Chapter 74

Daenerys felt weak. She waited for Jon to come back to her. She was in pain and wanted to cry. She should have known. Daenerys cried bitterly while trying to block the memories and the pain. There had been so much blood when she woke up. Daenerys had clutched her belly and woke Jon up. She could not breathe from the pain. Jon had dashed out of the room and gotten Yasha and the two other women who came in. She knew Yasha, she was the healer.

They were armed with towels and water. "Lay down on the bed. Open your legs."

"Leave." Yasha yelled at Jon. "Leave now." She repeated when Jon did not move.

Daenerys felt more pain and looked at him. She did not want him to see her like this. "Leave."

So it began. One of the girls held her hand while Yasha looked at her. "I want you to push when I tell you."

Daenerys nodded. "What is happening?" She was scared and regretted sending Jon away.

"You are losing your babe. There is nothing we can do anymore." Yasha said quickly.

Daenerys breathed harshly. "I can't. I could never. It has to be a mistake. I, I, I." Daenerys stopped because the pain was too intense.

"Push now." The queen did so. She did whatever Yasha told her to do.

It was painful but faster than she expected. "It is done." Yasha wrapped something in some old beddings.

"What are you taking with you?" Daenerys asked Yasha.

The healer replied instantly, "Your babe."

"I want to see it." Daenerys asked.

"You do not want to," The woman left then.

Daenerys found that she had no more strength to argue. One of the girls helped her up. The other woman washed her. The younger girl dressed her while the other cleaned the furs and turned them.

Yasha was back in the room. She addressed her directly. "Galla will come and change the beddings in the morrow when you feel better." Yasha guided her back to the bed. The other girl gave her a cup of something to drink. "You must drink this tonight. Every night until the bleeding stops." The woman instructed.

"Where is Jon? I want to see him" Daenerys demanded although it sounded more like a plea.

"He is outside." The girls left the room.

"You and the wolf cannot be together for at least two whole moons." The healer stated. "Do not concern yourself too much. You and him are young. You will have many children together." Daenerys held the tears at bay. She could not give Jon children. She would have to tell him now.

"I want to see him." Daenerys uttered in a small voice.

"I shall fetch him now. I will come back to see you in the morrow." The woman left for good.

Daenerys closed her eyes for a brief moment. "Hey." He smiled at her and caressed her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Her eyes welled up. She let herself cry openly. Daenerys could not hold it any longer. It was as if the gates were broken. Jon shushed her. He climbed next to her and held her to him. "I am so sorry Jon." She could not look into his eyes. She leaned back into his chest.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. We lost our babe. You did not mean for it to happen." Jon assured and kissed her head.

"I should have known. I have to tell you. I should have known." She cried desperately.

Jon held her and let her cry. Suddenly Daenerys realized that the girls took the babe away. They took it away and she did not know if it was a boy or girl. She remembered Rhago's dragon like appearance and wept some more. Daenerys let the words out before she thought about them. "Where is the babe?"

Jon held her some more. "Father is burying him. I named him Aenys after the first Targaryen recorded."

Daenerys nodded, "It was a boy then."

"Yes my love. It would have been a boy." Jon replied with a broken voice.

Daenerys cried some more. "You will take me to see him. Say you will Jon."

Jon nodded and wiped his tears, "I will sweetling. Once you are better." He caressed her hair and hummed.

Daenerys found that his humming calmed her. She felt safe in his arms. "Sleep my love" He whispered and comforted her. Daenerys knew she had to tell him about the Lhazarene sorceress and her curse. It would only be right to tell him. She quieted when he whispered sweet nothing in her ears. She let him take care of her. She would tell him in the morrow. She feared he would blame her then. He would cast her aside. Jon loved her very much but maybe he wanted children. They never spoke of children but maybe he wanted some of his own. She was thirsty. "I want some water." She croaked. Jon shushed her some and hummed some more.

She must have fallen asleep because Jon was not by her side. He was by the small fireplace. "Jon." She whispered. The young man turned and smiled at her.

"You're awake." He said with a small smile. Jon came near her with a cup. "Drink this. Yasha said to have you drink this as soon as you woke up." Jon helped her drink the bitter brew.

She felt more alert. "How long have I been sleeping?" Daenerys asked.

"It is late in the afternoon. I will call Yasha so she can examine you." Jon kissed her lips gently and left the room.

Daenerys had enough strength to stand up and used the chamber pot. She felt pain but it was manageable. She wanted to wash herself. She felt dirty and needed to feel clean once more.

Yasha and the girls came back. Jon was with them. "The Fearless Wolf should go back to his quarters. Tormund was looking for you." Yasha said.

Jon looked at her as if asking for directions. "Go and change. Speak to your father but come back to me." She said fearing that he would not be back for her.

Jon came kissed her lips briefly, "I will come back to you as soon as I can." He kissed her forehead and hands.

"These are Galla and Rhea. They will help you wash and sort out the beddings." Daenerys noticed that there some blood spots on the sheets.

