The next few days in King's Landing were a time of rebuilding. I had taken the Iron Throne, my birthright, and used the skulls of the three dead dragons to create a memorial to my father and Theon. Theon's sister, Asha, requested his body be returned to the Iron Islands in order for his return to their Drowned God. I wanted to argue; he was almost King Consort of the Seven Kingdoms, he deserved to be buried in the royal crypts. But my mother knew the consequences of angering Iron Born, and though he sacrificed his life to save mine, I would never join him when my time came.
It would be a lie to say that the entirety of Westeros mourned Joffrey. In truth, only my family and those that were rarely shown his mercy felt saddened by his death. I once believed that I never wanted to Iron Throne, but I want to honor my father, and to do that the Throne must be mine.
After my father's funeral, I retired to my chambers with Jojen at my side. "Are you sure you want me to go with you? The servants might talk-" Jojen protested.
"Jojen, love, Theon told me with his dying breath to be happy with you. I refuse to feel guilty for doing so. Let them talk, for though I have lost so much, there has never been a happier woman." I embraced him, making sure to make note of how his body fit to mine for fear that if I ever lost him, I would forget. But I also knew deep down that this kind of love was unforgettable. It imprints a face upon your very soul. A face that will always be home.
When we got inside my room, I prepared myself for the reckless decision I was about to make. I kissed Jojen gently, then held his hand to my heart. "Thank you so much for always standing by me. Thank you for loving me even when I had to marry another man and carry a child that everyone thought was his. Jojen, I can't hide my love for you anymore. Now that I am Queen we can finally be together. Jojen, I love you with all that I am and I would be the happiest woman in all of the world if you would agree to marry me."
He smiled and embraced me, but he hesitated. "Lehna, I'm not worthy. I'm from House Reed, we don't have much to offer the Crown. We'll anger many powerful houses. There may be war."
I placed my hands on his shoulders. "House Reed is a Northern family. If the Lannisters, Baratheons, Tyrells, Greyjoys, and the Reeds formed a marriage alliance, no one would dare rise against us. I don't care who I anger. I am the Queen and I will marry who I want."
The smile that crossed my lover's face was blinding. "Lehna, to marry you is all I've wanted since the moment an angel entered my miserable dungeon cell." He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling so close to him that our lips were less than an inch from touching. I placed a hand on his jaw and eliminated any space that remained between us.
"We should announce our engagement to the people so no one can stop us," I muttered between kisses.
"Later," he breathed. "We're busy." Being with him without having to hide it anymore made me heart soar. Despite everything we had been through we could find happiness and love in each other.
Jojen pulled my leg up over his thigh as he showered me in kisses. My black mourning gown fell to the floor, as though it were a symbol of me honoring Theon's wishes. I would miss him forever and always be thankful for his sacrifice, but I could not mourn forever.
[Should I edit this to make it more steamy?]
