Chapter 53: Alarys

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~Shadows of Fate~

Alarys paced the halls of Dragonstone, her heart a tempest of dread and uncertainty. Ever since she learned of Jon's imprisonment, a gnawing anxiety had settled deep in her stomach. She felt the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders, a heavy burden that threatened to crush her spirit.

The Unsullied had taken Jon, her husband, the father of her child, and now the specter of war loomed over Westeros. She had never imagined it would come to this. Daenerys's descent into madness had been gradual yet unrelenting, and now, with Jon accused of assassinating her, the stakes had never been higher.

With each step, she felt the chill of the stone beneath her feet, a stark reminder of the coldness that had seeped into the hearts of those around her. Sansa walked beside her, a mirror of her own turmoil. Both women had fought tooth and nail to protect their loved ones, yet they now stood on the precipice of destruction.

"What will happen to him?" Alarys whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Sansa's jaw tightened as she glanced down the corridor. "I don't know. Grey Worm is adamant that Jon will face the consequences of his actions. He believes the Unsullied are above the laws of men."

Alarys stopped, turning to Sansa with desperation in her eyes. "We have to intervene! This isn't just—he's not a criminal! He did what he had to do!"

Sansa nodded, but her expression was grim. "I understand. But Grey Worm is blinded by grief. He sees Jon as a threat to Daenerys's legacy, to her vision for the realm."

They reached the Dragonpit, the air thick with tension. A crowd of lords and ladies had gathered for the Great Council, murmurs of anxiety and anger rippling through the assembly. Alarys felt a knot form in her throat. This was not the reunion she had envisioned when she first arrived in Westeros.

As they entered, Tyrion stood at the center, a solitary figure in a sea of uncertainty. Grey Worm flanked him, his presence an ominous reminder of the violence that had unfolded in King's Landing.

"Alarys," Tyrion greeted her, his voice heavy with understanding. "Sansa."

"What will happen to Jon?" Alarys demanded, her voice rising with urgency.

Tyrion exchanged a glance with Grey Worm. "The Unsullied will determine his fate. They believe Daenerys's vision must be upheld, regardless of the cost."

"But he was fighting for you!" Sansa interjected, her voice fierce. "He saved lives!"

Grey Worm's expression remained impassive. "You cannot understand the weight of a queen's death. Jon Snow murdered her in cold blood."

"No, he—"

"Enough," Grey Worm cut her off. "Jon's actions have consequences. We will decide how to proceed."

Alarys felt a surge of anger. "You cannot be serious! He deserves a fair trial, not this... this farce!"

Tyrion stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he considered the situation. "What if we allow Jon's fate to rest with the new king?"

Grey Worm frowned, contemplating the suggestion. "And who is this king?"

"The council will decide," Tyrion explained. "But it should not rest in the hands of the Unsullied alone. This is Westeros; we must follow the customs of our people."

Sansa nodded, glancing at Alarys. "It's a chance."

Finally, Grey Worm relented. "Very well. The council will decide."

With that, the council convened, a tense silence hanging over them as the lords and ladies debated Jon's fate. Alarys could feel the weight of history pressing down upon them, the ghosts of their ancestors watching from the shadows.

"Let it be known," Tyrion's voice rang out, "that Jon Snow, for his actions against Queen Daenerys, is to be judged by the newly formed council."

Hours passed, each tick of the clock feeling like a lifetime. The council was tumultuous, voices raised in anger and grief as they debated Jon's punishment. Finally, Bran Stark, seated at the head of the table, raised his hand for silence.

"Jon Snow acted in a time of chaos, driven by love for his people and his family," Bran began, his voice steady. "We have lost too many to war and bloodshed. The path before us is fraught with peril, yet we must find a way to avert further conflict."

As Bran's words hung in the air, Alarys clutched Sansa's hand, their eyes wide with anticipation.

"Therefore, I declare that Jon Snow shall be exiled from Westeros," Bran continued. "His fate lies beyond our shores, to ensure that peace is preserved and bloodshed is averted."

Alarys's heart raced. "Exiled?" she whispered to Sansa, disbelief flooding her.

"Where?" Sansa replied, just as confused.

Bran's gaze swept over the assembly, his words intentionally vague, leaving room for interpretation. "Let it be known, Jon will find refuge in a place not ruled by our realm."

Alarys and Sansa exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. There was a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Dorne, a realm untouched by the horrors of King's Landing, could be their sanctuary.

As the council adjourned, Alarys felt a surge of determination. They would ensure Jon's safety, no matter the cost. He was more than just a soldier or a king; he was her husband, the father of her child.

With their minds set, they prepared to face the challenges ahead, their bond unbreakable against the storm that threatened to consume them all.

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