Happy New Year's Eve! I am excited/terrified to give you the first chapter of this little story. It is a bit different from my usual (very short) fluff pieces, but it is almost a new year, so I figured I would risk it for the biscuit. Plus, I'm writing an ACTUAL full story (I know, I know, hard to believe) for Jorah/Dany, so this is a good first step in posting the longer stuff.

This takes place in the same stretch of time as Fools and Kindness (my other story), but they are not necessarily connected. What I mean is, they both occur post season 8 (show verse) with Jorah alive and Dany as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

I don't want to say too much cause I don't want to spoil anything. There will be three chapters and I plan to post the next one in a few days or sooner.

I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think! I apologize for any/all grammatical errors :)

Lynesse Hightower stood among the crowd as they watched the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms stroll into the Great Hall.

Queen Daenerys Targaryen was a young and tremendously beautiful woman. Lynesse felt an immediate tug of jealousy. It was not difficult for her to despise a woman prettier than herself. If the world had taught her anything it was that people admired beauty and power above all else.

And while Lynesse still thrived with her good looks and grace, power was something she possessed in limited supply - a result of Tregar's betrayal.

How dare he turn her away for another woman after all she had done for him. Had she not given up her entire life to be with him?

Scoffing to herself, Lynesse continued to survey the room, annoyed by the cheers and adoring shouts. She squinted through the shoulders of two nearby men and spotted a flash of gold.

Lynesse felt an involuntary gasp escape her lips as the Lord Commander of the Queensguard entered a few paces behind the Queen.

It was Jorah. Her Jorah, dressed regally in black armor. He had aged of course, but somehow looked more handsome than she remembered. Maybe distance did make the heart grow fonder.

Jorah's features were sharp, but perfectly contrasted by soft, cerulean eyes. He walked with a powerful sense of authority, his white cloak billowing gracefully behind him.

Lynesse's mouth tipped into a sultry smile. Perhaps not all hope was lost after all. Her mind easily drew up old images of her faithful husband's adoring gaze and his eagerness to please.

However, her smile quickly vanished as she observed the Queen's perusal of Jorah. The Queen's gaze was filled with enough fondness to cause a second, more insistent, swell of envy within Lynesse.

Here Jorah stood, serving a younger and more powerful woman, while Lynesse was left with nothing. He had married Lynesse, vowing to love her for a lifetime...not some foreign queen.

Lynesse tipped her chin upwards and squared her shoulders. She had won Jorah Mormont's heart once before and now she would reclaim what was rightfully hers.

XXXXXXXX

Daenerys smiled contently as she watched a group of locals depart the Great Hall. She enjoyed the simple routine of speaking with her people.

Each week, all residents of the Seven Kingdoms were openly invited to come to King's Landing and meet with the Queen.

Initially, these audiences had been a way for her advisors to hear the complaints of the people and address any problems arising within the kingdom. As time passed, the issues became fewer and fewer until eventually most visitors simply came to greet her or offer gifts. It was a true sign of her success and it never ceased to make her proud.

A final row of people approached, but as young farmers and children smiled up at her, Daenerys found herself distracted by the lone woman of the group.

This woman wore finer silk than any of the poor men around her had even seen. Her presence in the group was intriguing, but what was more notable, was her behavior. She did not peer up at Daenerys with the eager gaze of someone delighted to meet their Queen. In fact, the woman seemed far more interested in someone else.

The woman's dark eyes had wandered towards Ser Jorah and remained there for far longer than was deemed appropriate. If Ser Jorah noticed the woman's admiring gaze, he did not acknowledge it. Whether this was out of respect for his oaths or a genuine lack of interest, Daenerys could not be sure.

The woman was a rare beauty with her long blonde hair and slender figure. Although she was a bit older than Daenerys, she was no less stunning. Surely Ser Jorah had noticed?

Daenerys felt an unpleasant twisting in her stomach at the thought and deliberately forced her attention back to her guests.

The Queen smiled and listened while the farmers expressed their gratitude for a profitable harvest, which had been sold to the kitchens of the Red Keep.

