done you a service by informing you in advance so you may have time to prepare for all various possibilities."
Jon studied the leader of the Golden Company, who sat before him apparently without a care in the world, and wondered at the man's ambitions. It was easy to guess the motives of a group of exiles, but to guess Harry Strickland's ambitions was more difficult. As Captain-General of the most prestigious sellsword company in Essos, what more could the man want? What motivated him to continue seeking out danger, when by all accounts he was rich enough to retire? Jon straightened up and decided to ask outright what he wished to know. "What will happen if you agree to merge with those smaller sellsword companies that you mentioned? I believe you named the Stormcrows earlier? Isn't it tedious and difficult to oversee such a large amount of sellswords and maintain peace amongst your men?"
Strickland shook his head. "Not really--as long as I pay them well, they do as I command. It is an efficient organisation with a clear chain of command. I no longer need to travel to find assignments. We receive more offers than we can take on, and I never send out my entire force on a single assignment. At the moment, for instance, I am honouring three other contracts aside from yours. Two of them require us to provide temporary guard duty for rich estate owners, while the third one involves keeping a free city safe from a large Khalasar of Dothrakis. Furthermore, I have assistants who handle the financial transactions. I can participate in whichever assignment I choose. I mostly enjoy the mere thrill of defeating my client's opponent and receiving more glory and praise." Harry Strickland looked quite smug as he said this.
Strickland's forthright response encouraged Jon to delve deeper. "Have you ever been asked to fight a friend? Or been paid to sabotage a cause that you normally would rather support? What I mean is, uh--"
Strickland interrupted as Jon scrambled for a more polite way to ask his question. "I understand what you intended to ask, your Grace."
"Call me Jon, please! I have told you before that you need not use my title when we are alone. You are also allowed to refuse to answer any of my questions. This is not an interrogation!" Jon clarified with a smile. .
"All right, Jon," Strickland repeated and gave them both a dazzling smile, making him look even more handsome. His eyes lingered on Dany for a moment. She had been a silent spectator throughout much of the discussion.
Jon stole a glance at Dany, but she seemed unaffected by Strickland's behaviour and merely looked curious. He was certain that, like him, she was very interested in hearing Strickland's response.
Harry Strickland studied the royal couple for a moment. "Have I ever fought a friend because of a contract I signed? Hmm--never! Have I ever supported a cause that I don't necessarily believe in? Often, I am afraid. I certainly did when I had just been promoted to the rank of Captain-General and we needed coin badly. I can afford to be choosy now, but in all honesty, most of the contracts offered to us are cries for help from slave masters to defend them from the Dothraki or other thieves. These masters pay exceptionally well."
"You consider the Dothraki to be thieves?" Daenerys asked, remembering the Dothraki Khal who had saved her from Prince Quentin in Pentos.
"Well, their way of life is rather violent," Strickland pointed out. "They respect strength, and a Khal can only remain in power if he provides for his Khalasar, puts down any threat from within his ranks, and defends his Khalasar from the other Khalasars that live on the extensive grasslands of the Dothraki Sea. These large plains are their natural habitat and do not always yield enough food, so they resort to plunder. They usually just steal from other Khalasars, but they have also been known to attack caravans travelling close to their territories. In these last few years, they have begun to raid the outskirts of the cities where the slave masters rule."
"So you help the slave masters?" Dany asked in a slightly accusing tone.
"You have lived in Essos, my Queen, and so you, even more than the King--uh, Jon-- must realise that slavery is simply a way of life there. Most slaves are treated tolerably well and have a relatively decent life. And I do avoid helping the crueller slave masters."
Dany looked at Jon, who sighed. "We cannot help the entire known world, Dany. Let us first concentrate on improving the lives of the smallfolk in Westeros who are our responsibility. And we must still deal with the threat at the Wall. Perhaps, in a few years, we can visit Essos and see what we can do for the people there. Perhaps, by that time, our friend Harry Strickland and his ever-growing sellsword company may have taken over the continent!"
