Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Duty
Jon.
He had expected that the apology would be given directly after the tourney ended, that having all those people in the one place Edmure would step up and make the apology and be done with it. But whether there was protocol he was unaware of or whether Jon Arryn intervened, instead he'd have to wait another day for it, which was fine by him. It was then Jaime came to him and told him he needed to meet someone at the tavern early the next morning.
After the jousts were over and people went their separate ways, he'd barely had a chance to speak to Margaery and hadn't yet had the opportunity to give her back her favor. Every time he looked at the small ribbon he found himself smiling, they had exchanged gifts before, name days and occasionally for other things. But this was the first thing he'd ever been given that was hers, that actually belonged to Margaery and for Jon it felt different, special.
The rest of the night had been a bit of a blur, Joy walking around wearing her rose garland on her head, the crown of flowers making her look like the princess, or queen that Jaime had crowned her and that for Jon she always had been. Gerion had japed constantly about the fish floundering on the ground and at one point had fallen to the ground to do a what Jon thought was pretty accurate impression. While Tyrion had said he'd made more coin today than the mines would ever produce, a jape Jon knew but he did wonder how much he'd bet, since both Jon and Jaime had won he'd suspected a lot.
The funniest part of the celebrations had been when Ghost saw his shield and lined up in front of it, watching his wolf's mouth snarl as he looked at the shield was something he couldn't stop laughing at. Especially when at one point Ghost actually bumped his nose against the hard wood, whether trying to attack the other wolf or trying to steal his fish, Jon couldn't tell but seeing the wolf's reaction had them all laughing.
"Come here you silly furball." Jon said as Ghost trundled over.
He reached out and petted the wolf on the head, before grabbing some of the meat from the plate in the center of the table and feeding it to him.
"Here, we can't have you eating a floppy fish, it may upset you're stomach." Jon said laughing.
When it came time to go to bed Jon felt the tiredness all at once, he said his good-nights to Loras and Jaime and the others and made his way to his room. Taking the egg from the fire he curled up beside it in the bed, the little green and gold ribbon still tied to his arm. He slept a dreamless sleep and was quite happy to do so, waking refreshed and ready for the day to come. After breaking his fast he watched as Jaime and Loras headed to the Red Keep, Jaime to meet with Lady Olenna and Loras acting his squire today.
He met Alyrs and Jors and together with Ghost they walked to the tavern, he'd meet whoever it was and then make his way to the Red Keep to get the apology over and done with. Margaery had suggested they spend the rest of the day visiting orphanages and handing out supplies, while tomorrow they'd do so in Flea Bottom itself. He wasn't sure which he looked forward to more, helping those who were hungry or spending more time with Margaery.
"So did you make some coin yesterday?" he asked his guards.
"Aye Jon, on both you and Lord Jaime." Alyrs said smiling.
"What about you Jors?"
"Aye me too, you think I'd let this one have all the fun." Jors said motioning to Alyrs.
"You had us worried though, when you lost your shield I thought you were done for, how'd you manage to stay on Winter?" Jors Asked.
"Really? you've seen him on her, the boys half horse, aren't you Jon." Alyrs said and they both laughed.
When they finally reached the tavern and entered, the serving girl immediately led him upstairs, he nodded to Jors and Alyrs to grab a drink and followed behind, handing the girl a few coppers once he reached the door. Knocking he entered to find Ser Barristan and another man, this one a large dark haired man with dark eyes. Jon closed the door behind him and walked over, Ghost raced ahead of him and went straight to the dark haired man, Jon looked on as the wolf sniffed the man before coming back to lay on the floor beside him.
"My king, may I present Ser Richard Lonmouth." Barristan said and Jon gasped loudly.
"You, I thought you were dead." Jon said looking at the man who had quickly gotten over the shock of having a large wolf run at him.
"I thought so to your grace, it seems I was mistaken." Richard said smiling brightly.
The thoughts raced in Jon's head, Richard was his father's squire, him and Myles Mooton, for years the two were as close to his father as Jon and Loras are to Jaime. The questions raced through his head, the stories this man knew, the tales he could tell, the things he saw, one thought overrode them all though.
"Did you know about my mother?" Jon asked his voice shaky.
"Aye your grace I did. "Richard said sadly.
"Can you tell me, tell me about them, were they happy?" Jon said barely able to speak the words.
"Your father was a melancholy man your grace, he was prone to quiet spells when he'd be lost in his mind, at times like that it was only Arthur who could get through to him, myself, Myles, we'd get a smile and be sent on our way. But Arthur, he was your father's closest friend so he'd sit and they'd talk and after a while your father's mood would change and things would be back to normal.
When he met your mother though it changed, he changed, none of us ever saw him like that before, he smiled more, was more outgoing, don't get me wrong your grace your father was always a charmer. But when he met your mother he was like that all the time, he was happy, they were happy." Richard said and Jon smiled.
"Please call me Jon." he said looking at the man.
"I cannot your grace, you are my king." Richard said and Jon looked at him in surprise.
He watched as Ser Richard stood up and walked to him before getting down on one knee, looking to Ser Barristan as the knight nodded.
"I Ser Richard Lonmouth, do hereby pledge my fealty to the one true king Jaehaerys Targaryen the third of his name, I pledge my sword, my counsel, my life in service of his, from this day to my last day."
Jon stood up and smiled at the knight.
"I vow that you shall always have a place by my hearth and meat and mead at my table, and pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you into dishonor. I swear it by the old gods and the new. Arise Ser Richard."
Jon was surprised to see the knight wipe his eyes, the tears falling from his face, he and Barristan gave him a moment to compose himself before turning to speak to him some more.
