The court gathered in the throne room where Tywin Lannister entered atop his warhorse and was made Hand of the King. When Joffrey came down from the throne to hug his grandfather and proclaim him Savior of the City, some dared whisper "White Wolf." Word had spread quickly of Jon's deeds during the battle, none louder or faster than his defeat of Stannis Baratheon.
Trumpets greeted the heroes of the day as they came through the doors, starting with Mace Tyrell and his sons Garlan and Loras. Joffrey descended from the throne again in a show of honor to give each a chain of golden roses holding a gilded disc with a ruby outline of the Lannister lion. "The rose support the lion, as the might of Highgarden supports the realm," he proclaimed. "If there is any boon you would ask of me, ask and it shall be yours."
"Your grace," said Ser Loras, "I beg the honor of serving on your Kingsguard, to defend you against your enemies."
Joffrey drew the Knight of Flowers to his feet and kissed his cheek. "Done, brother."
Mace Tyrell, a once powerful man who remained handsome even as he grew fat, bowed his head. "There is no greater pleasure than to serve the King's Grace. If I was deemed worthy to join your royal council, you would find none more loyal than me."
Joffrey put a hand to the lord's shoulder and kissed him when he stood. "Your wish is granted."
That left Garlan Tyrell, five years Loras' senior and taller with a beard across his jaw. He was thicker at the chest with broader shoulders, comely no doubt, but lacking some of Loras' beauty that attracted many. "Your grace," the knight said as the king approached him, "I have a maiden sister, the delight of our House. She was wed to Renly Baratheon, as you know, but Lord Renly went to war before the marriage could be consummated, so she remains innocent. Margaery has heard tales of your wisdom, courage, and chivalry, and has come to love you from afar. I beseech you to send for her, to take her hand in marriage, and to wed your House to mine for all time."
King Joffrey played at surprise. "Ser Garlan, your sister's beauty is famed throughout the Seven Kingdoms. And since my former betrothed has proven herself a traitor," he said helping Garlan to his feet, "I am free to heed my heart. I will wed your sweet sister, and gladly, ser." He kissed Garlan's bearded cheek as the court cheered around them.
Mace took his seat at the council table and his sons joined the knights and lordlings beneath the windows as others were brought in. Paxter Redwyne entered flanked by his sons Hobber and Horas, who limped from a wound taken in the battle. Lord Mathis Rowan went next, followed by Lord Randyll Tarly, Ser Kevan Lannister, Ser Addam Marbrand and other western lords.
Last of the lords was Edric Dayne. As he was already lord of Starfall, fully armed by the knight he served, but not yet of age, they had little to offer him, but promised him a horse and arms of his choice as well as aid in brokering a betrothal of his choice when he was of age. It was little, but he cared little for their reward as he made his way to the side.
Then came those of lesser birth who had distinguished themselves. For capturing Jon Fossoway and slaying Bryan and Edwyd Fossoway, Lothor Brune was raised to the estate of knighthood and granted land and keep within the riverlands at the war's end. Josmyn Peckledon received a sword, suit of plate and warhorse of his choice from the royal stables as well as a knighthood when he came of age. Thoros was granted a similar boon of his choice of arms to make up for those used in the battle as well as a horse of his choice, while Goodman Willit was gifted a spear with a silver-branded haft, a hauberk and a helm. Willit's sons were also to be taken into service as Casterly Rock, the elder as squire and younger as page, which the chance to become knights.
Last of the lowborn and first of the rest was Ser Jon Snow, whose entrance caused many to stand and try and gaze upon him. He wore a gray doublet with slashes of black beneath a black jerkin with a trail of snow embroidered around the collar which lead to a pair of red eyed white wolf heads near his chest. His beard had been trimmed as had his hair, leaving it hanging about his ears as he stood before the king and his council with his head raised bearing his usual sullen expression.
"Ser Jon Snow," the herald spoke. "Sworn shield to Tyrion Lannister, he rallied those disheartened men at the King's Gate and lead the sortie to stop it's destruction. He then lead the charge across the burning bridge of broken ships across the Blackwater Rush and challenged Stannis' rearguard with less than one hundred man at his back. It was there he slayed Ser Bryce Caron in single combat, and then slew the pretender Stannis Baratheon in single combat."
Joffrey looked down on him with a grin. "Ser Jon. You were raised a bastard within a grand keep. I would offer first to legitimize you, whether it be as a Stark or any name you wish to take."
"I am not a Stark, your grace. I would take a name of my own making. Snowfire for my crossing the Blackwater amidst ashen snow and wildfire."