"That could happen, but only if I could borrow your dragons regularly," Strickland joked, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.
Dany did not smile. "Would you be willing to keep us updated on the situation in the Free Cities and in Slaver's Bay?"
"Do you harbour hidden megalomaniac tendencies, my dear?" Jon teased her.
"No! I simply want to ...," Dany faltered. "Aegon, just consider this: suppose that, in the near future, we acquire enough resources to help the slaves in Essos. But then we decide to do nothing. In that case, aren't we somewhat complicit? Perhaps not as guilty as the slave masters, but can we not be accused of condoning slavery if we don't act?" she pleaded, seemingly forgetting that she and Jon were not alone.
"Perhaps?" Jon took a moment to consider Dany's point of view. "You do realise that you would condemn us to a life of endless power struggles: holding off enemies, fighting to maintain each reform that we introduce. Such an enterprise would be too much for one dynasty to handle! If we truly make this our goal, then you can kiss any hope of a peaceful family goodbye!"
"We could find a way to make this work if we really wanted to!" Dany's large eyes pleaded with Jon as she continued, "Delegate, form alliances, or install a ruler loyal to us and our ideals. And we can hold the threat of the dragons over anyone who disagrees with us!"
Jon took her hand and lowered his voice. "That sounds rather autocratic--who is to say that we will always know what is best?" He and Dany stared at each other for a moment.
"Your Graces? Jon? Daenerys?" Strickland asked hesitantly. "Do you have further need of my presence?"
Jon looked away from Dany's animated face and dropped her hand. "I apologize, Harry! We were very rude, ignoring you like that.. Daenerys and I will have ample time--years, most likely--to come to a compromise. She has raised a good point. We might one day have the potential, the resources, to do some good in Essos. But first we will need to determine to what extent we should involve ourselves in Essos' affairs."
"I am always willing to share my insights," Strickland assured them, addressing Daenerys in particular. "And I am prepared to give you regular updates on the political and economic situation of the larger cities in Essos, where we operate."
"Thank you, Captain-General," Dany said, still quite embarrassed at her and Jon's lack of manners. "Aegon is right, however, when he insists that we first need to stabilise the situation in Westeros. There is still a lot to be done to improve the lives of our people, and we must indeed focus on the threat in the North first."
"Will you need my assistance in your Northern War, Jon?" Strickland asked.
"I do not think so. I can raise a large enough army now by calling the banners of all Seven Kingdoms. Besides, your men will not fare well in the cold, harsh conditions beyond the Wall, where it gets colder than you could ever imagine! If you stay still for too long, everything freezes: your weapons, your food, your feet, your limbs! Your troops are accustomed to excessive heat, so they would only be a liability to us in this war. Many would perish even before engaging the enemy! Please forgive my straightforwardness," Jon added, realizing how condescending his honest opinion might sound to the proud Captain-General of the most renowned sellsword company in Essos.
"I understand, and please do not apologize for being concerned about the well-being of my men!" Strickland replied. Silence fell after his statement, and both men merely stared at each other for a moment.
Strickland's face softened as his eyes wandered to Dany. He quickly pulled himself together. "Well then, I believe there is nothing else for me to do but wish you good fortune in the Northern conflict, your Graces!" Strickland bowed and prepared to leave, but then turned back. "If you have any goods or men that need to be transported to Essos, I have plenty of room available on my new ships," Strickland offered, returning to his earlier amicable behaviour.
"I am unaware of any right now, but I will ask Davos about it and have him send word to you before you leave." Jon promised, approaching Strickland. He tapped the man's shoulder briefly. "We'll keep in touch. Once again, I consider myself in your debt for guarding my Queen so diligently."
"It was my pleasure!" Strickland bowed and kissed Dany's hand. He nodded at Jon one last time and quickly left the tent.
"He was flirting with you sometimes!" Jon turned to Dany as soon as the flap of their tent fell back in place.
"He was," Daenerys admitted, smiling. "You are not the only person who can charm people into following you. I'd even say that he is more experienced at it than you are!"