"Ser Richard is your Master of Whispers my king." Barristan said and Jon for a moment was caught unawares, Master of Whispers, why would I need a Master of Whispers? that's when it struck him, they were all in the great game now.
Jaime.
He sat in the small solar Olenna had set up as her office, Loras he'd sent to spend time with his mother and sister, his father was absent, already at a meeting with the Hand. Arriving at the Tyrell's rooms he'd been immediately brought to the solar. Olenna though in a meeting with one of the Reach lords had left word that she'd be along as soon as he arrived. True to her word he'd not been kept waiting long and the Lady of the Reach arrived accompanied by her two giant guards.
It always amused him hearing her call them left and right, the two twins were massive and practically identical. They never took part in tourneys, never sparred and Jaime couldn't tell if they were incredibly talented swordsmen or mummers, though he doubted the latter. He sat by as Olenna took her seat a servant arriving with wine and cheese almost as soon as she did. He was given a glass of sweet summer wine, a fine vintage from the arbor and the cheese plate was placed easily in reach.
"Lord Jaime." Olenna said her voice softer than usual.
"Lady Olenna." he replied and nodded getting a smile from the woman.
"Well that's the pleasantries done with, shall we begin."
Jaime laughed, he did so enjoy dealing with her, even when playing a game the woman had a style about her, a way of cutting through the usual wordplay that he disliked. Though that's not to say she didn't dance and flitter through subjects to catch you off guard, but still, there were no frills with Lady Olenna, she left you in no doubt of her feelings towards you.
"I think we shall, so my lady, I'm not sure why you wish to speak to me, mine own talk with you was rendered moot when Loras told you of our trip north."
"Loras informed me of your meeting with the Lord Hand."
"I am aware my lady."
"Why?"
"Why what." Jaime said smirking.
"You know quite well what I mean, why bring my grandson to such a meeting? why tell him to inform me of it? what game are you playing Lannister?" Olenna's frustration coming to a boil surprised both of them.
"Do you wish me to be candid my lady?" Jaime said and watched as Olenna huffed in annoyance.
"I do."
"Very well, the crown will bleed you dry my lady, take as much as you can give them and never give you what you wish and given my nephews disposition, even should they adhere to your requests, the prize is not worth it."
Olenna sat there looking at him for a few moments, the silence in the room unbearable to most, but they both just looked at each other, almost as if they were taking the others measure, before Olenna began to laugh.
"You really are cleverer than I gave you credit for, very well, so should I withdraw my support for the crown, I assume you will not be stepping in to take my place."
"I will not, this regime, this king, the prince, my sister, all of them are rotten to the core, I served a mad king once, I swore to do better the next time." Jaime said taking a sip of the wine.
"So if it's not to be Baratheon then who is it you're willing to support?"
"My lady there's candid and there's treasonous, surely this early in our relationship we should stick to the former." Jaime said and Olenna burst out laughing.
"For now at least my lord." Olenna said.
"Aye, for now."
The two spoke of trivial matters for a while, both actually enjoying the other's company, Jaime said he'd instruct his brother to increase cooperation on trade and perhaps even open up the Essos trade to Reach goods. When they both realized just how much coin the crown had borrowed from each of them, he saw how Olenna shuddered. When he told her in detail of his meeting with the Hand he watched as the woman bristled allowing her anger come to the fore.
"That duplicitous old falcon, I should go over there and give him a piece of my mind." Olenna said angrily.
It took her only a moment to reign in her temper which Jaime found incredibly impressive, before she turned and looked at him a question on her lips, one she seemed to discard before asking another which he knew was different.
"That squire of yours, he's a good lad." Olenna said catching him by surprise.
"Aye, both of them are." Jaime said and Olenna smiled.
"That ridiculousness during the melee, Loras got hurt those boys needed to pay, they needed to know what happens when you hurt a Tyrell. What the boy did, Jon, what he what he did for my grandson, should I not get the opportunity to speak to him, would you give him my thanks."
"I would my lady, though he'd not accept it, the boys are friends, they look out for one another, that's not something you can teach though you may try, that's down to them. So I'll tell him, but it would shame him to think you thought he did so for favor."
"You misunderstand me, I know that he didn't, I'm not speaking here as Olenna Tyrell, I'm speaking as a grandmother who was worried about her grandson, it's benefited him going west, I think young Jon has a lot to do with it, so I'm thankful."
Jaime nodded glad now he hadn't spoken of Jon's belief that Jon Arryn had sent the boys after him during the melee, given how Olenna he now knew felt about her grandchildren, Jon Arryn wouldn't last he night should she know.
"My lady I do have two requests to ask of you?"
"Really, we're doing favors for each other now are we." Olenna raised her eyebrow a smirk on her face.
"I thought we already had." Jaime said getting a snort from the woman "I'd ask you wait until you withdraw your support from the crown my lady, until I return from the north."
"Wait, why would I wait, at the rate we're supporting them it would cost us another 100,000 gold dragons to wait until you come back."
"Then I'll cover the coin." Jaime said and Olenna gasped.
"It's that important to you?"
"Aye my lady it is."
"Fine we'll cover the cost ourselves, consider it a step to our future prosperity, together." Olenna said emphasizing the last word.
"Very well my lady."
"The other?"
"Ah, this well, I'd like to add my winnings to Jon's to purchase more food."
"Really, I wouldn't have seen charity as your providence."
"Perhaps not but what he's doing, what your granddaughters doing, they're better people than us my lady." Jaime said softly.
"You may be right, very well, then I shall match it as well, Margaery did come up with some very good ideas." Olenna said "They look good together don't you think?
