Chapter 52 - Meeting with the King 01. 

[Chapter Size: 2600 Words.] 

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Third Person POV 

Harrenhal, 101 AC. 

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After a long bath, a new hairstyle, and clothes that looked nothing like what he usually wore, Jon was finally ready. It was still surprising that the king, or someone there, could have known he needed a change of clothes. 

That made him think. 

Could it be that the king already knew what had happened the previous night? Had he sent that maid named Lydia precisely because he assumed Lord Stark wouldn't have any suitable clothes for him? 

Either way, it all still seemed very strange to him. 

A royal carriage came to pick him up, but Jon preferred to ride alongside Lord Stark on another horse with Ghost, while Lydia rode in the carriage. The Lord of Winterfell was also heading to the castle to meet Lord Velaryon, so they would travel together. 

The castle was very different from the night before. The great courtyard was bustling with activity. Knights trained for the joust, charging at one another with blunted lances, while others practiced swordplay or simply warmed up for the tournament. 

The balconies were crowded with lords and ladies watching the training. Servants hurried back and forth carrying equipment, while onlookers stopped to watch the contests. 

Jon watched it all with great interest. Seeing everything made him want to take part, curious as any boy would be. 

But he knew this was not the time for that. He continued following Lord Stark until a man caught his attention. On the man's chest was a golden brooch shaped like a hand. 

Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. 1

"Lord Stark," the young man greeted, approaching with his hands clasped behind his back. 

Lord Stark inclined his head slightly. "My Lord Hand." 

Jon knew how important that man was, but he still noticed a certain critical look coming from the Lord of the North. Northern lords rarely hid what they thought. When they disliked someone, they usually showed it openly, unlike the southern nobles, who preferred political games. 

The Hand of the King seemed to notice that detail, but merely nodded before turning his attention to Jon. 

"So you must be Jon... the boy who has captured His Majesty's interest." His eyes then fell upon Ghost. 

"And that must be the famous direwolf." Ghost did not like the man's gaze, especially not when he raised his hand and eight armed men approached, causing Ghost to take a few steps forward. 

Immediately, several men placed their hands on the hilts of their swords. 

Jon did not like that reaction one bit. He also realized that the king's request to meet Ghost clearly did not please the Hand of the King. 

The man watched the wolf for a few moments before speaking again. 

"I heard the ladies of the Reach spent the entire morning surrounding this animal." 

Jon's eyes widened ever so slightly. So even that had already reached the ears of the court. 

"Yes, my Lord Hand, and he's a direwolf, not a giant wolf." 

The Hand of the King nodded, even though he did not appreciate the correction. 

"Your wolf won't be hostile toward us... will he?" His question came with narrowed eyes. It was clear that he wanted a guarantee. 

"Ghost isn't hostile toward anyone," Jon replied calmly. "Despite being a direwolf, he's always lived surrounded by people. He grew up alongside my family on the farm, lived among the people of Winter Town, and also in Winterfell. It's no different here." 

Jon ran a hand along the massive white wolf's neck. "Even though he was quite uncomfortable, he didn't attack any of the ladies who spent the entire morning practically clinging to him. Ghost will only attack someone if he truly feels threatened." 

The Hand of the King nodded slowly. Once again, Jon realized that he hadn't liked the answer. Especially the conditions. 

Men like him were not used to hearing limits. Much less someone who served the king directly. 

"Very well," the Hand of the King replied. "Then make sure the wolf doesn't do anything dangerous." 

It sounded more like a warning than a request. Jon did not like it one bit. 

Before he could even respond, Lord Stark stepped forward. "I do not appreciate threats being made against a creature of the North, my Lord Hand." His voice became slightly firmer. "Especially when it was you who invited us to bring him." 

Silence fell over the entrance, and the soldiers seemed to exchange glances. Even the member of the Kingsguard appeared somewhat uncomfortable with how directly Lord Stark had responded. 

Jon simply remained silent. Deep down, he was pleased that he hadn't needed to say it himself. 

The Hand of the King held Lord Stark's gaze for a few moments before replying. "I understand your concern. But we also have a duty to ensure the king's safety." 

His tone was far more diplomatic than before. It almost sounded like a silent request to let the matter end there. 

It didn't take Jon long to understand. Perhaps the Hand of the King simply didn't want to create unnecessary friction with the North. Especially not at that moment, when Lord Stark's support would be important in the struggle for the Iron Throne. 

