DAGGERS TO THE HEART Part 2 - CLASH OF THE KINGS

Jon I

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Ice and Fire Novels, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and Dunk and Egg TV shows. However, I decided to have a little play around with the characters. I do not earn any money from writing these stories, it is for my entertainment and is something I like to share.

This is a continuation of Daggers to the Heart Pt 1 - Game of Thrones

It is essential to read that story first, otherwise this one makes no sense.

The cold winds descended from the north, harbingers of shifting seasons. In Winterfell, the white raven's arrival marked the end of summer, the precursor to the imminent embrace of autumn. Jon Snow, however, remained largely indifferent to the subtle change; his recent year and a half spent at the Wall and beyond had skewed his perception. To him, the weather still carried a semblance of warmth. Yet, amongst those who journeyed with him, discontent murmured like a gathering storm.

Wait until winter comes, Jon thought.

As they traversed the green pastures enveloping Winterfell, Jon contemplated the impending transformation. Fertile lands that once surrounding the castle would soon surrender to winter's grasp. The verdant expanse would yield to the encroaching white blanket, the ground beneath hardening, and the bounty of crops diminishing. The hills, more conducive to sheep grazing than agriculture, painted a stark contrast to the abundance found in the Gift. Winter's icy fingers were poised to tighten their grip, casting a shadow over the once-lush landscapes surrounding Winterfell.

Almost a moon had passed since Jon, Arya, Lady Stark, and their ten guards departed Queenscrown. Sansa and Robb undertook the responsibility of overseeing the castle, allowing the Freefolk to adapt to their new surroundings. Jon's confidence in Queenscrown's safety was unwavering, yet to ensure Sansa's well-being, he intended to petition Lord Stark for the despatch of additional soldiers northward.

The journey's most surprising revelation came in the form of Lady Stark's altered demeanour. Instead of wearing a perpetual sour expression, akin to sucking on lemons, she had softened over the four weeks of travel. Jon attributed this change to his meticulous efforts to exhibit his best behaviour, a conscious endeavour to win her trust. However, as the walls of Winterfell loomed closer, an uneasy feeling settled over Jon, prompting doubts about the adequacy of his actions.

Jon acknowledged the near-impossibility of winning Lady Stark's love, given the stain he represented in her marriage—a source of embarrassment spanning many years. Overcoming this history within such a brief period seemed an insurmountable task. Jon's sole aspiration remained simple: Lady Stark's loyalty, and more crucially, her allegiance to Sansa.

As the final night of the journey unfolded, a palpable sense of anticipation permeated the camp. Winterfell loomed large on the horizon, promising the comfort of warm beds, hot meals, and soothing baths. For Jon, this evening marked the last opportunity to engage in a private conversation with Lady Stark. Arya, understanding the gravity of the situation, had graciously agreed to give them space to air their differences once and for all.

Following the evening meal, Jon extended an invitation to Lady Stark to join him in his tent. Typically, his evenings were spent with Arya, strategizing their plans for Dragonstone, a place that held a particular fascination for her. However, this night was to be different — a solitary meeting between him and Lady Stark.

As the tent flap opened, Lady Stark peeked inside. "Am I early, my Lord?" Their agreement to address him as 'My Lord' during the trip was a discreet acknowledgment shared only between Lady Stark and Arya.

"No, Lady Stark," Jon replied, rising from his seat and gesturing towards a chair. "Please, be seated."

Catelyn entered the tent, her demeanour betraying a hint of discomfort as she took in the surroundings. It marked the first time they had been alone since their departure from Queenscrown.