"Aye my lady, they do." Jaime said smiling.
Tyrion.
It had taken him almost a week but he'd gone through the list his brother gave him and found that each name helped immensely. On the non friendly side Petyr Baelish seemed a tricky customer, the man was involved in brothels which Tyrion had no problem with. Though speaking to Chataya he found some of the practices the man may be involved in disturbing, Jon Arryn had proved himself during this tourney. When Jaime had told him both of their conversation regarding money and what had occurred during the melee, Tyrion had found his dislike for the man growing rapidly. The Hand it seemed was far less honorable than one would assume.
The commander of the gold cloaks a frog faced man Jonos Slynt was a horrible man, he was for sale to the highest bidder and while that sometimes was an asset that could be exploited, the man would turn his cloak far to fast. He had spoken to Alayn who said he would arrange something to change the leadership of the gold cloaks, better an honest man take the position, than one who'd whore himself to everyone.
There were a couple of Captain Vylarr's guards who had turned their cloaks who he'd gotten rid of, a tax collector who'd found himself fired and a harbor master who'd been removed quite easily. The most surprising to Tyrion had been the one name he'd known before coming, the spider Varys. He had looked forward to locking horns with the man only to be disappointed to not see him when he arrived. Even when he finally did see him it had been brief and the man seemed to have the uncanny ability to disappear at will.
"We're here my lord." his guard said and Tyrion got out of the carriage.
"Are the other's already inside?" he asked.
"Aye my lord, Lady Genna and Lord Kevan arrived just before us, while Lord Gerion's been here most of the morn."
"Very good, lets go see a fish apologize." Tyrion said as his guards laughed.
As he walked he pondered the other side of the list, the friendlies, Alayn was a godsend, the man had a knack for ferreting out information and Tyrion was already further along in Kings Landing than he was in the west because of it. Chataya though initially reluctant, once she heard he would offer protection against Baelish for no cost, she was more than happy to help. The new Harbor Master was a man originally from the Westerlands, so was more than happy to be on the Lannister's good side. Especially since he was beholden to them for the promotion in the first place, so from now on not only would Lannister ships not be subject to the same searches as others, but they'd know exactly what else went through the docks.
As he entered the packed throne room Tyrion smiled, he had done well indeed and now he'd enjoy watching Edmure Tully ask for Jon's forgiveness. He moved towards his family who were lined up near the front of the throne room and waited for the king and queen to arrive. Jon was standing by and talking to the Tyrell's, though when he saw Tyrion arrive he nodded.
"About time you showed up." Genna scolded him.
"Aunt I'm a busy man, with things to do." he said jestingly though his aunts raised eyebrow stopped that in it's tracks.
"You think he'll really apologize?" Tyrion asked turning quickly to his uncle.
"Aye, he's got to, kings order, good enough for the sod, about time someone put those fishes in their place." Gerion said bitterly.
"You never told me what it is you have against them uncle?" Tyrion asked.
"Aye, I didn't." Gerion said and Tyrion knew by his tome the matter was closed.
He was surprised to see his brother enter with Lady Olenna and Loras, her two giant guards following behind her, when Jaime got to where Jon was he nodded to the Tyrell's, Jon took a little extra time to speak to Lady Margaery before Jaime walked towards them. Jon said his farewells to Lady Margaery and then the and Loras accompanied Jaime with Jon looking surprisingly shaky. It was when they reached him that he saw the fish and while Jon looked nervous, Edmure looked absolutely furious.
Before he even got a chance to say hello to his brother or the boys though the Hand and Master's of Coin and Ships arrived, and took their places by the throne. A few moments later the herald stepped forward and began to speak.
"His grace King Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, Rhoynar and First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Lord Protector of the Realm and her grace Queen Cersei."
Tyrion watched as the king and queen entered, Robert looking bored and Cersei wearing a deep scowl, he couldn't help but smirk, his sister hated him, hated him for no other reason than she blamed him for the death of his mother. She could never accept that he would have gladly died so his mother would live, that he too lost a mother when he was born and unlike her didn't even have the memory of one to comfort him.
He had tried to get on with his sister, had longed for her love as much as he longed for his father's, but very early on it had been clear that neither were forthcoming. So instead he took pleasure in knowing she received no love herself, that he now had something she did not, the love of his family. He watched as they sat down, two people who clearly hated each other, both trapped in a loveless marriage and it was at times like this his own longing for a wife would retreat to the deepest recesses of his heart.
"Lord Tully, Jon Snow, come before the king." the herald announced and Tyrion watched them both stand in front of the throne.
"Lord Tully you having lost a joust to satisfy honor are now to apologize to Jon Snow as per the ruling of the king." Lord Arryn said and Tyrion could see the hate in his eyes as he looked at Jon.
The silence dragged on and on, Tyrion heard the hushed whispers of the crowd, but still nothing, not a word passed Edmure Tully's lips, he saw the king grow agitated in his seat, even the Hand's expression had changed. No longer was he glowering at Jon instead he was looking to Edmure with a beseeching look in his eyes, but still the Lord stayed silent, finally a voice was heard, though not Edmure's.
"Your grace it seems lord Tully's having difficulty apologizing to me, I can understand his hesitation, but as I said it's not I he owes the apology to, but my mother and father, so I forgo any apology to myself so long as Lord Tully apologizes to them." Jon said.
Tyrion looked on as the Kings expression softened, he looked around the room and saw Lords and Ladies look at Edmure in disgust, while looking at Jon fondly.
"You heard the lad Tully, apologize to his parents, and make it a good one, or so help me I'll have you apologize on your knees." the king said and the room quietened.