Lord Stark, however, did not back down. "Very well. Just don't act as though you weren't the ones who put yourselves in this situation." He glanced briefly at Ghost. 

"This wolf will never attack anyone without reason. That, I can guarantee." Then he turned his eyes back to the Hand of the King. "But I also ask that no one threaten him. Otherwise, neither Jon... nor whatever plans you may have... will be able to control an enraged wild animal." 

Lord Stark paused briefly. "He's practically like a dragon, and you know better than to provoke a dragon, don't you?" The Hand of the King clearly did not like the comparison, but chose not to respond. 

After that, they finally entered. Jon followed, and Ghost walked in behind him, while the men continued surrounding them. 

Ghost walked beside Jon, causing servants, soldiers, lords, and ladies to immediately step aside as they passed through the corridors. 

Not everyone had been at the Reach encampment long enough to grow accustomed to the presence of a direwolf of that size. 

When they reached the great main corridor, Lord Stark took a different path. 

At that very moment, Lord Velaryon appeared accompanied by several men. 

His eyes settled first on Jon. Then... on Ghost. 

There was unmistakable interest in his gaze. But he called Lord Stark aside to speak in private, while the Hand of the King watched the scene in silence. 

His displeasure was subtle, but impossible to hide completely. Jon had the impression that this growing closeness between the North and House Velaryon did not please him in the slightest. 

Especially at a time when Lord Stark could still declare his support for Princess Rhaenys. 

Without saying another word, the Hand of the King led Jon through the castle corridors. After a few minutes, they stopped before a large wooden door. 

Voices could be heard coming from within. The Hand of the King asked Jon to wait outside for a few moments. 

As he waited, he remained surrounded by guards the entire time. Ghost began to grow restless. 

"Easy..." Jon murmured, stroking the massive white wolf's neck. 

It was obvious those men were there solely to make sure Ghost didn't attack anyone. 

"Let the boy enter." The king's voice came from the other side of the door. 

The next moment, it opened. A member of the Kingsguard looked first at Jon. 

Then... at Ghost. His eyes remained extremely vigilant. 

Jon recognized him immediately. He was the same man who had accompanied the king since the banquet. If he wasn't mistaken... that was the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. 

"Come in, boy." The knight stepped aside. 

Jon entered with Ghost beside him. As soon as he crossed the threshold, his eyes met the king, seated in his chair, watching him with obvious interest. 

But he was not alone. Princess Rhaenys was also present. Beside her stood her two children. 

The girl, the one Jon had seen at the banquet, remained clinging to her mother's hand, while the boy held onto her leg, looking somewhat frightened. 

As soon as Ghost entered the room, both children took a small step backward. Jon also noticed three more members of the Kingsguard positioned throughout the chamber. 

All of them kept their hands close to their swords. 

"Easy..." Jon noticed Ghost's discomfort and murmured again. 

The wolf clearly did not like being surrounded by so many armed men watching him as though they were waiting for a single wrong move. 

"Is the wolf all right, boy?" the king asked. 

Jon turned his attention to him. "He's just a little nervous, Your Majesty. Ghost realizes your guards see him as a threat. That's why he's restless." 

"Then step back." The king's order was immediate. 

"Your Majesty..." the Hand of the King began, clearly displeased by whatever the king intended with that. 

But the king interrupted him before he could finish. "Lord Hightower, I appreciate your concern." His voice remained calm. "But everything is fine." 

He turned his eyes back to Ghost. "After all, I heard that this morning he was surrounded by ladies from the Reach. Some of them even climbed onto his back, and even so, the animal didn't attack anyone." 

Jon had to make a tremendous effort not to laugh. Ghost was certainly still traumatized by that experience. 

"As you wish, Your Majesty." 

"Now..." The king turned to the guards. "You may all leave." The Kingsguard exchanged glances before looking to their commander, who nodded. 

"Only the Lord Commander will remain here." Some of them clearly did not like the order. "We don't want to make the wolf even more stressed." Despite their reluctance, they obeyed. 

A short while later, only the king, Princess Rhaenys, her children, the Lord Commander, Jon, and Ghost remained. The knight continued watching the wolf's every movement attentively, searching for any sign of hostility. 

Jon then turned his attention to the children. The boy still seemed quite frightened. 

The girl, however... she remained cautious as well. But there was something different in her eyes—it was curiosity. 

And a desire that was almost impossible to hide, showing just how much she wanted to get closer to Ghost. 

"Come closer, boy," the king said. Jon nodded and slowly walked toward him, with Ghost always at his side. 