"As long as you don't, uh--" Jon was silenced mid-sentence by Dany's lips. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her more deeply. "How much time do we have left?"
"None. Hold that thought for later. Although--" Dany bit her lip.
"Although?" Jon asked, worried.
"I am pregnant. Now that we know for sure, thanks to Ghost, you don't--we don't have to—"
"I don't have to," Jon agreed, tightening his arms around her, his hands on her butt, pressing her lower body into his. "But I want to. I want to so very much! Please tell me you want to as well! And don't worry--I'll be very sure not to hurt either you or our child."
"Our child! " Dany's eyes shone in anticipation. "When we retire after the feast, then? I can't ever imagine not wanting you!" She lifted her head and Jon could see a small translucent pearl in the corner of her left eye. He wiped it away gently with his thumb.
"Please don't overindulge when they call for their silly toasts!" Dany pleaded.
"And get too drunk and fall asleep before I am halfway through undressing you? Not a chance in the Seven Hells!" Jon's eyes fervently promised Dany more than that.
"Seven what?" Dany smiled and leaned into him.
"I am embracing all the religions of my Kingdoms," Jon kissed her hair. "Seven?" He bounced the question back to her.
"Six to go, then?" she whispered, her meaning clear.
"Who knows what can happen when the Gods are willing? Our first child will arrive in little less than eight moons; we'll take it from there. Seven or eight moons--that sounds like a long time from now when you think about it."
"Let's enjoy every stage of this first pregnancy! Remember how much attention Lady Myrcella received?"
"I'll remind you to enjoy being sick tomorrow morning," Jon teased.
"It's not that bad!" Dany protested. "My nausea brought us hope. Thank the Gods for Ghost, though! Who needs a Maester when you have a direwolf at your beck and call?"
"When he is not asleep or out hunting," Jon added, looking at Ghost, who was fast asleep in the corner of their tent.
"He has earned his rest a thousandfold. Ser Arthur told me how he kept close to you during the battle, no matter how bad the fighting was. He faithfully stood his ground and guarded you!" Dany smiled softly as she gazed at the sleeping direwolf.
"I know. Next to you, it is Ghost whom I love the most," Jon admitted.
"Don't tell Rhaegal that!" Dany teased, smiling sweetly.
Jon secretly committed this moment to memory, particularly the fact that he was holding Dany safely in his arms, and they both felt so comfortable with one another. "Rhaegal knows," he replied and swallowed, his voice suddenly sounding strange to his own ears. "Our bond is different. Ghost is my pet who trusts and obeys me without complaint. I am his superior, the leader of his pack, and nobody is as blindly devoted to me as he is. Rhaegal, on the other hand, is more like my partner--my equal. And although he would also do anything for me, it would be because he has made up his mind to do so. In fact, he often challenges me to see things his way."
Dany sighed and Jon stroked her hair, immediately sensing the reason for her distress. "Viserion will come around," he assured her. "Rhaegal is certain that he will, and I trust my dragon's judgement. If anyone knows what is going on in Viserion's mind, it is Rhaegal."
They both fell silent. Finally, Jon grabbed Dany's hand. "Come, let us see if there is anything left to eat! Our meeting with Strickland took longer than expected. Let's take our meal outside and enjoy the warmth of the bonfire. We can socialize a bit until it is time for the interrogation of the wizard; that will take up the rest of the afternoon. Then I shall check the preparations for the trial, and we shall attend the dinner at which we shall appease the Dornish delegation. After all that, I can finally give in to my baser instincts and have my way with you. If you will still want me to at that point, of course!"
Dany smiled. "Of course I'll still want you! Believe me, my need to make sure that you love me has grown even stronger. And I have never felt your love as deeply as when we cuddle after making love! Melisandre has assured me that our child is safe in my womb, so we need not abstain."
"It won't hurt our child if I make you shiver all over!" Jon's eyes darkened with passion as they roamed over Dany's body.