"I Lord Edmure Tully am sincerely sorry for the insult I paid your mother and father and do hereby apologize publicly." Edmure basically spat the words out.
"On my mother and father's behalf I accept your apology Lord Tully." Jon said and the king smiled at the boy.
"My Lords and Ladies, honor has been restored and the matter is settled." the herald said and Edmure turned and stormed from the room.
Tyrion watched as Cersei got up and left immediately, while the king spoke to Jon before slapping him on the back and laughing as he left, he turned to his uncle and brother both looking at the door that Edmure left through.
Margaery.
She walked with her family out of the throne room, only to be joined a few moments later by Jon and Loras, she had been so annoyed at Lord Tully, to refuse to apologize to Jon, after losing an honor joust no less. But Jon had taken it in his stride, his parents honor meaning more to him than his own, she smiled when he nodded to her.
"Lord Mace, Lady Alerie." he said bowing to her father and kissing her mother's hand.
"Lady Olenna." he said and she smirked when he kissed her grandmother's also, surprised she'd held it out to him.
"Lady Margaery." she felt her stomach tumble when his lips met her hand and smiled at him.
"Are you all right Jon?" she asked.
"I am thank you my lady." Jon smiled back at her.
After speaking to her family for a few moments they finally said their goodbyes, her grandmother had insisted they have a large accompaniment of guards with them during their trips to the orphanages and rather than argue she had agreed. Jon however had only his two, though with Loras's two and with Ghost they were well protected. As they walked to where the carts were, Ghost alternated between running off and rushing towards her to lick her hand, with no chastisement form Jon having any effect.
"I swear that wolf does this just to irk me." Jon said and Ghost turned his head sideways and she could have sworn he nodded.
"Yes you ya big furball." Jon said as the wolf jumped up and pushed him to the ground making her and Loras laugh.
The first orphanage they arrived at almost had her in tears, the children looked terrible, their clothes were ragged and they looked like they hadn't had a proper meal in she knew not how long. She ordered her guards to immediately grab the fruit, apples, peaches and pears were carried in by the basket load and together she, Jon and Loras began handing it out. Seeing the expressions on the youngest as they bit into a peach or an apple made her smile.
"Cans I feels yer dog." a small girl asked Jon as she devoured a peach.
"He's a wolf, but yes if you're very careful." Jon said and taking the girl by the hand walked over to Ghost.
"He's soft." the girl said her smile beaming as she touched the wolf's fur.
"Aye he is, isn't he, he's a big furball." Jon said and the wolf looked at him and shook his head.
Margaery kept looking from the wolf to Jon and from Jon to the girl, she watched as Ghost would look annoyed but he allowed the children to touch him, more and more coming to him once the little girl had shown it was safe to pet him. She watched as Jon spoke to the children and as he handed them food, she and Loras continued to hand out the fruit until everyone had some. She then walked to the lady who ran the place who was looking on stunned as the bags of food were added to her stores.
"I thanks you my lady, the little ones they thanks you. this will feed them for moons." the tall thin woman said smiling.
"What's you name?" Margaery asked the woman.
"Sala milady,"
"Sala, when this runs out, be sure to speak to Darron at the Tyrell warehouse, he'll ensure you get another delivery," Margaery said and the woman almost broke into tears before looking and smiling as Jon much to Ghost's annoyance was now allowing larger groups of children to pet the wolf.
"What you and the young lord did here milady, the blessing of the seven on you both."
"It's just Jon and Margaery, Sala." Margaery said and walked over to join Jon and Ghost.
All in all they visited four more orphanages and it was getting dark by the time they arrived back at the Red Keep, she had never felt like this before, this sense of accomplishment, of actually doing something. Looking at Jon she knew he felt the same, Loras had left after the second one, though he had wanted to stay, but he'd promised Lord Jaime he'd help him with some meeting that afternoon. For the first time she could remember Margaery was actually happy to see her brother leave, spending the rest of the day with Jon had been incredible.
Where Loras was occasionally a bit too protective or worried about her, Jon though she knew he was concerned also, seemed to allow her more freedom, allow her to decide, while always being there watching. At one point she had decided to walk around one of the orphanages to see the conditions the children lived in, had Loras been there he'd have insisted he came with her. But Jon had allowed her to walk alone with the lady who ran the orphanage, though she did see Ghost follow closely behind her.
Now though they were done, her feet hurt and she needed a warm bath, it was the end feast tonight and she would need to look her best, luckily she wouldn't be accompanying the prince so perhaps she'd get her dance with Jon. When they reached the Red Keep they turned to say their goodbyes, she could see Jon had been affected as much as she had by what she saw today. When she told him the beds the children slept it were filthy, the blankets scatty and threadbare he said something she'd found strange.
" Then is it not our duty to make it better, to do better for them, if not for ourselves."
Tonight they'd feast and dance and watch as people wasted food and coin was spent frivolously while just streets away children were going to bed hungry. Tomorrow they would go to see those who had it even worse than the children they saw, surely it was the duty of those with means to do better, to give more, to help those who need it most. Jon looked at her and moved towards her brushing a piece of hair from her face and smiling softly at her.
"Do you think we helped today?" she asked a forced smile on her face.
"Aye I do, those kids, they were smiling Margaery, we did that, you did that."
"I want to do more Jon."
"We will."
"Will I get my dance tonight Just Jon?" she said her smile more real this time .
"Of course Just Margaery."
The feast.
Loras.
Preparing for the feast was a chore, he had thought his mother fussy but she was nothing compared to Genna, the woman had an almost obsessive passion for details. Your hair had to be right, your clothes pristine, your boots shined and polished. Loras was someone who prided himself on his appearance, who always tried to look good, but they way Genna fussed over him would make you think he was dressed in rags.
