In Season 8 Episode 1, when Lyanna Mormont asks for an explanation for why Jon
bent the knee to Daenerys
Jon's answer is:
I had a choice, keep my crown or protect the north. I chose the North.
Is this an accurate statement on his part?
I ask because in Season 7 Episode 6, on their way back from their expedition beyond the wall, Daenerys tells Jon:
We are going to destroy the Night King and his army, and we'll do it together. You have my word.
In a departure from her previous statements on this subject, she does not attach to this promise the condition that Jon bends the knee. Rather, Jon volunteers to do so right afterwards.
So, did he really have to choose? Could he not have accepted Daenerys' offer of help while also keeping the North independent?