Hand of the King

"Thank you." Jon replied as politely as he could. Catelyn had never been fond of him. It was easier to be polite, short, and be on his way. Making any conversation would be pointless. The only thing he added was of the gift he'd brought for her, and yes, he'd actually brought her something back.

"I brought you a wine back from the Middle East. I gave it to your husband." That was all he said about it. He'd learned not to refer to his father as such in front of her. Catelyn hated to think they had any relationship between them.

Formalities aside, he took his mug of coffee and retreated to his room. It was safer there, especially with the mother on the prowl. He saw Sansa outside, and thought he should join her later. She had a rough future ahead of her.

He pulled some trinkets from his bag. A decorated knife for Arya, beautiful silver blade with engravings along the ridge. No one could know about it though, Catelyn would kill the man for bringing his children weapons. At least, the girls. Because, that's exactly what he'd bought for the rest of the boys. For Sansa, he found something else, but he wanted to give it to her in person at the very least.

Jon placed the gift in his pocket and descended the stairs. He did his best to slip past Catelyn unnoticed so he could join Sansa outside.

"You're right." Jon sat in the seat, which felt at least half as big since he'd seen it last. They weren't meant for adults, but children. Rickon could have sat there, twice over, compared to Jon who sat awkwardly on the seat.

He didn't waste any time in pulling his gift from his pocket. Wrapped in small white paper, it was small enough to fit in his hand. Jon pulled one of her hands up and placed the package in her open palm.

"I didn't realize how perfect this would be until I got home." Jon admitted. "When I first arrived, a few years ago on my first tour, an old woman gave me a charm. It's called a Hamsa. The shape of a right hand, it keeps you safe, makes you strong." Even now, the one he'd received from the woman hung loosely under his shirt.

"This time, I brought you one back. It's not much, but, I figured you might appreciate this more than some black market weapon." He chuckled, well aware of the other things in his room. If Ned found them, he might laugh at his son. Catelyn? Jon might be arrested. "Anyways. This one wears as a necklace. I've got something keeping me strong. That one is for you."

He bit his lip in anticipation. It was a stretch to buy any women jewelry without approval, but he had to think she'd like it. They were everywhere when he traveled, this hand. A sign of protection and safety. It was almost too perfect for her situation.

The swing shook dangerously beneath his now shifted weight, but he was careful, pulling Sansa close. Near enough that the scent of her shampoo was in the air, sweet and fruity. He lingered in the moment with his hand pressed against the back of her head. Her words struck him as something beyond their typical sister to brother meaning.

"You know I love you, Sansa." Jon replied. It, too, had some other meaning. Where others may joke about it being incestuous or forward, he didn't care. There were genuine emotions between the two that they were too afraid to let loose.

If anyone saw them so close, it might raise an eyebrow or two. Joffrey would kick his ass, or at least try to, scrawny little runt.

Jon half bowed from his position on the seat, chuckling lowly. "Yes your majesty." More seriously, he clarified for her. "I won't leave you, Sansa. Not now, not ever, and especially not with the little Lion Prince."

It hurt. He'd already known for a while it was unlikely he'd see her again. Even as Queen, she wouldn't have much say with the Lannisters in charge. Jon would forever be the bastard son, Night's Watch member, doomed to never see her again. Did Sansa not understand? Maybe she was too optimistic about her powers as Queen. Regardless, he promised her already. So now he had to at least try to come home.

"Before you go though, we'll have to go get sushi." He suggested, they both enjoyed a little bit of sushi from time to time. Jon didn't mind paying, he'd earned some of his own from the Night's Watch service. "We'll have to have a proper send off, just you and I."