"No, no, no, this won't do at all, that doublet is all wrong, where is your other one, Loras are you listening."
"Aye, it's here Lady Genna, I thought the blue one looked better."
"Did you now and what are your house colors Loras?"
"Green and gold Lady Genna."
"Indeed and this is a feast in front of a king or have you not noticed how we're all dressed."
Loras had, he'd never seen so much red and gold in his life, from Jaime's crimson doublet with gold trim to Genna's beautiful red dress adorned with golden stones that glistened and glimmered as the light hit them. The only one who'd gotten away with it was Jon, his friend as usual wore black though this time he'd added a red shirt which Loras had to admit was striking.
"Here it is, now put this on at once." Genna said handing him the green doublet with the golden threads and the rose over where his heart would be.
"Is he still not ready, Loras really, we have a feast to go to." Jon said mockingly when he entered the room.
"Don't even start, was I not in your room only an hour ago doing the very same thing, a white shirt really Jon, you need to add color to your attire." Genna chastised and Loras sniggered.
After a few more moments where to his embarrassment, Genna actually brushed his hair while Jon did his best not to burst out laughing, they were ready. Earlier he had accompanied Jon to the gates of the city where they'd let Ghost free in the Kingswood, the wolf tearing off faster than he'd ever seen. With the children also accompanying them at least for the early part of the feast, there was no one for the wolf to stay with and after he watched Jon kneel down and look into Ghost's eyes, his friend had suggested letting the wolf run free.
Every time he saw Jon with Ghost he wondered about their connection, whistles, head movements and sometimes even less and suddenly the wolf would be doing things as if he was following commands. It was the same with Winter, they had a connection he couldn't even begin to understand, something the joust made clear. How Jon had managed to stay on his mare was beyond him, had it been him or even Jaime they'd have fallen, but somehow Jon stayed and managed to land his hit.
"What's going through your empty little head." Jon said nudging him with his shoulder.
"What nothing. I." Loras mumbled and Jon laughed loudly before he joined him.
"Jon, look pretty dress." Joy said when she saw them walking down the corridor.
"It is isn't it, pretty dress for a pretty girl." Jon said kneeling down to talk to the girl.
He watched as Jon held her hand and led her down the corridor, Jaime and Gerion and the others waiting for them when they got there, the carriages all ready to go. Jon and he got in the carriage with Jaime and Gerion, Joy joining them rather than Genna, Emmon and their children. Kevan and Tyrion were in the other carriage with Kevan's family.
The trip to the Red Keep didn't take long and he looked on amusedly as Jon kept Joy's attention focused on the buildings as they passed and pointed out the stars to her as she looked out the window. Eventually they arrived and entered the keep itself, walking through the corridors, they passed a few people who pointed at Jon and whispered, the story of the joust and apology had spread like wildfire.
"Are you going to look this glum all night?" Jon said forcing Loras from his thoughts.
"I'm not glum." he said glumly.
"Joy, Loras is sad, why don't you give him a hug."
"I'm not…" he didn't get to finish as the little girl was standing in front of him looking up at him, kneeling down he was enveloped in a hug, he was speaking the truth he wasn't sad or glum, though had he been he certainly wouldn't be now.
"Loras better now?" Joy asked looking at him.
"Aye, thanks Joy." he said and the little girl smiled before skipping over to Jon and holding his hand as they entered the ball room.
Jaime.
He nodded at Lady Olenna who was sitting with her family at the front table, their own table placed on the other side of the room, with the Vale and Riverlords in the center. Yet again the northerners had been placed right at the back and he looked on as the tall elegant Dacey Mormont cut a much different figure than before. The northern woman was fierce on the melee field, yet here in this setting she looked equally at home, her dress was elegant and her hair only emphasized just how pretty she really was.
He coughed and spluttered when she turned and caught him looking, he'd been lost for a moment and his composure had left him, wiping his chin he turned and caught her smiling at him, he nodded politely and smiled back. His uncle tapped him on the shoulder and looked at the northern woman who was now speaking to her cousin, Jaime breathed deeply and prepared for his uncles inevitable ribbing.
"She's a pretty one isn't she." Gerion said.
"Who."
"Who, don't give me that, the northern lass, Mormont is it."
"Dacey."
"Aye, Dacey. " Gerion said and Jaime squirmed at the look on his face.
"Will she be ehmm traveling with you when you go north." Gerion said and Jaime didn't need to look to know his uncle was smirking.
"Aye, the whole northern party will, strength in numbers and all that."
"Convenient that." Gerion said and Jaime's head turned to look at him.
"What is?"
"You all traveling together, it's convenient should knock a lot of time of their journey north."
"Aye it should." Jaime said turning back to glance at the northern table again, not noticing the smirk on his uncles face.
Luckily for him something else grabbed his uncles attention as it was then Edmure Tully decided to make his appearance, Jaime, Gerion and most of the ballroom given how quiet it had gone, were surprised the man showed up. Most had expected he'd scurry off to Riverrun rather than face the embarrassment his actions had brought upon him, but here he was arrogant as ever as he walked to his table.
Both he and his uncle turned to see if Jon had noticed, if he had the boy was hiding it well, sitting at the end of their table playing some game which had Joy and the children laughing hysterically. He looked to see if Tully was watching and he was, a look of hatred on his face which thankfully Gerion didn't see.
