Bringing the Dawn

V.

Jaeron Targaryen

Winterfell, 299AC

Chaos was the only word that came to mind as they all prepared for the visit. Catelyn running around making sure everything was set up correctly with Sansa hot on her heels, Lord Stark making sure everything was accounted for alongside Robb. Bran trying to sneak in an archery lesson which Arya graciously ruined by showing him up by hitting the bullseye. Rickon in his lessons and if the sounds coming from his room were anything to go by- was not enjoying being cooped up being forced to learn with the hustle and bustle of the castle. Then there was Jon.

Since it was only the family and Howland Reed who knew the truth, he was still being treated as the bastard of Winterfell. Something that he had gotten used to and had created a mask to hide how much it hurt that he couldn't partake in any of the celebrations. Something he now felt no resent over as he now knew who he was. He felt guilt ebb deep inside of him as he remembered the long talk Eddard had with him the night prior, a talk which turned into an accusatory screaming match between the pair as Jon let out all his anger. He'd felt horrible for it and for taking it out on the man who had risked so much to keep him safe, but he needed to get it out.

However, he now had some closure towards everything. His uncle had confirmed to him that he had marched with Robert as he genuinely believed that there was foul play going on and to avenge his father and older brother. It wasn't this that was bothering the young boy. It was that he had continued his whole life to paint Robert Baratheon as someone to be looked up to and he cared for deeply. It was obvious that deep down, Ned Stark still hoped some of the boy he grew up with in the Eyrie was still the same, and nobody wanted to dampen this tiny bit of faith he had.

No, Robert Baratheon did not order the deaths of his siblings or Elia, but he had rejoiced over it. He had also confirmed that Ned was the only person to call it out for what it was- cold blooded murder. It had apparently led to a massive confrontation between the new King and the Lord, and his uncle had stormed out of the Red Keep in disgust to begin lifting the siege at Storm's End. It was only after his uncle had returned with his mother's bones that the pair had reconciled. Well, today he would see just how shaky the relationship between the two really was. They had already received a report from Wintertown confirming the entourage had been spotted on the horizon, there was no way to avoid it.

At least he had one thing going for him. As they were still going by the bastard story, this meant he couldn't be close to the King for courtesy sakes unless he demanded it himself. Hesitantly, he got dressed in his 'best' clothes which were not much better than the servants before eyeing what lay in the corner of his room. He now had the eggs sitting on an open fire which was roaring away silently. With the order given that no one was to come near his rooms until after the visit, he could have them out temporarily. Jon had no idea when they would hatch or even how he was going to get them to hatch, he just knew they were going to do so. Hopefully, it's not during this trip because it wouldn't be easy to hide two dragons.

A knocking on his door broke the silence and soon Robb peeked his head inside to let him know they would be there within the next ten minutes. The older knew how the slightly younger felt, and he had offered to listen to him as he got everything out. There's one thing about Jon that bothered people. He has a short temper, but he also bottles everything up until he cannot do so anymore. Not exactly a good combination for a Stark/Targaryen mix who were known for acting out whenever rage bubbled over. The older glanced to the fire for a moment before quirking an eyebrow up, the younger simply giving him a stern glare in response. He couldn't have people getting curious with what he had as it would unravel the web of lies his life was currently.