The queen watched as the women filled the tub and helped her wash the blood away. Galla attended to the bed while Rhea washed her. She did not know these women. She only knew Yasha from when she treated Jorah. "The queen should not worry about our silence. The Fearless Wolf asked for silence." Rhea said as she washed her. The young girl gave her a smile. Daenerys nodded.

Rhea dressed her and helped her with some cloths for her undergarments. She still bled, not like yesterday night. It was more like her moon blood. "When will I stop bleeding?"

"Maybe two weeks, maybe less. You may get your moon's blood two moons or more from now." Yasha explained. "Now come to the bed I have to examine you." Yasha touched her belly and asked her if she felt any pain.

Daenerys explained what she felt. "That is normal. You may feel your moon pain too. You have to drink the tea every day. Rhea will come to you with it. I want you to drink it until you stop bleeding." The queen nodded. The woman also touched her forehead and asked her to send for her if she sweated too much or was feverish.

"I will ask you to not repeat any of this to anyone. Do I have your word?" The queen commanded.

"Yes Dragon queen." The three women said.

"Thank you for all your help." Daenerys accepted Galla's broth and drank it thankfully.

"I could braid your hair." Rhea said timidly.

Daenerys smiled, "Please do." The girl braided her hair carefully and that action relaxed her.

Soon the girls and Yasha were gone. "Rest, sleep as much as you can. Your body needs its strength."

She was alone and cried for a bit. She would tell Jon when he came back. Daenerys would have to tell him that there would not be any more babes. She could not give him children. The thought of seeing Jon's face, his reaction when she revealed that she unknowingly killed Rhaego to give life back to Drogo. Daenerys cried into the furs until she fell asleep. It was dark outside. She heard the door and Jon entered the room. He hurried to her side. Daenerys cried at the sight of him and Ghost.

"I hate to see you so sad." He kissed her tears away.

"I think I will be fine in a bit." She said sadly. "Come here. Tell me about the camp." Ghost came to the bed too and rested on her feet.

Jon climbed on the other side of the bed and held her. He told her about the happenings. "The lord of Bones left us. His men set East today. He plans to rebuild what is left for Hardhome. Some of the Free Folk decided to leave with him. They were grateful but have no intention of kneeling to you." Daenerys was glad for the distraction. They were both avoiding talking about Aenys.

"Father sent more men to the Wall. We only have your Unsullied and the Stark men. We will travel after a full moon." Jon kissed her hands.

Daenerys nodded. They stayed quiet for the rest of the night. Jon held her to him and caressed her arms. It was comforting to have her by her side. Daenerys cursed her inability to tell him about the curse. She slept easier however.

She dreamed of Rhaego and Aenys. Rhaego was not a babe anymore. He was a six or seven-year-old holding a baby.

"Mamma" The boy said and showed her a beautiful baby. A blond haired, violet eyed child.

Daenerys woke up crying hysterically. Jon was there for her. He shushed and held her. Her cries were heart wrenching to her own ears. Jon cried as well. "I'm so sorry my love." She plead and held onto him. "I should have known. This was my fault. I should have known." Daenerys sobbed uncontrollably.

"No it was not. This was an accident Daenerys." Jon replied with a broken voice. Daenerys nodded and cried into his tunic. She would tell him in the morrow. They were both hurt. This was too recent.

The queen bled for another two and half weeks. Jon was by her side every night. Yasha recommended that the queen did not move during that time. The camp was given official news that the queen was too weak and ill because of the travels. No one questioned her absence. Drogon and Viserion restlessly flew above the keep. They were not so troublesome. Rhaegal flew too. She took Jon for some flying during the day. Daenerys did not mind.

She was ready to leave her quarters and face the world by the third week after she lost Aenys. She was very sad but life continued. Daenerys had a kingdom to rule and she had Jon. The man who was her everything, that sweet man who comforted her and kissed her endlessly every night. She decided to not tell him about the curse. She was not ready for that. Daenerys needed Jon to keep loving her like he did now. So she kept quiet. It was painful during the first days but then it was easier to just receive Jon's love.

Daenerys dressed that day. Rhea helped her put on a black dress. She thanked the girl. Jon had gone earlier to ride Rhaegal.

The queen did not feel any pain. She had more energy and was ready to visit her men and look around the camp. She missed her children as well. She had breakfast in the common hall for the first time in weeks.

She ate heartily and then walked around camp. She saw her men and Stark's men. They bowed to her. The Free Folk waved and smiled at her. It was a sunny but cold day. She walked to the area where her children usually flew. Drogon landed first. Viserion blew some smoke. She came near Viserion. "I am happy to see you too sweetling." Daenerys caressed Viserion and then Drogon.

Viserion flew above. Drogon tilted his wing. Daenerys did not hesitate for a second. She mounted him and flew. It was amazing. Daenerys smiled while Drogon took her for a ride.

She landed a few hours later. Jon petted Rhaegal. Viserion was asleep by the side. Jon smiled at her and kissed her.

"How are you?" He caressed her face.

"Good." She replied and kissed his hands.

They walked back to camp. "We have to resume your classes." She said and they spent all afternoon reading and speaking. She laughed when Jon confused the words. "Silly, I know you understand." She chuckled and kissed his nose.