A few moments later, the king, queen and Hand arrived, he almost burst out laughing at Cersei being accompanied by Stannis, each trying to out glare the other. Robert looked like he'd rather be doing anything else other than walk with Selyse, the woman's superior look lessened incredibly by the mustache on her upper lip. Behind them Jon Arryn was walking with his wife whose eyes darted around the room before settling on the Master of Coin and smiling, something the man did not do back.
Once they were seated the feast began and looking down on the second course of deer, Jaime longed for anything else to eat. He picked at the vegetables and looked once again to the northern table, watching on as Dacey laughed loudly at something her cousin's wife said. He smiled at her when she caught him looking, holding her gaze and thankfully this time being more prepared when she smiled back.
Jon
Jon found his appetite not with him tonight, he had picked at his food and only ate to ensure that Joy did, the little girl overjoyed when the deserts came. He had spent most of the night playing with the children while occasionally looking to the Reach table to see Margaery looking over at him. Both of them eager for the feast to stop and to be allowed roam the room freely. After they finished their desert Genna led the children to the carriages, Jon rode back with them to help tuck them in for the night.
Once he'd read Joy her story, he walked to his room and checked on his egg, it had been odd the last day or two, the egg for some reason not wanting the heat of the fire, instead he'd found a large chest and placed it inside. At night when he slept the egg still needed to be cradled though, but Jon couldn't understand why the fire seemed less important now. He still felt it move inside, still felt it deep inside him, but it was different, almost as if it was at peace or resting for now.
"Make sure Emmon doesn't drink too much will you Jon?" Genna said when he got ready to head back to the feast.
"Are you not coming back Lady Genna?"
"No, I find I've no stomach for that room for some reason, I'll have an early night instead."
"Are you well, do you need me to get you anything?" Jon asked a note of worry in his voice.
"No thanks Jon, I'm fine, I think I'm just looking forward to going back home."
He nodded at her and left to go back to the feast, Jors and Alyrs were waiting outside so all three of them decided to walk. Kings Landing at night was a much different place, Jon wondered where everyone went, the streets empty but for the occasional gold cloak. It surprised him, Lannisport was as busy at night as it was during the day, the streets full of life, people out enjoying themselves, here it seemed not to be the case.
When they arrived back at the ball room Jon was happy to see the feast over, people were milling around talking, he saw Loras sitting with his family, but went first to tell Jaime and Gerion that Genna would not be coming back. Once he'd done so he walked over to the Reach table, passing by the Riverlords, surprisingly he found that none of them glared at him, even Edmure Tully looked away rather than stare at him.
"Where did you sneak off to?" Loras asked as he moved a chair beside him and Margaery.
"Lady Genna brought the children back to the manse so I helped."
"You mean you had to go and read Joy her story." Loras laughed.
"Aye I did, Lady Margaery a pleasure to see you tonight." Jon said and smiled as Margaery turned to look at him.
"You too Jon."
They sat around talking for a few moments, before the tables were moved and the dancing began, Jon turned to Margaery who he found was looking directly at him. He wanted more than anything to ask her to dance, to just not care about propriety or anyone else and just do what he wished to do. But it was Margaery's reputation which would suffer not his, luckily Loras came up with a solution.
"I think it'd be nice to explore a little don't you?" Loras asked his eyebrow raised remarkably like Margaery's.
"Dearest brother that's a fine idea, don't you agree Jon?"
"I do." he said and smiled at the lopsided grin on Margaery's face, Loras had not come up with this at all.
"Grandmother, mother, we're going for a walk." Margaery said and Jon was surprised to see Lady Olenna raise no objection.
"Very well sweetling, make sure you take your guards with you." Lady Alerie said.
Leaving the room Jon nodded to the Smalljon who was giving him a funny look, his eyebrows raised and a smirk on his face, Goatsbane looked ridiculous. Dacey and Lynesse both smiled at them and Jon thought they should go speak with them once they came back, something he mentioned to Margaery who agreed. Had he looked to the high table he'd have seen some very different looks sent his way, Lord Arryn and the crown prince wearing matching looks of disgust and disdain.
Jon led the way, not sure where he was going he found to his surprise that he ended up in the same room he had the night of the opening feast, walking to the double doors he opened them and led Loras and Margaery outside. His eyes were immediately drawn to the small hole in the wall where he'd seen Balerion, now sure the cat was the same one his sister owned, the one whose eyes he'd seen her through.
"Are you all right Jon." Margaery asked concernedly.
"What, oh I'm fine, I just I've been here before." Jon said trying to shake the images from his head.
"When?" Loras asked as they sat down.
"Oh the opening night's feast, came out here as I needed some air." Jon said and looked to Margaery who looked back at him and after a moment smiled as she realized why that was.
"Well as fun as this is, I'm heading back." Loras said subtlety not his strong suit.
"Loras." Margaery said scoldingly.
"Sorry." he said before quickly scurrying off.
"He was supposed to be more circumspect than that." Margaery said with a sigh.
"Well the result is the same, so I don't mind." Jon said delighted at the giggle he got in return.
"Would you do me the honor of a dance Just Margaery." Jon said standing up and holding his hand out to her.
"It would be my pleasure Just Jon."
They could barely hear the music from where they where but it didn't matter as they danced for the next few moments, as they moved Jon had a sudden thought. One day he'd be able to do this, to dance with her, not here in secret, but in front of everyone, with no fear of judgement for either of them. The thought should make him smile but it was immediately followed by another, he was lying to her not outright, but by omission, by not telling her the truth he was lying to her.
He felt the guilt then, Margaery and Loras both of them meant so much to him and yet he was lying to them. He wanted to blurt it out then, tell them the truth, who he was, who his parents were, but he didn't know if he should, he needed to speak to Jaime, speak to Barristan, someone, anyone. Margaery noticed the look on his face change and when he saw her concerned look he tried to smile and wave it off, but to no avail.
