Two hundred sellswords had arrived the other day, only fifty now roaming the palace courtyard, the others already down by the docks filling three ships worth of space. The Magister saw it fit that a few sellswords stay behind, to guard Jon as he would eventually make his way down the streets of Pentos. News had begun to spread of him through the city as soon as Illyrio had accepted them those weeks past, the lips of those in his service obviously loose, the rumors floating in the air without anyone to stop them.

Soon, the whole continent of Westeros will know, he wagered a guess, scratching his beard at the solemn thought. Arthur was hoping to be quiet about this whole thing, make their way across the Narrow Sea without any unwanted attention. But now, anyone might know of Jon's existence, putting his safety and the safety of the rest of his family in danger. That is why Illyrio and Arthur talked plans on what to do with Dany and Viserys, and while at first it may have been possible to bring Daenerys along with them, now it seemed no longer a choice.

The conversation with Daenerys was thought to be met with resistance, but she was more willing than Arthur assumed. She still seemed upset, but was willing to perform her duty.

'I understand, Arthur. It would have been nice to see Westeros, but I know it won't be safe. I'll try and take care of Viserys while you're gone. And Arthur, please keep...please keep Jon safe, if you can.'

The knight smiled. 'I would give my life to save him, don't you worry. And there's not many a man in Westeros who have the ability to strike me down. He'll be safe, I give you my word.'

The girl smiled at him, content with the answer. Since then he'd seen Jon and her spending much time together, traveling through the courtyards of the palace, partaking in long walks through the gardens. However the last day they were planned to leave, the two rarely got the chance to see one another, as Viserys had come out of his cocoon, hair in a tangled mess, a rough beard growing at his jaw, a sling around his stump. Arthur could barely watch the boy at times, knowing that it was because of him that he was in this state. Viserys wasn't a good man by any means, but Arthur had sworn to protect the Targaryens. Not to go butchering their arms off.

Dealing with these guilty thoughts, and the management of their departure were tough on the knight. There were many sleepless nights where he wrestled in bed, and wrestled with his mind on his sense of honor and the vows he had sworn to uphold. He found a way over these thoughts however by focusing on one vow that had changed the course of his entire life.

And that was protecting Jon, and seating him on the Iron Throne.

The boy had grown anxious in the last few days before their departure, always biting his nails, or brooding whenever he got the chance. Arthur tried to steel his nerves by telling him stories of the many houses that were in the North, and of what they were to expect after sailing and landing in White Harbor.

'Many a man will not believe us, Jon,' The knight told the boy. 'And those who do may not pay us with kindness. There are those in the North who believe your mother was kidnapped by your father. There are not many Targaryen loyalists among the Northern lords.'

'Then why sail there?' Jon asked, an edge in his voice.

'Because your mother's house rules Winterfell. The other lords may not believe us, or may bring us harm which is why we shall keep you a secret, but if we can convince the Starks that you are of their blood, then they might fight for you, and your throne.'

'But are they not already at war? Illyrio was saying that they're attacking the Lannisters in retaliation for the execution of their Lord Protector. Why would they help us, especially if they might doubt us?'

'Stark blood runs through your veins, Jon. Everyone will not be able to doubt your look. I can hazard a guess you might look more Stark than some of the children that reign in Winterfell now. And I'm evidence towards your legitimacy as well, don't forget. All those in Westeros have long since believed I was dead, and if I tell the Starks our story they will know of my honor, and know that I would not readily lie to them. Try not to worry. They won't shun you, and they won't shun us away from their gates. We'll have a place in Winterfell, I'm sure. But forging an alliance...now that is where my skills fail me…'

Jon frowned. 'Then what will we do?'

Arthur let out a sigh. 'Illyrio and his Spider should help us with that. And if not, then it will fall to us to make something happen.'

The boy did not ask many questions after that, but Arthur knew he had done little to abate his worries. Once we're there, once we're inside the gates of Winterfell, he'll understand. But it was on the day that they were meant to leave that Jon looked the most worried. And Arthur knew it wasn't solely because of their imminent journey.

'I'm going to have to leave her alone again,' Jon explained, thumbing the pummel of his sword as they stood out in the courtyard, their sellswords standing around not doing or saying much. 'With him no less. I visited him, you know. I gave him a part of Illyrio's gift.'

Arthur frowned. 'A dragon egg? But why?'

Jon shrugged. 'It was a peace offering, a way of showing him that even with all that has happened, that I don't wish any ill towards him. But I don't think it worked.'