Joffrey nodded. "Then for your valor and the slaying of Ser Bryce Caron, you shall henceforth be known as Lord Jon of House Snowfire, and to you shall go all lands, rights and income of House Caron. However I cannot give even you, who slew Stannis Baratheon, Dragonstone or Storm's End, so I ask what other boons you might desire."
"When I returned after my father sent me to hunt Gregor Clegane, I found my reward from the Hand's tourney where I earned my knighthood held had been taken due to my father's actions. If the crown thinks it should still be held then I accept it gladly, but if not then I would ask it's return and the crown's aid in its use."
Joffrey arched his brow. "Its use?"
"When I was first knighted I thought lordship impossible, your grace, so thought to challenge myself by building a trade of my own, and would like to try it still. I had hoped to use the coin to buy or build boats I could man myself and send across Westeros, Essos, even the Stepstones or beyond if I could. I had hoped my father's place as hand might aid me in finding builders or sellers, but with his treachery I would have to rely on myself, and I fear they would all but rob me of my coin. It would be with such dealings I would ask the crown aid me, to assure I am treated fairly."
Joffrey laughed and nodded. "It is done, Lord Jon. Your coin will be returned to you, as well as a reward for slaying Stannis. You may meet with the master of ships to discuss choosing your first three of your ships from those salvaged from Stannis' fleet as well as the purchase or construction of any others and aid finding men worthy of manning them."
Jon gave a bow. "Thank you, your grace."
With that Jon of House Snowfire, Lord of Nightsong made his way to stand with Edric and Thoros who greeted him with smiles. Jon could barely hold back his own as he watched Joffrey, who had unknowingly offered to help Jon earn his first crown.
It seemed like so long ago that Jon had met with Sam and Dom while Ned was unconscious. "We can't let the gold sit," Dom said shaking his head. "Someone will steal it and we'll never get it back."
"We could buy ships," Sam suggested. "Build a trade of your own and use that to sneak information to your aunt. Even keeping some for use here we should have enough for some decent ones and to find men we can trust to man them."
"Or we could use it to name you king," Dom laughed.
Jon and Sam shared a look before turning to Dom. "What do you mean?"
"Go be Daemon," Dom said as though it were obvious.
"Isn't he kind of already?" asked Sam.
"Targaryen, not Blackfyre," Dom clarified. "He took an army to the Stepstones and crowned himself king. Forty thousand should be enough to get a few sellswords and kill some pirates, right? Plenty to build and work from there, building an army."
"Why there?"
"Because you can say you want to win it for the crown," Dom explained. "They might even help you or you can try convincing Dorne. You could get help from the North, claim you captured their ships and turned the crews to your side."
"And we'd be going to war with Myr, Tyrosh and Lys," Sam noted incredulously.
"Who can be made to war with one another with us helping one of them win," Dom offered. "Granting you allies on both sides of the Narrow Sea, and a clear path to travel your aunt and her forces to aid you here."
Jon had sat in quiet thought. "So King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea."
"Then Westeros." Dom nodded.
"I used to think I'd be happy if my father gave me a lordship over some rundown keep, and you want me to be king twice over? How many crowns should I take?" Jon asked with a laugh.
Dom shrugged. "Take as many as you must. If they come easy enough, seek another, one for each head of the dragon."
Jon had thought it barely a vague possibility which had sunk even lower when he returned to find his gold stolen and his father named traitor. He'd hoped to convince them merely to give him the gold back in time, but now with them giving him ships and leaving his gold to build a foundation, there was a chance.
Watching six hundred men be knighted felt like it had diminished the worth of knighthood, yet Jon found it hard to doubt most of the men had earned it somehow during the hellish battle. Either way, he was glad he didn't have to do as they had standing vigil the night before and walking across the city bare footed to prove their humble hearts. With the last of them knighted and standing beneath the windows, the captives were brought forward.
Lords and bastards were among the hundreds brought before them. Those who changed sides need only swear fealty but those who had fought until the end were compelled to speak. Jon felt sorry for those who dared to speak the truth and question Joffrey, losing their heads for it.
It was the bastard of a Florent who called out, "Do not imagine this done, boy." He shot Jon a glare and scoffed before turning back to the king. "The Lord of Light protects Queen Selyse and our princess, now and always! All your swords and all your scheming shall not save you when your hour comes!"
"You hour has come now," Joffrey told him, beckoning Ser Ilyn Payne to come take his head.
Once they dragged the corpse away another knight with a fiery heart on his surcoat shouted, "Edric is our true king! The true last Baratheon son! A monster sits on the Iron Throne, an abomination born of incest!"
