The carriage through the valley was Lilith's favorite part of her journey to the various kingdoms in Notheros . She had loved seeing the flowers dance in the breeze and the butterflies bouncing from one anther to another. Her father smiled at his oldest daughter, proud of how much she resembled his late love. She twirled her hair with her finger and glanced in his direction after feeling his stare.
"Father.. Why must I meet the prince of the stone kingdom?" The small girl asked. Lilith had just celebrated wher fifteenth name-day and now her father was taking her to their brother kingdom.
King Ignis chuckled, "Prince Daemon is who you'll marry once you're old enough." Lilith frowned, men grossed her out and she could not imagine marrying one. She'd rather marry a wolf.
Ares took a step from the carriage and took the hand of his daughter. Her large eyes stared up in wonder. Her long embroidered gown was violet with the sigil of the ram stitched throughout. Atop her small head was a crown with a ram's horn on either side, a very small and noticeable detail. The two began up the long steps to reach the front doors. The entire castle was made from iron and black stone.
Lilith had wandered by this point. She peaked into the room while following the sound of piano keys. She saw a young boy, younger than her, playing the piano beautifully as if he had been playing for thirty years. She giggled softly. The boy stopped upon being startled and turned to the door. He saw her little eyes looking back at him. "Who are you?" He spoke timidly.Lilith stepped into the door frame and waved, "I'm Lilith, from Kingdom Ignis. What's your name?"
The thirteen year old boy stood from the piano bench. "I'm Agnolo." Lilith smiled. Was this the prince of this beautiful castle made of stone?
"Is your dad the king?" She asked in amazement. Agnolo laughed and shook his tangled hair.
"I'm just a servant boy. My mother taught me piano. The Petra family let's me play since my family has worked for them for generations. Your prince is being fitted at the moment."
Lilith stared at the ivory keys, "Teach me!" She ran over and sat down. The boy blushed and complied, taking a seat beside the beautiful girl. He showed her how to play for what seemed like forever; the two giggling as they made ridiculous sounds with the keys. Lilith could've stayed there forever with Agnolo, unfortunately he was a mere servant, and she was already promised to another.
Horns sounded atop the grand marble staircase echoing like thunder in a heavy storm. King Petra stood and smiled to the king, embracing him. The two stood beside one another whispering as a young prince descended the glossy steps. His icy blue eyes piercing through Lilith's soul.
King Petra announced, "Lady Lilith, I'm pleased to introduce you to your future king, prince Daemon Petra.
Tormund assisted the servants in loading the small wagon with supplies. Jon walked the grounds with Ares as he spoke his final goodbyes.The king enveloped Jon in a strong hug, "My friends from another world! You have been granted a pardon and you may live off the fruit of my lands. Hunt as you please, and visit anytime."
Jon smiled brightly at this fresh start, "On behalf of my people, I thank you. We are forever grateful." He was more than pleased to be in a new world, with allies no less. The fox and wolf said their goodbyes to the king and his children, all except Lilith who was nowhere to be found. A piece of Jon felt sorrow not being able to speak to the beautiful maiden one last time, but perhaps, it is for the best. The free folk had camped only a day's journey from the castle; they'd return by dusk.
Lilith had left before the dawn; strategically arranging the blankets on her bed to form a makeshift body. No one would know until it was too late. She managed to steal her eldest brother's shirt and slipped on a long, grey skirt. She did not own a pair of shoes that didn't have heels, so she was prepared to go barefoot. A free lady doesn't need shoes. She grabbed a saddle satchel and loaded it with some necessities, and finally, she headed out into the garden.
Lilith mounted her speckled horse, Cleo, and rode off into the woods where she'd wait for Jon and Tormund to leave following behind them quietly.
The day had come and gone rather quickly as the sun kissed the horizon. Jon and Tormund approached camp, meeting the smiling faces of their people. As they tied up the horses and unloaded the wagon, the two men became swarmed by familiar and curious faces. Tonight would be a night of storytelling.
The loud cries of a horse lifted Jon from his deep slumber. He shot up and listened for the sound. The horse neighed once more followed by some chatter amongst his people. He stood quickly as the flap on his tent flew open.
Tormund had a wicked smile, "We have a guest.."
Snow pushed passed the red haired man and out the tent, Ghost followed closely behind. He made his way through the crowd of people into the center and stopped. Jon stood still as a statue, a familiar figure standing before him. Some of the women in his camp were speaking to her and examining her pale face. Thorns and rose petals locked in her thick hair, scratches along her cheek and arms, and her feet bare. Her grey eyes locked onto Jon's brown eyes as they spoke entirely though eye contact.
Jon grabbed her hand and pulled her angrily once he broke from the spell she cast on him with those eyes. He dragged her into the tent where Tormund was still sitting and tossed her onto the ground. She looked up at him, resting on her elbows.
"My Lord," she smirked devilishly.
Jon's pale complexion was tinted red, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Lilith stood quickly, brushing the dirt from her clothes, "Like I said, Snow, I was getting out of there one way or another."
Jon's voice grew, "This is not a game, I'm taking you back right now!" He reached for her arm but the young Princess quickly dodged his attack.
"You can't take me back.. The moment you set foot on those grounds is the moment you face the blade of my father." Lilith's words were drastic but true. The wolf cursed under his breath knowing this girl was stuck with them. Ghost slowly moved in on guard, ready to strike.
Tormund watched closely, wishing he had something to munch on while the drama unfolded.
Jon cursed under his breath, "We were great! Your father allowed us to use the land... Now we have to leave! He knows where we are, he'll come looking for you!"
Lilith nodded, "Good thing I know these lands." Tormund snorted. Jon pointed to his friend as a gesture to keep quiet.
He continued his lecture, "I have half a mind to leave you behind you-"
"You said yourself in those stories at dinner.. You used to belong somewhere and leaving wasn't a choice. Yet here you stand, a free man. You broke your vows and joined these people, now I have chosen to do the same," Lilith argued. Jon was left to ponder her words. She was right, though using him to get what she wanted was a heavy blow. He couldn't take her back, so she had to come with.
Jon huffed and pointed towards her, "You have to pull your weight, or get left behind." Without saying another word, he stormed out to gather his people together to leave.
Tormund stood and smiled at Lilith, "I think he likes you."
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All images used in this chapter have been rendered through AI
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A Jon Snow sequel: Beyond the North (GAME OF THRONES)
Fanfiction"What's west of Westeros?" Arya asked Jon. The crow let out a quick laugh replying, "I don't know." Arya smiled, "No one knows.. That's where all the maps stop." After killing the mother of dragons and being sent back to the nights watch, Jon Snow...