allegiance // jon snow

chapter eighteen

the grand doors of the great hall loomed before jon and rhaenys as they walked side by side through the dimly lit corridors of winterfell. the echoes of their footsteps mingled with the distant howl of the northern winds outside, creating a somber melody that matched the unease settling in their hearts.

jon cast a sidelong glance at rhaenys, noting the determination etched on her features despite the lingering flush from their earlier encounter. he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before pushing open the heavy wooden doors, bracing himself for whatever awaited them inside.

the great hall was sparsely populated at this late hour, with only a handful of guards standing at attention along the walls. their eyes were immediately drawn to a lone figure standing near the hearth, cloaked in dark fabric that contrasted sharply with the warm glow of the fire behind him. the stranger's hood was drawn up, casting his face in shadow, but there was an unmistakable aura of nobility and purpose surrounding him.

as jon and rhaenys approached, the figure slowly lowered his hood, revealing a face that made rhaenys gasp audibly and caused jon's steps to falter.

the man before them had the unmistakable features of valyrian heritage: silver-gold hair that caught the firelight and eyes of a deep, penetrating violet. his angular face bore a striking resemblance to the portraits of their ancestors, and there was a maturity and hardness in his gaze that spoke of a life fraught with trials and survival.

rhaenys's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock and burgeoning hope. "aegon?" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. the man's gaze softened at the sound of his name, and a small, weary smile tugged at his lips. "hello, sister," he replied, his voice rich and resonant, carrying a hint of emotion that belied his composed exterior.

jon watched the exchange, his own mind racing as he tried to process the revelation unfolding before him. aegon targaryen was dead—slain as an infant during the sack of king's landing. yet here he stood, alive and grown, claiming his place before them. rhaenys took a hesitant step forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "but... how? we were told you were killed, that you and mother both..." her voice broke, unable to finish the sentence.

aegon's expression grew somber, shadows flickering across his face as the memories surfaced. "i was supposed to die that day," he began softly. "but plans were set in motion to save me, to ensure that the targaryen line would endure." jon moved closer, his gaze scrutinizing aegon carefully. "who saved you? and why reveal yourself now?"

aegon's eyes shifted to meet jon's, and there was a flicker of recognition and curiosity as he regarded the man standing beside his sister. "it's a long story, and one that i intend to share with you both in full. but first, perhaps proper introductions are in order." he extended a hand toward jon. "you must be jon snow, or should i say, viseron targaryen."

jon's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his true name, but he maintained his composure, gripping aegon's hand firmly. "i prefer jon," he replied evenly. "it seems we share more than just a family name." aegon's smile returned, warmer this time. "indeed, our family tree is more tangled than most." he released jon's hand and looked back at rhaenys, his gaze softening. "i apologize for arriving unannounced and at such a late hour, but circumstances have made it necessary."

rhaenys shook her head, still struggling to contain her emotions. "there's nothing to apologize for. i... i can hardly believe it's really you. all these years, i thought i had lost you forever." aegon stepped closer, closing the distance between them as he reached out to clasp rhaenys's hands in his own. "i thought of you every day, wondering if you had survived, hoping against hope that one day we might be reunited." a tear escaped down rhaenys's cheek as she looked up into her brother's face, the reality of his presence finally settling in. "you're here now. that's all that matters."