"Jon are you sure your all right?"
"Aye, I was just thinking of something." Jon said and scrambled to come up with something.
Margaery's shriek forced his thoughts away though as he immediately stood in front of her and within seconds both his guards and hers came rushing out to them.
"Are you all right my lady." one of the guards said looking angrily at Jon.
"I am, I'm fine, I thought I saw a shape in the corner, a rat or something." Margaery said and Jon held her hand which was shaking.
The guards checked the corner and found nothing, so after receiving their orders from Margaery and ensuring she was fine, left them alone again.
"Are you sure your all right Margaery, we can go back if you wish?"
"No I'm fine, lets sit for a moment."
They sat down and Jon after making sure Margaery was feeling better walked to the corner where the hole was, he saw him there, the black cat looking up at him and he felt it deep in his heart, his sister loved this cat and so would he. He bent down and picked it up, the cat this time not hissing once, he looked at it staring deeply into it's eyes and felt it then, the connection between them, just like with Ghost, just like with Winter.
Walking back to Margaery he saw her gasp when she saw what was in his hands, he nodded to her hoping she wouldn't shriek again and was glad when she didn't.
"Margaery this is Balerion, Balerion this is Margaery." he said as the cat purred when Margaery rubbed her hand softly over it's fur.
Jon the next morning.
Waking up the next morning Jon found himself wrapped around his egg and with a sleeping black cat on his bed, looking to the floor he saw Ghost looking at him strangely.
"Don't worry ya big furball, I love you too." Jon said and Ghost rolled over to allow him to pet him.
He and Margaery had sat and talked for almost an hour after he'd found Balerion, he was delighted how well the cat had taken to her, he'd even at one point crawled from Jon's arms to lie in Margaery's. When they'd gone back to the party, the cat had become agitated, Jon had decided not to let it out of his sight though, he was taking the cat from that place, from those people, no matter what. So he'd reluctantly said his farewell's to Margaery knowing they'd be seeing each other today anyway and made his way back to the manse.
They'd only just left the Red Keep when he felt the pull to the gates, so he, Jors and Alyrs headed there and a few moments after they reached them Ghost arrived, his fur speckled with blood from whatever he'd killed. The reaction of the wolf to the cat was unexpected, he thought there may be trouble but Ghost very gently placed his head on the cat's stomach and that was it, nothing, not a peep out of either of them.
He got up to get ready for the day carefully placing the egg back in the chest, he was happy about one thing, since the change at least now he may not need to lock his doors, he called out to a servant to organize a bath. Both Ghost and Balerion were badly in need of cleaning, so dressing in his worst clothes he helped fill the bath and went first to the cat. What came out after he washed him was a completely different animal, it was as if he'd cleansed his soul rather than his body.
Balerion seemed livelier, more dare he say happier, Ghost on the other hand was a different matter, the wolf hated being washed, much preferring to jump in a river or stream than a bath, but wash him he did. After finishing he dressed in better clothes and together with the wolf and cat went to break his fast, he was barely in the room when Joy came over looking inquisitively at the cat he was holding.
"Present for me Jon?" she asked reaching out to the black cat.
Jon watched as the cat practically jumped into her arms to excited giggles from the girl, the cat was purring loudly as it's fur was stroked, it's head rubbing against her.
"Joy this is Balerion, I need you to look after him for me."
"Ballon pretty Jon." Joy said giggling as the cat licked her hand.
"Balerion Joy." he said and she rewarded him with a I just said that look.
"Come Ballon," Joy said turning and he couldn't help but laugh as she sat down at the table and began feeding the cat.
Ghost looked up at him forlornly, his prime source of bacon and sausages having clearly being usurped.
"Come on furball, I'll feed ya."
After breaking his fast and ensuring Ghost didn't feel left out, Jon decided to speak to Jaime before he went to meet Margaery, the look on Jaime's face when he saw the cat was one he'd never seen before, absolute panic. Jaime had practically fled the room and didn't stay to break his fast, heading back to his rooms instead. So Jon knocked on his door and entered to find him sitting at his desk looking out the window, unaware he'd even come into the room.
"My lord." Jon said "My Lord," he said a little louder after the first received no reply.
"Where did you find him?" Jaime said not turning round.
"The Red Keep my lord, the opening feast and then again last night."
"You know whose he was?"
"Aye my lord, I saw it." Jon said and Jaime spun around quickly, Jon noticing the tears in his eyes.
"Saw it, how could, what.. How did you see it."
"Through Balerion's eyes my lord, I saw it, saw her, saw what they did, what he did." Jon said sitting down hard on the chair.
"I don't understand, what, wait what do you mean he?"
"Amory Lorch, he was the man who killed my sister." Jon said and watched as anger replaced the look of sadness that had been on Jaime's face.
"I never knew, I mean there were stories of the Mountain, but Rhaenys I never knew who."
"I know my lord, it doesn't matter."
"What do you mean it doesn't matter, of course it matters." Jaime said loudly.
"It doesn't matter my lord because I'm going to kill him." Jon said and Jaime for a second looked taken aback by the look on Jon's face.
"Amory Lorch is mine my lord, I'm going to kill him, me, no one else, for my sister, for Rhaenys."
"For Rhaenys." Jaime said nodding "What about the mountain?"
"I think there's someone else who deserves justice too don't you my lord." Jon said and Jaime nodded.
Olenna.
