The Queen of Flames (Sequel to 'The Demon of Winterfell') (On Hold)

Chapter Eighteen: A Mother's Love

Daenerys was the one who spoke up next. "I didn't believe until I saw them," she said. "I saw them all."

"How many?" Jaime asked.

"A hundred thousand, at least."

His eyes widened at that.

Euron stood suddenly, starting to talk off the platform. He lowered in front of the dead wight, staring at it. "Can they swim?" he asked.

"No," Jon replied.

"Good."

He stood, looking over at Cersei. "I'm taking the Iron Fleet back to the Iron Islands," he stated.

"What are you talking about?" Cersei demanded.

"I've been around the world. I've seen everything, things you couldn't imagine, and this... this is the only thing I've ever seen that terrifies me."

He turned, stepping up to Daenerys. "I'm going back to my island. You should go back to yours," he said. "When winter's over, we'll be the only ones left alive."

He glanced at Emmelyne. "Hopefully you'll stay on that island."

And then he left the Dragonpit, everyone watching him as he went.

"He's right to be afraid," Cersei spoke up. "And a coward to run. If those things come for us, there will be no kingdoms to rule. Everything we suffered will have been for nothing. Everything we lost will have been for nothing. The crown accepts your truce. Until the dead are defeated, they are the true enemy."

Jon let out a sigh. Emmelyne wasn't sure if it was relief, or if he was letting out a breath he'd been holding. "In return," Cersei continued, "the King in the North will extend this truce. He will remain in the North where he belongs. He will not take up arms against the Lannisters. He will not choose sides."

"Just the King in the North?" Daenerys asked.

Cersei just smiled.

"Not me?" Daenerys pressed.

Cersei chuckled. "I would never ask it of you. You would never agree to it. And if you did, I would trust you less than I do now. I ask it only of Ned Stark's son. I know Ned Stark's son will be true to his word."

Jon looked at Davos. At Emmelyne. Daenerys. And then back at Cersei. "I am true to my word," he said. "Or I try to be. That is why I cannot give you what you ask. I cannot serve two queens. And I have already pledged myself to Queen Daenerys of House Targaryen."

Daenerys's eyes went wide. Everyone else shifted in their seats.

Cersei began to stand. "Then there is nothing left to discuss. The dead will come north first. Enjoy dealing with them. We will deal with whatever is left of you."

She started walking away, looking at Emmelyne. "Lady Stark. I'd like to speak with you. Follow me."

Emmelyne looked at Jon, but Cersei continued. "Don't hesitate. Just come with me."

Emmelyne rose from her chair, looking at Sandor anxiously before following Cersei. Behind them, Jaime and Brienne were speaking. Cersei stopped, watching them for a moment. But she turned away just as quickly, leading Emmelyne along.

Cersei led Emmelyne to her chambers. She closed the door behind them, green eyes locking with gray. "Emmelyne Stark," she said. "It has been a long time."

"Five years, I believe," Emmelyne replied.

"You're, what, twenty-three now?"

"Yes."