"Your grace." Lord Stark intoned.

Daenerys looked to the side. She felt embarrassed.

"Lord Stark." She said as composed as she could. The respected Jon's father but knew he did not approve of her.

The man spoke clearly, if formally, "I am gladdened by the news of your recovery." The man would not acknowledge the babe's loss. She thanked him for that small mercy.

"Thank you Lord Stark." She said with a small smile.

"Jon, I need you to attend to your men." Jon nodded and left the room.

Daenerys was about to make her excuses. "May I have a word with you?" Lord Stark asked politely.

The queen nodded, "Of course Lord Stark."

"Your handmaidens will leave in the morrow." Lord Stark stated.

Daenerys was confused. She did not have any handmaidens. "They have decided to remain North and rebuild their village." Lord Stark referred to Rhea, Yasha and Galla.

"Very well." Daenerys continued.

Lord Stark surprised her, "I want to make sure that you are attended to but I am afraid that the pickings are rather slim."

The queen shook her head, "I will not replace them. I can manage on my own." She smiled.

"As you wish. I am sure Jon has briefed you on our plans but it does not hurt to review them." The stoic man continued.

Soon Lord Stark and the queen were discussing the staggered entry of the men into Westeros. Daenerys asked about the Free Folk and their status in Westeros.

"They will receive lands in the Karhold, The Gift, and the Dreadfort. Tormund Giantsbane will lead in the Karhold. He is to marry Alys Karstark." Lord Stark began.

"I was aware. I never met Lady Karstark." Daenerys said conversationally.

"She visited our home as a child. She used to be good friends with Tommen." Lord Stark commented.

"What about the Dreadfort and the Gift?" Daenerys asked, interested in the welfare of her lands.

"I will appoint Wyllas Rosby as lord of the Gift. He used to train the boys when they were growing up. He has a good relationship with the Free Folk and fought alongside them. As for the Dreadfort I thought to give it to Jon and his future wife. He will be Warden of the North. It seems moot for him to live in Winterfell while I still live. He will be lord there until I give him Winterfell." Lord Stark finished.

The queen nodded, "Have you spoken to Jon about your plans."

"I have." The older man indicated. "He has denied the claim. My son thinks himself in love with you."

Daenerys smiled, "And I love him."

"My queen. I do not wish to be imprudent but there is no future in your union." The man tried to reason with her. "There would be another war."

The queen looked at Lord Stark without fear and in full control of her emotions. It was a fact that Jon would rule with her, by her side. For the first time it as clear as a sunny day. "There will be no war Lord Stark."

"I am happy you understand your grace. I am very grateful for your help but I think it best if you and Prince Aegon left The North and returned to King's Landing as soon as you are able." The man stated.

Daenerys felt the need to explain herself better. Lord Stark was a good man. She owed him a good explanation. "Lord Stark, I will marry your son. He will come to King's Landing with me."

The man frowned, "What about Prince Aegon?"

The queen knew that Aegon expected to wed her. She however had other plans. "I will handle Aegon as I see fit."

"Does Jon know about your intentions?" Lord Stark asked.

"I have not explained myself to him yet. I doubt that he will oppose my decision." Daenerys finished.

"My queen, I beg you to reconsider." The man gritted his teeth. He was upset, it was clear.

"Lord Stark, you are a wise man and I respect your counsel but nothing will ever separate me from your son. I love him. He is mine as I am his." Daenerys stated sure of her answer.

The man stood up. "Very well." He said and left the room.

It was a tense meeting but Daenerys had no intentions of letting Jon go.

She had supper in her quarters and smiled when he heard Jon enter. He kissed her forehead. "What did father want?" He asked.

"He spoke of the men and the distribution of lands for the Free Folk." She held him. "Let's get to bed." Daenerys undressed as did Jon.

He rested his head on her breasts. "I told him I could not take the Dreadfort." Jon whispered.

Daenerys caressed his hair, "your father helped me think about our future."

Jon sighed, "What is our future my queen?"

Daenerys spoke gently. "Lord Stark is under the impression that I am to wed Aegon."

Jon nuzzled her skin, "The Seven Kingdoms and Aegon himself are under that same impression."

The queen sighed, "I will only marry you."

Jon stiffened. Daenerys turned and looked at him. "You will be King. My king."

Jon kissed her breathlessly. "Father thinks there will be war."

Daenerys shook her head, "There will be no war. These are my men, sworn to protect me."

"Aegon has a stronger claim to the throne. The Martells will back his claim as will the rest of the Dornishmen." Jon said seriously.

"I will have Arianne's support. She does not like Aegon much. Besides, you forget my love." She said simply.

Jon frowned and looked at her smile. "What do I forget?"

"Fire and Blood. I have dragons. I have the North and the respect of the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon only has a small army. It was me, Daenerys Stormborn who conquered the Seven Kingdoms once more. They will have to do as I say. You will be my king. Will you come with me?" She said triumphantly.

Jon kissed her once more. "I will follow you to the ends of the world." He said solemnly.