The group eventually took their leave, but Daenerys' smile wilted as the strange woman flashed a more noticeable grin in Ser Jorah's direction.

The change to her knight's demeanor was immediate once he finally noticed his admirer. His shoulders stiffened and his jaw clenched tightly and he chose to ignore the woman completely.

Daenerys frowned as she watched Tyrion and Ser Jorah share a look.

XXXXXXXX

While the Great Hall emptied, Tyrion strolled up to Ser Jorah. Even from a distance, Daenerys could tell Tyrion was teasing her knight because Ser Jorah wore an expression of annoyance reserved solely for the Hand of the Queen.

Daenerys found it amusing that although Tyrion incessantly heckled Ser Jorah, the two men shared a mutual respect and begrudging friendship.

Ser Jorah turned away from Tyrion, in what appeared to be an attempt to end the conversation, and walked towards Daenerys.

Daenerys smiled at her knight and basked in the warmth of his attention.

"Your Grace, with your permission, the guards will walk the exterior of the castle once more to ensure everyone has departed."

Daenerys was about to give a nod of approval when Tyrion maneuvered his way into the conversation with a wry grin.

"You should go yourself, Mormont, and greet old acquaintances," Tyrion said in what was a clear reference to the light-haired woman from before.

Ser Jorah's face darkened and he shot Tyrion a murderous look.

"Do you ever mind your own business?"

"I am merely speaking out of concern for you, old friend," Tyrion's attempt at genuine concern was compromised by the mischief in his eyes.

Ser Jorah released a heavy sigh, but remained silent. Daenerys' curiosity was piqued.

"Which old acquaintances would you be referring to?" Daenerys directed her question at Tyrion, but her eyes shifted between both of her advisors.

Tyrion seemed far too eager to share Ser Jorah's personal troubles.

"The lovely woman who you just met, Your Grace, is the incandescent Lynesse Hightower," Tyrion replied.

Ser Jorah's eyes immediately dropped to his boots. Daenerys raised an eyebrow in confusion - the name meant nothing to her.

"Also known as Lady Lynesse Mormont," Tyrion clarified and Daenerys' mouth dropped open as understanding dawned on her.

"Formerly known," Ser Jorah was quick to correct Tyrion with a glare. He swiveled his gaze back to Daenerys and she was surprised to find his expression unreadable. "Your Grace, I will return shortly to escort you back to your chambers," he stated before turning quickly and bounding down the stairs of the hall.

Daenerys watched her knight leave before delivering a scolding look to Tyrion.

"Was that necessary?"

"I was simply clarifying the situation, Your Grace," Tyrion defended with feigned indignation.

"Do you know her?" Daenerys asked after a brief pause.

Tyrion nodded thoughtfully, knowing exactly to whom Daenerys was referring.

"I have never met her myself, but you know how easily gossip travels throughout the Seven Kingdoms."

"You aiding it along most of the time," Daenerys accused with an arched brow. Tyrion shrugged with a smile.

"It has been many years since Lady Hightower has been in Westeros. I am curious as to what sparked her sudden return," Tyrion wondered aloud.

Daenerys felt a strange sinking feeling in her stomach as she pondered the same question. Her heart told her she would not like the answer.

XXXXXXXX

Ser Jorah re-entered the Great Hall with two knights flanking his side. His face was impassive as he stopped beside her.

"Are you ready, Your Grace?"

Daenerys did not like his stoic expression or his use of formalities. She would much rather see his soft smile and warm eyes.

"Aye," Daenerys responded, mimicking his Northern accent in an attempt to brighten his mood. She was rewarded with a slight tilt of his lips.

Ser Jorah extended his hand to guide her down the stairs and she took it without hesitation.

Unfortunately, her knight was quick to pull away once they were on flat ground and Daenerys was forced to lead the way to her chambers while he remained a half-step behind her. Ser Jorah was quiet for the duration of the walk and once they arrived outside her room, he bowed in silent farewell.

"Ser Jorah, could I speak with you for a moment?"