When she told her granddaughter what Jaime Lannister was doing with his winnings and that she would match the donation, the hug she got from her almost strangled her. The smile she got though made even Olenna's cynical heart feel something, her granddaughter was too good for this world, she'd make a perfect queen. Ever since her conversation with Jaime Lannister she'd gone back and forth over what to do, she would work closer with the Lannisters, grow strong together but would that be enough?.
When she withdrew or threatened to withdraw their support from the crown things would become clearer, would Jon Arryn finally come forward with a betrothal offer? Would she accept it given what she knew of the prince? Looking at her granddaughter she knew she would never allow her marry that monster, but he wasn't the only prince was he, perhaps a compromise could be met.
"Grand mamma, I'm off to meet Jon, are you sure you won't come?"
"Me go to Flea Bottom, are you serious child, why I'm of a mind to forbid you from going."
"Grandmother." Margaery said determinedly.
"I won't, but don't think I haven't considered it, now go run along and please be careful sweetling." Olenna said and Margaery kissed her cheek before rushing off.
Once Margaery had left Olenna began to go to work, she had letters to write and ravens to send, one to Ned Stark in the north. No doubt Jaime Lannister would let them know about the visit, but he was bringing her grandson and she would ensure the Lord of Winterfell treated Loras as was due his station. She also wanted to speak to Willas once she returned to Highgarden, it was time to find out what the dragons in the east were up to and what their connection was to Jaime Lannister.
After spending an hour writing missives, some benign some not, she sent a servant to bring her son to her. While she would of course only share minimal information with Mace, he still needed to know her thoughts, otherwise he'd give the crown everything to make Margaery queen. It took him far longer than it should and by the time he got there Olenna was fuming, though what he said when he sat down calmed her.
"I'm sorry mother, I was seeing Margaery off." Mace's face was so full of pride that she couldn't bring her self to chastise him.
"I hope you sent enough guards with her?"
"Oh I did mother, she has more than enough."
"Good, now we needs must speak on the crown."
"Of course mother, I'm pressing as hard as I can, I believe we'll be getting the word soon." Mace said and Olenna shook her head.
"I don't Mace, so I want you to press harder, tell Jon Arryn that our support is not guaranteed, tell him we needs must look to our own people." Olenna said and Mace nodded "Use those exact words, Mace you understand."
"I do mother, I'll do as you say."
"I know you will."
When Mace left Olenna found herself at a loss, trying to figure out what to do for the rest of the day she hit upon an idea, calling Left in she told him to have her litter readied, a trip to Flea Bottom may not be such a bad idea after all.
Jon .
Meeting up with Margaery Jon was surprised to see just how many guards she'd brought with her, his own two seemed pitiful in comparison, though he'd not exchange Jors and Alyrs for anyone else. Margaery looked embarrassed at the numbers herself, though Jon knew her family were only ensuring their child's safety. What surprised him most was the look on her face, she was more excited than she had been even yesterday when they'd visited the orphanages.
"Jon I have the most wonderful news." she said her smile beaming.
"What is it?"
"Grandmother just told me Lord Jaime's donated his winning to us and that she will match it. We'll be able to help so many more people Jon, think of all we could do, not just food. We can do other stuff also. Healers, better supplies for the orphanages, we can get books and toys for the children." she said excitedly.
Jon was stunned Jaime had won 20'000 gold dragons in the joust if Lady Olenna was matching that it would be 40'000 gold dragons they'd have to spend on the people of Kings Landing, that was incredible. What they'd spent already would make a huge difference, this would make an enormous one. He couldn't help himself, he grabbed Margaery and spun her around, her giggles making him realize what he'd done.
"I'm sorry Margaery." he said embarrassed at what he'd done.
"Don't be it was fine, I enjoyed it." she said coyly.
They stood looking at each other silently for a moment before breaking out into giggles, the two only stopping when they realized their guards were looking strangely at them, When Ghost pushed against him he figured they should probably go do what they came for. Though on the journey to the building in Flea Bottom they'd rented for this, they occasionally looked at each other and the giggles started again.
When they arrived at the building, the guards and their procession of carts quickly drew a crowd, Jon looked to Margaery and she nodded for him to stand up and speak. As he did he could hear whispers in the crowd.
"It's the white wolf."
"It wer 'Im who beat the fish"
"What's e doing here."
Jon coughed and Ghost stood up fiercely beside him quietening the crowd.
"Men and women of Flea Bottom. My name is Jon Snow, the lady here beside me." he said as Margaery stood up "Is Lady Margaery Tyrell."
"Why should we care what you're called boy." A voice shouted from the crowd.
"Whatcha doing ere." another said loudly.
"You're right you shouldn't care who I am or even who Lady Margaery is under normal circumstances, but here today, you should would you like to know why?" Jon said and watched as curiosity replaced some of the questioning looks which had been on most faces
"All right then tell us already." A voice said causing even Jon to laugh along with the crowds.
"For too long people have cared little about those who live here, they've spent all their coin on fine wines and fine clothes. Not caring that here people grow hungry, children going to bed crying because their bellies were empty.
After winning the duels I was given a prize, 5,000 golf dragons, what should I do with that prize, should I spend it on more fancy clothes as others would do or should I come here and do what anyone should do and help those who need it most. I choose to come here to help. Lady Margaery and her family have chosen to come here to help. So starting today and once a week for as long as we can, we or the people we send will come here to help."
Jon held up a parcel, in it were dried foods, some fruit, some meat, enough to last a week or so, signalling to a woman holding a little girl by the hand he motioned her over.
"What's you name?" he said to the little girl who looked to her mother.
"Sara milord, milady" the little girl said her lip quivering.
"I'm no lord, just Jon, the lady is just Margaery." he said smiling as he handed her the package.