"Before anything else... let me introduce my family." The old man smiled faintly. "This is my granddaughter, Rhaenys. And these are her children, Laena and Laenor." 

Jon immediately turned to the princess. "My Princess." He gave a slight bow. 

Jon looked at the woman with interest. She was very beautiful. In fact, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. 

Although, if he were being honest with himself, he thought her daughter was even more beautiful... but Laena was only a child like him, so there was no point in thinking that way. Still, her mother was beautiful as well... and mature... 

"It is an honor to meet you, Princess." 

"Hello, Jon," Rhaenys replied with a gentle smile. "I've heard quite a lot about you." Her voice was calm and pleasant. 

The girl beside her stared at him for a few moments before smiling shyly and letting out a soft giggle. 

"Princess..." Jon simply nodded before turning his attention to Laenor, who seemed to be gathering the courage to approach Ghost. 

"My Prince." Jon took the initiative, placing a hand over his chest and inclining his head slightly. 

"Does... does he bite?" Laenor asked timidly. 

"First, greet the boy," Rhaenys gently corrected him. 

"H-Hi... I'm Laenor," he said, clearly nervous. 

Jon was immediately reminded of Sam and had to suppress a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jon." Then he looked back at Ghost. "And no. He doesn't bite. Ghost is very gentle, as long as he doesn't feel threatened or become too stressed." 

Laenor continued watching the wolf with some uncertainty. 

Then another voice caught Jon's attention. "Can I pet him?" It was Laena. 

She looked at Ghost with eyes shining with curiosity. "Of course." 

Jon held out his hand to her. Laena first looked at her mother, and Rhaenys gave a subtle nod. The girl then took Jon's hand. 

He guided her over to Ghost and gently placed her small hand on the wolf's white fur. 

Laena began to laugh. "He's so soft..." 

Jon couldn't help but smile a little. Ghost also seemed to understand the situation. The enormous wolf lowered his head, opened his mouth, and let his tongue hang out, wearing the gentlest expression an animal nearly two meters tall could possibly make. 

Even Rhaenys stepped closer. She ran a hand over the wolf's head. "He really is..." She smiled at her children. 

"Can I too?" Laenor finally gathered the courage. 

He stepped up beside his sister and also began stroking Ghost's head. 

Jon was happy to see that. His friend seemed completely at ease. When he looked up again, he noticed that even the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard seemed far more relaxed than before. 

Then he turned his attention back to the king. Jaehaerys watched the entire scene with a small, satisfied smile. 

At last, he looked back at Jon. "Come closer, boy." Jon walked over to the old king's bed and bowed. 

"My king." 

"Come now... rise." 

Jon simply nodded and stood upright again. 

"You have a remarkable creature there, don't you?" the king remarked, watching Ghost patiently play with the two children. "I heard he's been with you for many years." 

Jon nodded, but his mind was still caught on the conversation he had had in the Stark tent. 

That man... was his great-grandfather. The same man who was also the great-grandfather of the prince and princess, Laena and Laenor, who were now happily playing beside Ghost. 

Even so, Jon still couldn't understand. 

He had heard stories that two of Saera Targaryen's children had also been acknowledged by the court and were present at Harrenhal. Even so, the king had never seemed particularly interested in meeting them. 

So why him? Why did a simple boy from the North draw so much of his attention? 

"I've had Ghost since my second name day," he finally answered. 

The great white wolf was already eight years old and appeared perfectly healthy. There was no sign of aging, something that made Jon happy. 

In truth... he didn't even like thinking about the possibility of one day losing Ghost. He hoped a direwolf could live much longer than an ordinary wolf. 

"Interesting..." the old king murmured. "I never imagined I'd have the chance to see a direwolf up close. Much less one as magnificent as this." 

His eyes returned to Jon. "But now... let's set the wolf aside for a moment." He smiled faintly. "Tell me some stories about the North." 

Jon was surprised by the request. He had expected questions about Ghost. Or even about his family. 

Not that. Even so, he simply nodded. 

"My subjects...!" 

"Your Majesty?" Someone appeared at the door. It was the Hand. 

"Bring the boy a chair." 

One of the knights immediately obeyed. He took a chair that stood in one corner of the chamber and placed it beside the king's bed. 

"You may sit, Jon." 

The boy hesitated for a moment. 

It still felt strange to be sitting so close to the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms. Even so, he did as he was asked and sat down before the king. 

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