chapter 201 part 2
The next day, in the morning.
*Bang, bang, bang.* Jon, who was fast asleep, was suddenly awakened by a pounding on the door. One hand immediately gripped the hilt of his sword.
Jon got up. He quickly scanned the room, slowly approaching the door while keeping an ear out for any movement outside.
*Bang, bang, bang.* The pounding on the door rang out again.
Jon loosened his grip, then tightened it on the hilt again, asking in a deep voice, "Who is it?!"
From the other side of the door, a young voice responded, "In the name of Princess Daenerys, open up!"
Jon's pupils contracted slightly. *Princess Daenerys? Why would she be looking for me?!*
Jon turned his head, his gaze sweeping the room again. *Where are Young Griff and Roy?!*
Jon thought for a moment, sheathed his longsword, and opened the door. He saw a lean, tall young man with a slightly pale face leading several soldiers, standing outside.
The young man looked Jon up and down. "My name is Anguy. Are you Jon Snow?"
Jon gazed at Anguy and nodded slightly.
Anguy stepped to the side. "Lord Jon, in the name of Princess Daenerys, you are requested at the Magister's Manse."
He added, "Your friend, Roy, is already waiting there."
...
The city-state of Viserys, the Magister's Manse.
Following Anguy into the great hall, Jon looked up toward the high platform where Daenerys Targaryen, known as the Princess of Dragonstone, was seated. Her back was straight, her hands resting naturally on her knees, giving her an elegant and noble appearance.
Under the morning light, her silver hair radiated a faint luster. Her pair of violet eyes, like crystalline amethysts, sparkled with captivating brilliance.
*She's so beautiful...* The young man from the North forgot to bow.
Daenerys's gaze lingered on Jon... *His features are rather handsome... his physique, though lean, looks very powerful... his skin is slightly dark... his hair is brown... his gray eyes are so deep they are almost black.*
*At least on the surface, I can't see any traits of the Targaryen bloodline...* The silver-haired princess's eyes shifted, glancing at the intruder named Roy. She frowned slightly. *Are these people trying to awaken my true dragon's wrath?*
...
The handmaiden standing beside Daenerys announced, "Before you stands Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, the Breaker of Chains, and the Savior and Protector of the city-state of Viserys."
The handmaiden's introduction brought Jon back to his senses. After a moment, he bowed to Daenerys with a hand over his chest. "Good day, Princess of Dragonstone. I am... Jon Snow."
Daenerys's voice carried an air of authority. "Stranger, tell me the names of your father and mother."
Jon's head snapped up, his mouth falling open. *Why would she ask me that? Does she already know my identity?*
After a moment of silence, Roy's rough voice rang out, "Jon, I told her."
*Told her what?* Jon turned his head. Only then did he see Roy kneeling on the ground, his hands bound behind his back.
Jon was startled. "Roy, what happened?"
Roy's lips trembled. "I don't think I'd sobered up this morning. I climbed a wall and accidentally saw Her Highness."
Osanna, who was guarding Roy, shouted, "You trespassed into the Magister's Manse and dared to offend Her Highness! You will be sent to the executioner's block!"
Jon processed what he had heard since arriving. "Where's Young Griff?"
Roy replied, "We went out riding together and got separated... I don't know how I ended up here."
Roy still reeked of strong wine.
Jon first rubbed his aching head, then looked at Daenerys, who was watching them. He respectfully said, "Forgive me, Your Highness. My friend must not have been sober. I assure you he meant no offense. Please be lenient."
Daenerys's clear, crisp voice rang out. "Stranger, this intruder told me you are my kin. A Targaryen."
Her voice turned cold as she continued, "I can overlook a drunkard's offense, but do you know the consequences of such a lie?"
The content of Daenerys's words shocked Jon to his core. He looked at Roy, his face full of disbelief.
Roy's cheeks flushed. He jutted his chin toward Osanna. "Jon, I'm sorry. They were going to kill me. I was desperate..."
Before he could finish, Roy hung his head in shame.
Jon's expression turned grim as he demanded, "How did you know about my birth?"
"Huh?"
Roy looked up, confused. "You told me yesterday when we were drinking. Have you forgotten?"
A wave of pain shot through Jon's head. He vaguely remembered the three of them telling their stories, but the memory was hazy.
*How could I have said such a thing?!* Jon berated himself. He didn't suspect Roy... This friend of his was honest and straightforward; he didn't believe Roy would deceive him. More importantly... this secret was something no one could possibly know unless he revealed it himself.
At a loss, Jon saw Daenerys slowly raise her hand. His pupils contracted. He knew what that gesture meant... When her hand fell, his friend would be dragged out for execution.
Jon had no choice but to speak quickly to stop her. "Your Highness, I am willing to confess everything to you."
Daenerys lowered her raised hand and gave a slight nod.
Jon took a deep breath, calmed himself, and slowly began to speak. "My birth father is Rhaegar Targaryen, and my birth mother is Lyanna Stark."
Daenerys rose from her chair, gazed at Jon for a moment, and said, "A mistaken spring?"
Jon grimaced and said bitterly, "My birth was a mistake."
Daenerys shook her head. "That was not for you to decide."
Her voice was still cold, but her words immediately made Jon's eyes grow hot. Daenerys's simple sentence warmed Jon's heart. It was a warmth he had never experienced before, as if a current spread from the depths of his frozen heart, passing through his blood to every corner of his body.
Daenerys then asked, "How can you prove that what you say is true?"
Meeting Daenerys's slightly expectant gaze, Jon felt utterly certain of his heart in that moment... He did not want to see disappointment in those beautiful eyes.
He answered earnestly, "The Lord of Winterfell, Eddard Stark, can confirm it."
Then, Jon recounted in full detail everything he had heard from Lord Eddard about the circumstances of his birth.
At first, Daenerys had been suspicious, but now she no longer doubted Jon's identity. She didn't even need the usurper to confirm it in person... Daenerys thought this might be some kind of resonance between those of Targaryen blood.
Daenerys quickly descended the steps and came to stand before Jon, looking at him with gentle eyes.
Her own eyes glistened with unshed tears. She reached out and gently stroked Jon's cheek. "Jon," she said, "I am your aunt."
The corners of Jon's eyes reddened. He closed them, his throat tightening as he fought back the hot tears.
He spoke with difficulty. "I'm sorry. I... I am just a bastard."
(end of chapter)