She swallowed thickly. "Not according to Melisandre. I'll ask the Maester when we return to King's Landing, just to be sure. But think, Aegon: if that were the case, very few pregnancies would reach full term successfully. Men are driven by their baser instincts, after all."
Jon sighed, realizing that their private moment was over. "It is a pity that we really need to find some food and attend the dinner. Also, Edric will expect me to spare some time for him at lunch."
"A sovereign's work is never done!" Dany kissed the corner of Jon's mouth, but evaded him when he tried to prolong the kiss. "Luckily, we share a tent, so we'll end up back here one way or another."
"At least there is that!" Jon agreed, and led her outside.
***
Interlude 52: Congratulations
To Prince Robb of House Stark, Heir to Winterfell (for his eyes alone):
Congratulations, Cousin! Daenerys and I received your surprising news that travelled all the way to the Stormlands before it found us. We are happy for the both of you! Reserve two seats for us at the wedding feast, so I may tell you in person just how many unnecessary sentences there were in that long missive of yours. We have also received word from your father. I shall send him a separate scroll officially announcing that the Crown strongly supports a Stark/Mormont union and all that it entails. Give our best wishes to your bride-to-be and make sure to prepare her for your mother's arrival. I will send Aunt Catelyn home as soon as we return to King's Landing.
On a different note, as of today, Lord Renly of House Baratheon is the new Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Should farfetched tales reach the North, do not fret. Everyone is well, including the two dragons. Your messenger will carry a longer letter North, written in my hand and explaining everything. Look after your family!
Your favourite cousin and faithful friend ("faithful" only on my end; your faith was rather weak if you assumed so many words were necessary to receive my 'congratulations'!)
Jon, a.k.a. King Aegon, the Sixth of his Name
P.S. Send Edric a congratulatory raven--he has distinguished himself in the battle against the Ironborn, and I shall knight him personally in a few days' time.
***
To Prince Eddard of House Stark, Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell:
Dear Uncle,
Our campaign was successful. Minor battles ensued, but hardly any casualties were counted on our side. Euron Greyjoy has been executed in the Stormlands, so the Wall can expect an influx of Ironborn. Stannis Baratheon will be publicly executed in King's Landing as soon as it can be arranged.
Now to address a different matter: you will surely have heard by now of Robb's betrothal. I could not have proposed a better bride for my dear cousin and friend, and I am —certain, once you have given it some thought, that you will agree with me. House Mormont is fully deserving of the honour. I strongly suggest that you claim to have orchestrated the betrothal and to be confident that the Crown supports you in this. For all intents and purposes, might I suggest a short betrothal? The Queen and I can attend a wedding feast if it is to be held approx. two moons from now. Do not expect a royal procession, though. Only the two of us will arrive on our dragons. Unless I receive word to the contrary, I shall arrange for Princess Catelyn and your daughters to board a ship destined for White Harbour within a sennight of my return to the Capital.
Daenerys and I look forward to receiving a formal invitation to the wedding of the newly betrothed Stark heir.
Until we meet in the North,
Your nephew Jon, also known as
King Aegon, the Sixth of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
***
To Catelyn of House Stark, Princess of the North:
Catelyn,
I arranged a betrothal for Robb with House Mormont. He is to wed Lady Dacey in two moons' time. I will ask the King to make the necessary arrangements for you and the girls to take the first ship headed for White Harbour and to send ample security with you.
I look forward to having my family back in the North again, even if Sansa will most likely not stay in Winterfell for long. Robb and his bride will travel to White Harbour in a timely manner so they can escort you on the last leg of your journey home.
Your faithful husband,
Eddard of House Stark, Prince and Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell
***
To Prince Eddard of House Stark, Prince of the North, Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell:
Dear husband,
Our daughters and I are prepared to board a ship in two days' time. I am glad that Prince Robb is finally betrothed, though I am surprised at your choice of bride. The timing of this wedding is rather unfortunate. The King has only just returned, and we will only have occasion to attend the single banquet held in honour of the war heroes. I have heard rumours that Lord Edric of House Dayne is to be knighted. My uncle, Lord Brynden of House Tully, will also be recognised officially for his valour. I have convinced the King not to spread word of our son's betrothal until we have started our northbound journey. I would rather not deal with the disappointed hopes of House Tyrell.