Arthur scratched his beard. 'Viserys doesn't seem like one to give up a grudge so quickly. Give it time. Maybe when we come back…'

'Yes, yes. Maybe. We'll just have to see.' Jon glanced away for a moment. 'I also...I gave Dany one.'

Arthur raised his eyebrows. 'And why did you do that?' He asked, already knowing the answer.

'I felt it was only right. Three Targaryen left in the world alongside three of the possibly last dragon eggs. It was the best thing to do, I think.'

'Is that the only reason you gave the princess a gift? Or do you have other plans lurking in your mind?' The knight laughed, and Jon blushed, cheeks turning crimson.

'What is so funny, my dearest companions?' Illyrio was suddenly there, coming up from behind them and joining their little circle. The two instantly reformed their facades,.

'Oh, nothing.' The knight said. 'Just an old joke we used to tell each other through the years.'

'Hmm, sounds quite amusing. Your grace,' The Magister's eyes darted to Jon. 'If you're able, I would like to have a word with you before you depart. It will only take a moment.'

The boy's eyes glanced at Arthur for a moment, who nodded in turn, before he followed Illyrio off, walking cross the courtyard towards the balcony. The knight watched the exchange, wondering what the Magister was trying to implant into the boy's head, and could see the frustration showing plain on Jon's face as the man talked. In the end it did only take a moment, as Jon was walking back in a short time, the Magister looking somewhat disappointed.

'What did he want?' Arthur asked once he was close.

'He asked to come again, on our journey West. He said that he will be able to give us good counsel there, and that he would be an available asset while we try to find allies. But I told him he had to stay here, to make sure Dany will be alright. I made him vow that he will keep her safe, and that was that. So…' Jon paused. 'When do we leave?'

'Soon. Our ships are still being readied for sail, and we've sent men through the streets to see if there's anyone planning to make a fuss once we start our descent towards the harbor. You should spend your time with Daenerys, while you can. You may not see her for awhile yet.'

Jon rubbed the back of his head, glancing away. 'No. That's alright. I'll just see her before we depart.'

Arthur smiled, but didn't push the boy further. He remembered his first time in love. It was with a servant girl, when he was young. He reacted in the same way as Jon did now; acting shy, rather dreaming of and watching her from afar than to make real strides in speaking with her. And now I'm a Knight of the Kingsguard, love forever lost to me. The fact hurt bitter sometimes, but he had made a vow long ago, and he wasn't going to break it for anyone.

Time passed, and the men they sent to scour the city had returned, with nothing concerning to report. Arthur got his things, a bag full of warm clothing and furs for the trek ahead, and he saw Jon finally speak with Dany, cheeks turning red, eyes glancing away every so often. As he passed them he heard the girl say,

'Thank you, for your gift. I know it will never hatch, but it's beautiful.'

'Don't worry, you deserve to have it. I'll bring you a gift from Westeros as well. I'll make sure it's something good.' Jon said.

The girl smiled. 'Thank you, Jon.' She paused, eyes peering at her feet. 'I'm...I'm going to miss you.'

Somehow the boy's cheeks went more crimson, and he nearly turned away. Arthur barely kept in his laugh, trying to hide it by observing a few nearby sellswords.

'Yes, well, thank you. I'll be back soon. Um...try to keep safe.'

Dany nodded, looking more amused than ever, but Arthur could see her cheeks blush. 'Of course. Until we see each other again.'

The boy finally managed to turn towards her, and a smile came to his lips. 'Until we see each other again.'

Arthur went ahead, calling the sellswords into formation, seeing that the Magister was watching, something close to a scowl on his face wrapped in a forced smile. Some days, I wish I knew what was going on inside that man's head.

As the column of men formed Jon joined his side, a bag of his own at his side, a sword encircled around his waist. They both said their farewells to Illyrio Mopatis, who gave them a brief wave, alongside a courtesy smile. But as they prepared to depart, sellswords all at their sides, a sentry at the gate had come running past, heading towards Illyrio who stood on the palace steps.

'Master, there is an old knight at the gates. He says he's Westerosi, and that he wishes to serve the rightful King.'

Arthur watched the scene, seeing the Magister frown. 'Did he say who he is? What does he look like?'

The Unsullied guard nodded. 'He has white hair, and is dressed like a beggar. He may be trying to play a trick, I do not know. Should I send him away Master? All he told me was those that know him call him "The Bold".'