Jon pitied the poor fool, for he spoke some truth, yet it would surely cost him his head. He would be lucky if that was all it cost after his claims drove Joffrey to rise, demanding his head and swinging his hand straight into a blade of the throne which slashed his hand open, making the king wail, "Mother!"
The knight had seized a spear from one of the gold cloaks and used it to push himself back on his feet. "The throne denies him! He is no king!"
Cersei ran to the throne while Tywin remained still, seeming unconcerned with the man aiming a spear at them. He had no reason to be, as gold cloaks quickly grabbed him by the arms, letting him shout, "No king!" as Osamund Kettleback stuck his sword through his chest.
Once the maesters ushered Joffrey through the king's door the room broke into conversation until Tywin rose. "We continue," he said clear and loud enough to silence the murmur. "Those who wish to ask pardon for their treasons may do so. We will have no more follies." He moved to the Iron Throne and sat himself upon a step merely three feet off the floor.
The sun was sinking by the time the session had ended, leaving many exhausted as they exited.
"A lord," Edric had laughed. "That's incredible, Jon."
"Truly, this can only help us," said Thoros.
It didn't hurt that Jon was no longer being followed by an honor guard. He was sure some still kept eyes on him, but they weren't so close and ready to slay him.
"The ships may prove the bigger boon."
"Starfall is near the end of the Torentine, where it meets the Summer Sea." Edric looked pleased to be of help. "We can keep the ships harbored neaby once we've manned them."
"That would be great," said Jon. "Nightsong is at the edge of the Stormlands, right? Not far from Dorne."
"West of Blackhaven," said Edric. "North of the Prince's Pass."
Jon furrowed his brow, slowing his walk as a hollow laugh escaped him. Edric stopped and arched his brow while Thoros turned asking, "What?"
"My mother died there," Jon whispered.
"She did?" asked Edric.
"Lord Eddard, he told the Tower of Joy was in the pass. It's where I was born."
Thoros wore a somber smile as he clasped the boy's shoulder. "Then perhaps this is meant to be. In time we should travel there."
"I take it you wouldn't be willing to go act as castellan in my stead?" Jon asked knowingly.
"I'm afraid I would have to reject the over, my lord," Thoros said with a smirk.
"I'm sure there's already one there," said Edric. "They'll send word soon, else they'll risk you informing the crown."
"I should write tonight then," Jon said continuing their walk. "It would be best to know the people there even somewhat before I arrive claiming to be their lord."
"When will you visit?"
"I don't know. I hope to be there when Tyrion wakes."
Edric frowned at the grim tone he used. "It's not your fault, Jon."
"I'm his sworn shield," he argued. "I should have been there."
"You were busy slaying a false king, Jon," said Thoros.
Jon frowned as he thought of Jaime, locked away in a cell somewhere, and wondered if he had felt so sure when he slew Aerys. Jon had felt little doubt on the field, speaking confidently to make it true as Jaime had taught him. When he put his sword through Stannis and saw the man's life end before him, he felt little guilt and little joy. In that moment it had simply been a thing he did, and looking back he wasn't sure what he should feel, if anything. Stannis wouldn't have been a good king, Jon told himself. He would never be Jon's ally, not if he slew his own brother rather than come to peace with him. A man like that was lucky to have such an honorable death.
Edric, Jon and Thoros were sat in the yard discussing things quietly when a voice called out to them. "Lord Jon!"
Sers Loras and Garlan Tyrell made their way toward the group as the lords and red priest rose to greet the knights.
"Jon," Loras said looking anxious as he came to a stop before him, a white cloak now hanging down his back. "It's been a long time."
"That is has," Jon said with a nod. Deciding it would be best to break the tension and feeling more relieved to see his friend than anything else, Jon stepped forward and embraced the Tyrell.
Loras let out a breath as he returned the hug, the men patting eachother's backs. When they separated, Loras frowned. "I'm sorry I couldn't help your father."
"And I'm sorry about Renly," said Jon.
Garlan arched his brow at the new lord as well as his companions. A somber smile took Loras' lips as he nodded. "He didn't deserve that."
"No," Jon shook his head, "I don't think he did."
"But Stannis did." Loras laughed. "Though damn you for stealing my vengeance."
Jon smiled, looking to Garlan. "Pardon my rudeness, Ser Garlan. I am Ser Jon Snow." He paused for a moment before correcting himself, "Lord Jon Snowfire." Thinking that didn't sound quire right either, Jon shrugged and extended a hand.
Garlan smirked, taking Jon's offered hand and shaking it. "I've heard much about you, Lord Jon. Loras tells me you're of par with him at most things, especially the sword."
