Game Of Thrones:Lady Blackthorne

CHAPTER 30

A white raven flies over the Northern wilderness towards Winterfell.

In Winterfell's dining hall, Jon is standing behind the high table, staring across the hall. Melisandre stands by his side.

Jon said, “When we had feasts, our family would sit up here… and I’d sit down there.” Jon points to the other end of the hall.

Melisandre said, “Could have been worse, Jon Snow. You had a family. You had feasts?” Jon chuckles.

Jon said, “Aye, you’re right. I was luckier than most.” Davos enters the hall with a frown on his face.

Jon asked, “What is it?”

Davos said, “Tell him. Tell him what you tried to do to Shireen before Aldarra and the dragons get back here with everyone from Castle Black. Tell him what you tried to do to her. Tell him!”

Melisandre said, “The Princess Shireen. We tried to burn her at the stake.”

Davos said, “Why?”

Melisandre said, “The army was trapped. The horses were dying. It was the only way.”

Davos shouted, “You tried to burn a little girl alive!”

Melisandre shouted, “I only do what my Lord commands!”

Davos said, “If he commands you to burn children, your Lord is evil!”

She said, “We are standing here because of him. Jon Snow is alive because the Lord willed it.”

Davos shouted emotionally, “I love that girl like she was my own and so does Aldarra. She is good. She is kind. And you tried to kill her!”

She said, “So did her father. So did her mother. Her own blood knew it was the only way.”

Davos said, “The only way for what? They all died anyway! You told everyone Stannis was the one. You had him believing it, all of them were fooled. And you lied.”

Melisandre said, “I didn’t lie. I was wrong.”

Davos said, “Aye, you were wrong. How many died because you were wrong?” Davos and Melisandre stare at each other in silence.

Davos said to Jon, “I ask your leave to execute or banish this woman for murder. She admits to the crimes.”

Jon said to Melisandre, “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

Melisandre said, “I’ve been ready to die for many years. If the Lord was done with me, so be it, but he’s not. You’ve seen the Night King, Jon Snow. You know the great war is still to come. You know the army of the dead will be upon us soon. And you know I can help you win that war.” Jon approaches her.

Jon said, “Ride south today. If you return to the North, I’ll have you hanged as a murderer.” Melisandre begins to walk away. Davos moves in her way.

Davos said, “If you ever come back this way, I will execute you myself.” She moves past Davos and exits.

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Jon stands atop the outer wall of Winterfell watching Melisandre ride south on her horse. Sansa appears at his side.

Jon said, “I’m having the lord’s chamber prepared for you.”

Sansa said, “Mother and Father’s room? You should take it.”

Jon said, “I’m not a Stark.”

Sansa said, “You are to me.”

Jon said, “You’re the Lady of Winterfell. You deserve it. We’re standing here sooner because of you. The battle was coming to an end quicker because the Knights of the Vale rode in. They came because of you. Ramsay said Lord Baelish wanted to sell you to the Boltons if he got you from King's Landing?”