allegiance // jon snow

chapter fifteen

the heavy snowflakes of late winter swirled around winterfell as jon snow and his party approached the gates. the familiar sight of the castle, adorned with banners of the north, felt both comforting and overwhelming after months and years of constant conflict and uncertainty. jon's heart quickened as he spurred his horse forward, the weight of the past months lifting slightly with each step closer to home.

as jon dismounted and walked toward the entrance, the doors of winterfell swung open to reveal a flurry of activity. the air was filled with the buzz of preparations for his return, but it was the sight of familiar faces: sansa, arya, bran, and rickon. the four of his siblings standing at the forefront that brought a deep sense of relief. they greeted him with a mixture of joy and solemn respect, their expressions a reflection of the long-awaited reunion.

jon embraced his siblings, his gaze searching the crowd for the one person he had missed the most. "where's rhaenys?" he asked, his voice betraying a mix of eagerness and concern. sansa's eyes softened as she looked at jon. "she's been waiting for you, jon. she's... she's in the great hall. you should go to her." jon nodded, his heart pounding as he made his way through the castle. the familiar stone corridors seemed to close in around him, amplifying the anticipation and anxiety he felt. when he finally reached the great hall, the sight of her before him took his breath away.

rhaenys was seated near the hearth, her presence radiant despite the weariness etched on her face. her heavily pregnant form was a testament to the time that had passed since they last saw each other, and as she turned to see jon, her eyes filled with a mix of relief, joy, and a hint of apprehension. the great hall was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire and the soft murmur of those who had gathered to witness the reunion.

jon's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of rhaenys. he crossed the room in hurried, yet careful strides, his heart swelling with emotions. when he reached her, he hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers as if trying to absorb the enormity of the moment.

"rhaenys," jon said softly, his voice breaking with emotion. "you're... you're here. and you're..." rhaenys looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. she nodded, her voice trembling as she spoke. "i'm here, jon. i've been waiting for you. we've been waiting for you." she said with a smile and a hand on her belly.

jon knelt beside her, his hands gently resting on her belly, feeling the warmth and life within. he placed a loving kiss on her belly. "i didn't know... i didn't know." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "i didn't know how much i've missed you. how much i needed to come back."

rhaenys's hand reached out to touch his cheek, her fingers trembling. "we've all been waiting for you. there's so much to tell you, and so much to look forward to." jon's gaze was filled with both wonder and concern as he looked at rhaenys. "how have you been? how is... the baby?" rhaenys smiled through her tears. "we've been well. the baby is strong and your siblings have been supporting me. maybe a little too much. but i've missed you every day." she said with a little giggle.

jon's eyes softened with love and regret. "i'm sorry for being away so long. i'm here now, and i'll do everything i can to make up for lost time." rhaenys took a deep breath, her heart full as she reached out to him. "you're here now. that's all that matters. we have a future to build together. despite everything that's happened, we have each other and this new life. that's what matters." jon nodded, his hand resting over hers on her belly. "we'll face whatever comes together. i promise."

the great hall was filled with a profound sense of peace as jon and rhaenys shared their moment of reunion. despite the turbulent times and the uncertainty that lay ahead, the strength of their bond and the promise of their future offered a beacon of hope.