Another Problem

The next day they agreed to return to Highgarden, though Jon could not shake the feeling that something was off with Margaery. He understood that it was an painful situation, having to leave their daughter with servants and wetnurses while they went on as if nothing had happened, but he also knew that it was ultimately necessary for their daughter's sake. Jon counted himself lucky at least that whatever had been done to Margaery had given her a remarkable recovery time, with very little evidence that she had ever been pregnant at all. To everyone back at Highgarden it would seem like they simply spent a jaunt visiting an old royal summer home, with Lady Olenna no doubt believing Jon was being seduced by Margaery's charms.

They were short on time so Jon could not have the parting from his daughter that he would have hoped for, but when they visited the child in her new bedroom in the castle Jon was able to hold her for the first and last time. She was heavier than he expected, but when he looked down at the child he felt a swell of emotion inside him. She was Margaery all over and his heart melted as she smiled up at him in her child way. He pressed a kiss to her cheek once more, and then placed her back into the crib, swearing to himself that he would return for her and that their family would be together again.

"She already has your chestnut hair," Jon remarked as he escorted Margaery to her wheelhouse. "I...did not think babies grew hair that quickly."

Margaery gave him another strange look. "Some babies are born with a head of hair, that's just how it is."

"If you say so," Jon replied uncomfortably, "you probably know better than me."

The journey back was surprisingly uneventful, though he surprised to find Margaery somewhat distant from him. He wondered if the effects of the tonic had worn off, or if the separation from Alysanne had well and truly soured her whatever feelings she had for him. He wasn't sure how to approach her about such a thing whilst on the road, so in the end things were left unsaid.

It was on their return to Highgarden that Jon was greeted by several knights bearing the Targaryen banner, and as he entered the great hall of the castle he was met by Ser Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard. "Prince Jon," his voice was grave, "His Grace has ordered me to collect you at once."

"What?" Jon frowned, "Why, what's happened?"

The knight shifted uncomfortably. "Dragonstone has come under attack by Blackfyre forces," he huffed out a sigh, "Your uncle Viserys has been beheaded, and your Aunt Danaerys is now prisoner. War has come."

"Dany?" Jon felt his stomach turn horribly at the thought of his sweet-natured aunt in the hands of the Golden Company. The Black Dragon would attempt to marry her of course, as part of his attempt to usurp Rhaegar's throne. The madness of the last week, in addition to this news almost had him sick with exhaustion, but he smothered those feelings for the sake of his duty. "Alright then Ser, allow me to say my goodbyes and..."

Margaery was at his side almost at once, throwing her arms around his waste and pulling him to her. "Go, my love, go and save your father's throne," she leaned in closer, and whispered into his ear with a fierce intensity, "and remember your promise at Summerhall. Alysanne will have her birthright."

Jon looked at the woman warily, but gave a nod of confirmation. Her mother, Grandmother and two of her brothers stood watching, but Jon chanced a brief kiss on her cheek before he parted. He was mounted up and riding back to King's Landing within the hour, yet as he rode to fight one foe of House Targaryen, he could not help but wonder if he had created another.