"Of a par?" Jon smirked. "He thinks too highly of himself."
Loras laughed, smacking Jon's shoulder. "When did you get so arrogant?"
Garlan smiled. "Either way, I admit his talk has me hoping to meet you in the yard."
"I would offer to do so now, but I am still recovering from a wound," Jon said with an apologetic smile. "The maester says the discomfort should be gone soon enough, but give me a day or two and I'd gladly do so."
"And it seems you're to meet our father soon as well," said Garlan. "When you do, don't fear him. Loras' fondness for you means our father will surely do all he can to help you with your ships."
"Seems I'm like to meet the bulk of your family soon." Jon nodded toward the throne room. "Your father sits on the council and Margaery is the youngest of you, surely your mother will join them soon?"
"And our grandmother, most likely," said Loras, earning an odd look from Garlan.
"I look forward to meeting our new queen," Jon offered with a smile.
"Perhaps you can give her tips on how to rein in the golden fool," Loras said with a laugh.
"Loras," Garlan spoke in a warning whisper.
"It's fine," the younger brother assured. "Jon knows the king's true nature better than most." He looked from his elder brother to Jon. "Even when I met Dom I told him this was an act done to survive. Though I admit not knowing why you returned when you could have gone to your brother and his army."
"I didn't know of them at time," Jon admitted. "But even if I had I would have returned."
"For your father?" asked Loras.
Jon glanced at Garlan and the white cloak across Loras' back. This could be some game meant to trick him, the Tyrells seeking to weed out betrayals quickly, but Jon didn't sense that from Loras. He sensed his friend.
"He lives now," Jon said. "Or so I think. They wouldn't let me write to anyone, even my uncle at the Wall, and Tyrion told me little of import. I'm lucky he told me of Bran and Rickon's deaths."
Loras frowned. "I'm sorry you had to suffer this, Jon."
Jon put on a smile and backed up. "At least it wasn't alone."
Loras nodded to Edric and Thoros. "Where's Sam? I haven't seen him."
"In Dorne, guarding the princess."
Loras arched his brow. "He left with her? We'd thought he would be hostage."
"He was for a time, but I spoke to Tyrion and he thought it best to send him with the princess, giving him a chance to speak with her handmaiden."
"Or so he believes, I'm sure," Loras said with a knowing smile. "Will you two write through him perhaps? Write of your forbidden love?"
"She's betrothed," Jon said shaking his head.
"And you're a newly made lord with the king's favor," said Loras. "You could ask. Use it as a way to assure alliances."
Jon had considered it, but Lord Tywin's stern face had made it seem impossible, not to mention the insult it would be to take back the betrothal from the Martells who were already likely to strike the Lannisters. He was relieved he'd even gotten the money back, let alone the ships. "There will be others," Jon told himself what many others had told him.
"No candle can replace the sun," Loras said mournfully. "If it's true, don't let is set."
Seeing his sorrow, Jon knew what he meant and nodded. After a moment he looked to the brothers and said, "I had thought you might go to Robb."
"We considered it," Garlan admitted.
"Your brother is warring in the west. Stannis was coming here." Loras's sorrow had turned to anger. "We wouldn't let him win."
"So it was vengeance that drove you here," Jon nodded. His eyes then met Loras' as he asked, "And now that it's had, what keeps you?"
Loras glanced to Garlan, their faces darkening slightly as they looked to Jon. "Why do you ask?"
"I imagine Margaery's queenship is a part of it," Jon said looking to Garlan, who had made the request. "But she doesn't need to be a Baratheon to be queen." He added with a smirk, "She could be a Greyjoy."
Loras snickered. "I'd rather you and I take one of your ships there and scorch the islands to avenge your brothers."
Jon nodded. "I'll keep you to that. But there is another king to be had, and you know even were I to give her advice on how to handle Joffrey that wouldn't stop him from being as he is."
"Jon," Thoros warned.
The new lord shook his head. "Loras. This is your sister. I know you care for her. She will only suffer under him."
Loras and Garlan shared a look before each glanced at Edric and Thoros. "Do you trust them?" Loras asked Jon. "As much as you trust Dom or Sam or I?"
"Without question," said Jon.
Loras looked to his elder brother in a silent exchange before they moved closer to Jon and he revealed quietly, "Joffrey won't be a problem for long."
Jon's brow knit. "You mean to-"
"Not me," Loras quickly clarified. "I don't know how, but I know it's to happen. I've told them all you told me. They know how he is. Tommen will be easier to handle."
"But not a king worthy of Margaery," said Jon.