Her knight hesitated momentarily before dismissing the other knights with a glance.

Once they were alone, Daenerys opened the door to her chambers and stepped inside. She glanced behind her and watched hesitation flicker across Ser Jorah's face a second time. She raised her eyebrows and he acquiesced, following her into the room without argument.

The Queen turned to face her knight as he closed the door behind them. Ser Jorah made no attempt to step into the room further and remained stubbornly close to the entrance. It was clear he knew what Daenerys wished to discuss and he looked ready to flee.

Daenerys stared Ser Jorah down for a long moment, waiting for him to lift his gaze to meet hers. Once he did, Daenerys was once again faced with an unreadable mask.

Ser Jorah cleared his throat slightly before attempting to speak.

"Your Grace, what do you wish to-" Ser Jorah started, but she cut him off.

"Do you still love her?" Daenerys couldn't stop the words that burst forth from her mouth. It was a question she had to ask. Her heart had been pleading with her to ask it. She wasn't sure what fueled the inquiry and it certainly wasn't how she had intended to start the conversation, but she was eager to cut through the awkwardness that had settled between them.

Ser Jorah appeared momentarily speechless as he stared at her with his mouth agape. He recovered quickly though and his gaze dropped to his feet. Ser Jorah took a long moment to consider his response.

"I do not, Your Grace," he replied with clear confidence in his answer. His eyes found hers again.

Daenerys frowned disapprovingly at his continued use of her proper title. They were not having a formal conversation.

"We are speaking as friends, Jorah," she reminded him, deliberately dropping his title as a sign of good faith.

Jorah nodded in acknowledgment, but fell silent again. Daenerys took a step towards him and considered her next question.

"Did you love her?" she asked, her voice faltering slightly. Jorah's posture became rigid.

"I did."

"And she broke your heart?"

An old pain flashed behind Jorah's eyes before he could hide it.

"I made many of my own mistakes. She is not the only one at fault," he rationalized and Daenerys' eyes softened. She should've known he wouldn't speak harshly of someone else; it was not his nature.

"So you broke her heart?" Daenerys asked, prying at the armor around his heart.

Jorah released a weighted sigh, accepting the fact that he was not going to escape her line of questioning.

"I couldn't make her happy," Jorah admitted and his shoulders deflated. Daenerys silently tipped her head to the side and Jorah shifted awkwardly on his feet. "Life on Bear Island is not luxurious or easy. I should've foresaw the difficulty she would have adapting from her life in the South."

Daenerys frowned again. How could he blame himself for his wife's abandonment? The woman had taken the same vows he had, yet he had not forsaken them for riches.

"You were Lord of Bear Island at the time?" Daenerys asked.

"Aye."

"So, she knew where she would be living once you were wed?" Daenerys continued, lifting an eyebrow.

"It's not as simple as that."

"Explain it to me then," Daenerys invited and took a seat on the edge of her bed. She stared up at Jorah before patting the empty space beside her. Her knight made no attempt to move, so she lowered her eyes meaningfully. Jorah relented under her demanding stare and sat beside her stiffly, his armored shoulder brushing against hers lightly.

"I should not have proposed marriage until Lynesse had time to adapt to life on Bear Island," Jorah murmured.

"Why did you?" Daenerys asked softly, her eyes observing him carefully.

Jorah's gaze sought the floor, unable to look at her. He seemed too at war with past emotions to remain in the present.

Daenerys felt somewhat guilt for the personal questions. She knew he did not enjoy sharing details of his past, but with so much unknown history, she felt like she was missing pieces of her knight.

"I was eager to re-marry and start a family. I was not getting any younger and felt the responsibility as a new lord to produce heirs."

Daenerys found herself distracted by one word.

"Re-marry?" she asked, confused. Jorah had only ever mentioned one marriage and even that he hadn't shared true details of until then.

"Aye, I was married before...to a woman I cherished for ten years," His voice had gone slightly hoarse.