See that Robb conveys our best wheelhouse to White Harbour.
We will be reunited soon.
Your faithful spouse,
Princess Catelyn of House Stark, Princess of the North
***
To Prince Robb of House Stark, heir to Winterfell:
Robb,
Jon told me all your wonderful news. You have my heartfelt congratulations! Gendry sits next to me as I write this and urges me to send his love and best wishes. Both of us deeply regret that we will be unable to attend your wedding. If only I could ride a dragon!
Jon will bring you a wedding gift from Gendry and me. It will be accompanied by a long letter that I trust him to deliver to you personally so that we can write more without holding back. Ask Jon to sketch a picture of your betrothed, for neither I nor Gendry have met her before.
My only regret is that this development delays your promised visit south, and with it, the long-awaited reunion of the pact members. Since it will likely take several moons--perhaps an entire year or longer--before you and your new family can travel to King's Landing, I will surely have left for the Citadel by then.
All our best wishes to you, dear friend, and to your Lady Dacey,
Lord Samwell of House Tarly
And Lord Gendry of House Baratheon
***
To Prince Robb of House Stark, heir to Winterfell:
Robb, congratulations! You're the second member of our pact to get married! Unfortunately, I will be unable to travel north for the wedding ceremony. I shall only stay two sennights in King's Landing and then must head back to Starfall where I have taken up my lordly duties. I find I enjoy being the Lord of my own dominion. I can picture myself happily growing old there with the right Lady by my side. For now, I must remain patient. Whatever happens, know that you will always be welcome at Starfall! My lands are not very far from King's Landing. I urge you to consider traveling further south after you've visited Jon and the Queen. I would like to show you Starfall and the beautiful, sunny lands where I grew up. If you stay long enough, I can take you and all your companions on an exotic sightseeing tour. There are many beautiful places in the Principality of Dorne that you and your sisters, in particular, would enjoy.
Enjoy your last few days of bachelorhood!
Your loyal friend,
Lord Edric of House Dayne, Lord of Starfall
(soon to be Ser Edric, a decorated war hero)
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To Prince Robb of House Stark, Heir to Winterfell:
Dear nephew,
I just heard the most delightful news! Congratulations! I can't believe I never thought of this match before. Lady Dacey of House Mormont will make a wonderful Lady of Winterfell and Princess of the North, but more importantly, I can indeed picture the two of you living together and developing a warm rapport. I wish you all the best! I shall confer with Jon, but, in all honesty, I do not look forward to travelling so far north, only to depart again after a few sennights. My wife doesn't fare well on a ship, and I refuse to travel without her. We are still newlyweds, after all. I love you, dear nephew, and will count the days until I can welcome you and your wife here in King's Landing. Do not delay too long, for want to see you at least once more before my hair turns grey!
Your happily married Uncle,
Prince Benjen of House Stark
P.S. I forgot to mention that Ashara also sends her best wishes, and I hope Jon will have enough room on his dragon to carry our gift to you.
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To Prince Robb of House Stark, Heir to Winterfell:
Robb, my sincere congratulations! Jon relayed to me your happy news. He was beaming from ear to ear as he told me that his favourite cousin has found a partner in life whom he can respect and love. I am uniquely placed to assure you that, in his official capacity as King, Jon and his Hand also consider this union a welcome political development. I informed my brothers of the Kingsguard of the "official" version of your betrothal, and they have asked me to convey their best wishes to you and Lady Mormont. I reckon your upcoming marriage will delay your journey south? Please keep me updated on your new plans regarding that trip. Lord Seaworth also asks me to extend his congratulations to you since Jon forgot to mention them in his scroll. Keep well and write to me soon!
Ser Loras, Kingsguard to King Aegon VI
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