Northern Conqueror

Chapter 23: Widow's Watch

Chapter 23: Widow's Watch

Jon stood on one of Widow's Watch's towers overlooking the white waves of the Bite and Shivering Sea crashing against the rocky cliffs below. Though further south than Winterfell, the sea air made it seem just as cold. Hearing Davos come up behind him, Jon glanced back and gave the older man a nod.

"Is it like this on Dragonstone?"

"Warmer," the man said with a laugh, bundling himself in his cloak to stand beside Jon.

With a glance toward Davos, Jon asked, "How many of the kingdoms have you been to, Ser Davos?"

"What do you mean, your grace?"

"You have a land in the Stormlands, spent time on Dragonstone, in Winterfell and even at the Wall. Anywhere else? You were born in Flea Bottom, right?"

"A few shore towns in the Vale and Dorne. Mostly kept to the eastern side of Westeros. Why do you ask?"

"I'm curious if you'll be happy retiring to the Stormlands or if you'd prefer someplace else. There's plenty of ruined keeps that will be empty once things have settled, and I'd prefer one in your hands than left to neighboring lords."

Davos stared at Jon for a moment. "I don't know what to say, your grace."

Jon seemed pleased with that, turning to him. "I'd prefer you say you'd like to return to King's Landing, but I wouldn't ask you to give up the chance for peace just to burden you with being my hand, no matter how much I may wish it. I doubt you'd abandon me with so much at stake, but once the Night King is gone and we've dealt with Cersei I'll likely be forced to spend my days at King's Landing.

"You've already given me so much of your council. I don't want to presume that you'd stay on, but I'll do what I can to make sure not only do you know how much I appreciate it, but to make sure you gain the recognition you deserve for it. I'd offer to name you Warden or Lord Paramount of a realm, but I'm afraid that would upset too many others, so I'd ask you accept instead an empty keep or a new one wherever you think you'd like to spend your time."

Davos looked down, taking a breath to steady himself and fight the knot in his throat. Looking to Jon he smiled. "I'll have to think on it, your grace."

"Something to keep in mind," Jon nodded. With a glance toward the sea he asked, "How long should we wait before leaving?"

"A week," Davos answered. "Even a poor captain should be able to get them here by then."

It seemed their captain wasn't poor as they were told Targaryen sails had been spotted the next day. Jon had wanted to ride to the shore and greet them, but Davos and Melisandre convinced him not to.

"She'll seek to challenge your place as king," said Melisandre. "I know you think it petty, but it should help remind her you're not beneath her."

Davos groused. "She has the right of it. I'll take some men to escort her. I'd suggest you take the lord's seat in the great hall and wait for our return. You've been king barely months now while she's been a queen of some sort since she was sold to the Dothraki. There's a chance she'll try to dismiss you even with the copies the maester made us."

With a sigh, Jon nodded, patting Davos' shoulder. "I'll await your return."

*~*~*

Davos stood beside Willam and the others watching the boat carrying the landing party from the Stormborn ship. They hadn't made it to shore when Davos furrowed his brow.

"She's not there," he said quietly. "Did she not even come?"

His annoyance faded when a screeching roar came from the horizon and they turned to see three dragons cut through gray clouds, speeding toward the peninsula. He watched them pass overhead, circling while the boat landed and men hurried off. It was only then the largest of the dragons landed, most of the men backing away as it eyed them in silent warning while letting the silver haired woman atop it dismount.