Daenerys was sure her surprise was evident on her face. Jorah had only ever spoken of the wife who left him. Daenerys was suddenly afraid to ask the fate of his first wife.

"She died in childbirth," Jorah supplied, as if reading Daenerys' mind. He did not have to elaborate further.

Daenerys' heart ached for her knight and she felt the unexpected burn of tears in her eyes. Jorah had once had a truly happy life with a woman he loved. Only in his eagerness to love again did he stumble into more pain.

Daenerys reached out and gently pulled Jorah's hand into her lap, intertwining their fingers. They sat together quietly for a long time, seeking comfort in each other's presence as they had so many times before.

XXXXXXXX

The following morning, Jorah requested time away from his duties to speak with Lady Hightower.

The idea was not one Daenerys was fond of, but she understood the need for closure. She would've been more surprised if Jorah had not made the request.

Part of her wanted to go with him.

Perhaps more than one part. She was torn between jealousy and love.

A large part of Daenerys wanted to stand with her knight to show Lady Hightower how valued he was. To prove how much she, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, loved the man Lady Hightower had so easily discarded.

The smaller, more selfish part of the Queen, was fueled by envy. Daenerys knew she could trust Jorah, but it was not his actions she was worried about. She knew almost nothing of Lady Hightower's intentions and that made her uncomfortable.

"If you do not wish to speak with Lady Hightower, I can have her tossed out of King's Landing," Daenerys offered with sincerity and humor.

Ser Jorah rewarded her with a deep chuckle.

"While I would certainly enjoy seeing that, Khaleesi, I cannot run from my past forever," Jorah reasoned. She nodded in understanding as he went to leave.

"Jorah-," Daenerys called after him. He turned back towards her. "Be careful."

Jorah's gaze softened.

"Always, Khaleesi."

XXXXXXXX

Daenerys was distracted for the rest of the day. Her mind refused to focus on the tasks in front of her and she continuously worried after Jorah. The longer he was absent, the more creative her imagination became.

Shouldn't he have returned already? Had he been harmed in some way? Ambushed by hidden enemies? Had he fallen into the arms of his former lover?

Daenerys shook her head clear of these thoughts, but resumed her pacing. Her eyes glanced towards the door with each pass.

XXXXXXXX

Missandei watched the Queen visibly relax once Ser Jorah entered the Throne Room.

The knight stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the Iron Throne, while Daenerys remained a few steps above him. Ser Jorah's face bore the same devotion it always did when gazing upon the Queen, whose lips settled into a smile of equal affection.

The happiness faded from the Queen's expression rather quickly as she got a closer look at the man before her. Daenerys frowned and swiftly descended the stone stairs. She didn't stop until she stood eye to eye with her knight.

A familiar angry fire danced across Daenerys' eyes before she reached out and turned Ser Jorah's face gently to the right, trying to examine the left half more closely. Ser Jorah's eyes dipped away.

"Lynesse has never been fond of rejection," Ser Jorah explained with a sheepish chuckle.

Daenerys did not share his amusement.

As the Queen shifted, Missandei caught sight of the half-formed bruise on Ser Jorah's cheek. There were several red marks that trailed from the edge of the bruise to the knight's left ear. The scratches took the distinct form of a woman's fingernails.

"She struck you."

"I'm fine, Khaleesi," Jorah assured.

Daenerys' fingers shifted from their examination and gently skimmed over his cheek before dropping to his shoulder.

"Has Lady Hightower departed from King's Landing?" she asked, absentmindedly brushing non-existent dust from his armor.

"She leaves at dawn," Ser Jorah explained and there was relief evident in his voice.

Missandei glanced between the Queen and her knight. Silence had fallen like a curtain around them. The young handmaiden couldn't see their faces well from a side angle, but whatever emotions were exchanged seemed to satisfy the Queen because she allowed Ser Jorah to pull away and resume his regular duties.

Once they were alone again, Daenerys addressed Missandei without taking her eyes off the door Ser Jorah had exited through.

"Missandei, could you have the Unsullied bring Lady Hightower to me? I wish to have a word in private before she leaves."