"No," Garlan admitted, seeming reluctant as he glanced at Loras, "but one we can control until Cersei and Tywin are handled. Then perhaps we could discuss a true marriage."
Though Jon disliked the idea of them using Tommen, he asked, "Would you harm him?"
"He's a boy," Loras said shaking his head. "We'd keep him safe as best we can."
Jon glanced back to Edric and Thoros, each exchanging a quick look with him before Thoros turned to the Tyrells. "This is a great risk you've taken by telling us this."
Loras shrugged. "Jon trust you and I trust him."
Jon suddenly felt the guilt twist his chest. "Loras…" He sighed, looking down for a moment before meeting his eyes. "I have to tell you. I've… kept things from you. Things I've had to keep secret for some time."
Loras tilted his head. "What things?"
"Some things that will be more believable later when I'm no longer in the city, but… I can tell you why I truly wanted the ships."
The Tyrells both shared surprised and confused expressions. "What, do you mean to become a pirate?" Loras asked with a laugh.
"I plan to be become King of the Stepstones and Narrow Sea," Jon told them firmly.
Edric looked nervously from Jon to the Tyrell brothers gaping at him in shock. They looked from him to each other before laughing.
"With three ships?" asked Garlan.
"Three ships, a direwolf, the Fellowship of Fire, and a dragon."
The men looked on confused. "A dragon?"
"Are you sure about this?" Thoros asked in a whisper.
Jon nodded, turning his head slightly but keeping his eyes on the Tyrells. "Loras, I'm sorry I lied to you for this long, but I couldn't be sure you wouldn't tell Renly."
"Tell him what?" asked Loras. "That you somehow have a dragon?"
"That my name isn't Jon Snow, or Snowfire," he said waving his hand. Meeting Loras's gaze he told continued, "That I was born Aegon of House Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark."
The brothers stared at him before Loras slowly shook his head. "No, you're… You're a Targaryen?" His tone switched from dismissive to inquisitive.
"Trueborn," Jon nodded. "My uncle Benjen saw them wed on the Isle of Faces. My father- Lord Stark, he kept a dragon egg left for me by Rhaegar which hatched after I was attacked by Gregor. I… I died, briefly, but Thoros brought me back. Or so we think. Either way that was when the egg hatched."
"We saw it," said Edric. "All of us in the Fellowship. He was pale and lifeless, and then Thoros gave him his lord's kiss of life. The egg hatched and Jon awoke moments later."
"Where… where is it?" Garlan asked looking around as if expecting the dragon to suddenly appear.
"He should be at the Wall with my uncle Aemon," said Jon. "Ghost is…" He paused, thinking to the dreams he had some nights of walking through a keep and seeing Arya training, Sansa sat with Jeyne Poole, and more recently of Eddard and others camped at night. "He's with the Starks."
The Tyrells stood in silence for a moment before looking to each other. "Jon if this is true-"
"I've been planning my claim slowly," Jon told them. "Barristan is in Essos acting as kingsguard to my aunt and seeking her aid. Robb swore himself to me when I arrived at Winterfell after learning the truth and visiting the Wall. Other than the Fellowship in the Riverlands, they are the only allies I have, and the only ones who know the truth."
"This is a lot to trust us with," said Garlan.
Jon looked to Loras, the Tyrell's face flooded with a mix of emotions before meeting Jon's eyes and seeing the hidden dragon smile at him. "You're Loras' family, and I trust Loras."
The kingsguard smiled, his golden eyes glistening as he nodded to Jon while Garlan laughed and shook his head. "So even if she were to wed your brother, or cousin I suppose, Margaery wouldn't be queen should you take the throne, unless she were to wed you."
"Father will have to settle for his granddaughter being queen." Loras said with a smirk, "when she marries the son of King Aegon, sixth of his name."
At that the friends and rivals embraced, Jon feeling relief at Loras' acceptance of his truth. "Thank you."
"Thank you," Loras said patting his back before taking a step back and holding Jon's shoulders. "I swear I'll help you all I can. And none of us will reveal who you are until you're ready to make your move. I will guard your secret as well as your life if I can."
The relief Jon felt seeing Loras' quick support of him twisted until Jon felt awful. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." Jon's regret was apparent even to Garlan.
Loras shook his head. "You were right not to. I would have asked Renly to help," he admitted somberly. "I doubt he would have reacted well. He told me more than once he wished his brother had just killed your aunt and uncle."
"Well Viserys is dead," Thoros told them. "Killed by Daenerys' Khal husband."
"Father can help us," Loras told them.
"You mean grandmother," Garlan corrected.
Loras laughed as he stepped back nodding. "Either way. House Tyrell will stand with you, I swear it."