Arthur's eyes widened, his heart suddenly racing in his chest, and in an instant he pushed himself out the column, scampering towards the gates. The knight couldn't believe what he was hearing, and he didn't think it was true until he saw him.

There, outside the palace, besides one Unsullied soldier who was keeping guard, was Ser Barristan Selmy, wearing a hooded woolen garb, white hair hanging to his shoulders. When the two knight's eyes met, they couldn't help but smile.

'Barristan! You old fool!' They moved into a hug, both laughing.

'This can't be true! Arthur? How are you here? I thought you were dead.' Barristan said, stepping back to get a good look at the knight.

Arthur cracked a grin. 'So does everyone else in Westeros. And there's a reason.'

The old man nodded, eyes squinting in the sun. 'I know. At least, I've heard the tales, but I did not think them to be true. Is the boy safe?'

'Safe as he ever could be. But how do you know of him? We've been trying to keep his existence a secret.'

The old knight frowned. 'There were rumors, sprouting up all across Westeros. At first I thought they were only old wives tales to make the commonfolk focus on something other than the war. But it began to spread everywhere; at every inn there was at least one conversation talking about the last remaining Targaryen dynasty holding up in the free cities. After some time, I had to find out if it was true.'

Arthur shook his head, glancing at the ground. Damn it, just as I feared. He looked back up at his old friend. 'But why are you here, Selmy? You're Kingsguard, that was your life.'

'And I still am, if you'll let me. Joffery, the boy King who sits on the Iron Throne, threw me from his service. He talked of me being too frail and old, and that I was no longer fit to protect him. But now I thank such an act, because if he didn't I would still be serving a King who doesn't deserve the throne he sits on. The years have been hard and unkind since Rhaegar lost on the trident. That is why I am here, to find my true king, and die in his service.'

Arthur clapped him on the shoulder, smiling. 'Let me introduce you to him then.'

They walked back to the palace courtyard, the sellswords watching, before approaching Jon who had moved up further to see what was going on. When Barristan caught sight of the boy he kneeled, taking his sword out and placing it at his feet.

'My King. I pledge my sword to you, to this day until my death. I will fight for you, give my life for you, and forever be sworn to you. I swear it, by the old gods and the new.'

Jon eyed Arthur with a plain face of confusion, and the knight tried to not be too amused. He nodded at the boy, so Jon looked back down at Barristan Selmy, saying,

'Thank you. But...I do not know your name. Who are you?'

'My name is Ser Barristan Selmy, your grace. I was Kingsguard to your family not so long ago, and I swore to protect your father and his father before him. And now that they are gone, I swear now to protect you, no matter the cost.'

The boy looked intrigued, eyes widening. 'You knew my father?'

Barristan nodded. 'Prince Rhaegar was a good friend of mine. We spent many years together, and we fought alongside one another on the trident. However I was not able to save him that day. I will not fail again, I promise you, your grace.'

'We're just about to leave.' Arthur put in. 'I'm sorry to say you'll be traveling to Westeros all over again.'

The old knight's smile was warm. 'That's fine. I can handle ships and travel. My heart is put at rest now knowing that I am no longer sullying my honor. Where are we headed?'

'The North. We hope to secure an alliance with them. Now with you, we'll have an even better chance. No one could question your honor, and you're known throughout the Seven Kingdoms.'

'Whatever I may do to help, I will do it.' Barristan turned to Jon, who was standing awkwardly not knowing what to do or say, glancing between the two knights nervously. 'Your grace, whatever you ask of me, it shall be done.'

Jon was not used to this bold display of loyalty, so he glanced away. 'Thank you. Again.'

Arthur saw Barristan's eyes move towards the palace steps, where the Magister, Viserys and Dany stood, all with unsure expressions. The knight's glance lingered on Viserys's stump, Arthur noticed.

A story for another time and place.

'You should leave soon, your grace.' Illyrio Mopatis called from the steps. 'Your ships await.'

Jon nodded stiffly, regarding the two knights before him. Ser Barristan bowed his head, and turned forward, besides the boy. Arthur moved to his place beside Jon as well, calling out to the sellswords at his command,

'Alright men, if there's any trouble as we move through the city make sure to deal with it swiftly and smoothly. Now, forward on!'

And so, the true King of Westeros made his way out of Magister Illyrio's palace gates, alongside two renown knights who would do anything in their power to keep the boy safe.

I just hope we're enough, Arthur thought, as they marched towards the docks.