Game of Dragonborn. [BOOK 1/2]

Chapter 189 - Tormented by His Own Sins.

[Chapter Size: 2400 Words.]

Third Person POV.

Winterfell.

...

...

In the training yard, Lord Stark looked at Daemon, though he could see a certain distrust in his eyes.

"Stand up, Lord Stark," Daemon said, and Lord Stark nodded, rising to his feet.

"You may greet your family. You'll have a place in the castle, but we'll talk in three days. I'll let you enjoy your time with your family, and then we'll discuss our problems and our differences once and for all. That's the most I'll do for you," Daemon announced in an indifferent tone.

Lord Stark ignored all the whispers around him and nodded. At least he would have some time with his family. And Daemon wasn't finished.

"But remember, Lord Stark, you are no longer the lord of Winterfell, much less sovereign of the northern realm. You are not to meddle in any affairs of the North until we have our conversation, in front of all the lords. Are we understood?" Daemon spoke in a firmer, more serious tone—there was no warmth in his voice, none of that of a nephew speaking to his uncle.

Lord Stark nodded once more, and Daemon said nothing else. He made no further introductions, merely raised his hand to the left, where the children stood.

"Lord Stark, you may now greet your family." Lord Stark could not hide the glimmer of sadness in his eyes as he went to where his children were, facing his eldest son and embracing him.

"Father..." Robb murmured, while Daemon found Lord Reed before him.

"Lord Reed, it's been a while since I've seen you," Daemon remarked, his tone softer than the one he had used with his own uncle.

"Your Majesty," Reed said, bowing. There was no doubt that most of the North now stood with Daemon.

"This is my betrothed, Daenerys Targaryen," Daemon introduced, and the lord of Greywater Watch lowered his head in respect.

"My lady, or should I say, future queen," he said respectfully.

"Lord Reed, it's a pleasure to meet you," Daenerys said with a friendly smile.

After that, Lord Reed went to see his two sons, while the next to introduce themselves were Lord Manderly and the representatives of the Iron Bank.

All knelt before Daemon, who also introduced his betrothed and future queen, making his intentions for the North clear, as well as his desire to end the prejudice against the daughter of the Mad King that still lingered among those who saw Daenerys for the first time. The North was stubborn by nature, but nothing Daemon couldn't handle. He himself had set examples for those who openly mocked her, placing them in difficult positions—and no one came to their aid.

The representatives of the Iron Bank greeted him without bowing, but with respect—after all, one could not expect them to submit to a foreign king.

"Good. Find places for our guests. We'll have our general meeting. We won't wait for any more men to arrive at Winterfell. As much as I'm still expecting the Skagosi men, we'll settle this now. We've waited long enough. In three days, all matters of the North will be addressed in the audience hall. Are we understood?" Daemon roared to the entire courtyard, and the people nodded, feeling the weight of his words.

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Things went back to routine after the quick meeting, for the rest of the day. Daemon organized some letters from the South, as he was receiving open support from several houses that wanted to ally themselves with House Targaryen, now active once more.