The hall of Dragonstone was quiet, the weight of duty heavy in the air. Jon knelt before 𝐃𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐬, his words steady as he reaffirmed his loyalty. But as he spoke of oaths and war, his eyes betrayed him, flickering toward you where you stood among her advisors.

𝐃𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐬 dismissed the court, her voice firm as she rose. Slowly, the others filed out, leaving only you and Jon in the empty chamber. You lingered by the edge of the room, uncertain whether to stay, but Jon turned to you before you could decide.

“You don’t need to avoid me,” he said, his voice low as he stepped closer.

You didn’t respond, your eyes dropping to the floor, but the silence between you only seemed to pull him closer.

“I can’t ignore this anymore,” Jon said, his voice quiet but filled with emotion. “I’ve tried, but every time I see you, I—” He stopped, exhaling sharply as though the words were too much to say aloud.

You shook your head, but he pressed on. “I’d give it all up,” he murmured. “If you asked me to stay, I’d leave everything behind. Just say the word.”

His words hung in the air, the weight of them pressing down on you both. You looked up at him, his dark eyes searching yours, but you couldn’t bring yourself to speak. Instead, you turned away, your silence answer enough.

Jon didn’t move, the space between you filled with everything left unsaid. “I’d still choose you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Even if you won’t ask me to.”