Chapter 1: A Dinner with the Starks

The air was warm against the skin of Athena, she stared into the distance on her balcony. There was a cool breeze that swept off the ocean and blew her black curls away from her face. The sky above was blue with swirls of pink and yellow, sunlight was trying to fight its way through the clouds. The princess let herself be consumed by the sound of waves and the screeching of birds, her hands clamped tightly around the edge of her balcony as she was anxiously awaiting her father.

The King of the Lost Sea entered room ever so quietly, not making any sound startling the princess.

"Father!" Athena screamed as she ran into his arms. She was seventeen years old, but still acted like a little girl when it came to hugging her father.

"Athena," he replied sweetly returning the hug. He escaped her grasp, "I brought you a present from the North." There was a rectangular box covered with a wool blanket, the king bent down to uncover a wooden cage that contained two small kittens inside.

"Oh my! They are the most precious creatures I have ever seen!" She bent over to get a better look at the two small furry kittens curled up in balls sleeping peacefully.

"Baby Saber-toothed tigers from the North my dear. Beautiful beasts indeed, they will grow to be largest wildcat in all the world." He stood proudly at the gift he'd given his daughter. The look on her face as she stared at the creatures was pure joy to him. "I don't know what to say father, thank you so much."

"Say nothing my dear, I know how found you are of animals, they really seem to like you." One of the kittens woke up and walked to front of the cage and rubbed its head against Athena's fingers. "I am very surprised they are not hissing, these two are very protective over each other." Athena's amazement was short lived when she began think of how her father had gotten ahold of these two little kittens. She needed to know the truth, "father, how did you get them?" she asked questioningly.

Her father walked around the room peacefully, but stood still when Athena questioned him. "Their mother was found dead, these two would've starved to death if I hadn't taken them." Athena's heart ached for the beautiful beast, what could kill such a powerful creature? "How did that happen father?" He told her it was likely from illness, there were no puncture on the animal and it looked to have recently died. Athena opened the cage and cradled the two kittens in her arms, one was white and said to be a male while the other was a light brown female. Both brother and sister fell asleep in her arms, moving and growling in their dreams. Saber-toothed tigers were found north of the wall, but Athena's father told her the babes were found in a nearby forest. 'These two kittens are meant for me' Athena thought, they are the sigil of House Silverstone. A silver saber-toothed tiger on a purple background.

"My dear there is something I need to tell you," her father said as she cradled the babes. "We are going to visit the Starks in Winterfell." Her father was a proud man, he allied with House Stark during Robert's Rebellion where he showed his true loyalty to House Stark. Ever since then their friendship remained unbreakable.

Athena was very surprised, "Winterfell? Father you have just returned from the North, why go back?" She didn't understand at all, going north and leaving the Crystal Waters, her home. They were on the edge of the world in Westeros where the water is so clear and beautiful, it is a paradise. She had never been north, the cold air and grey skies had always made her hesitant about visiting. I am a Silverstone, daughter of Leonard, the King of the lost Sea. How can I leave paradise? Athena was deep in her thoughts as Leonard grabbed her hands, "it will be alright my dear, the King is coming to visit Winterfell, for what I am not sure. He is friend of mine, as well as Ned. It has been too long since we were all together, he hasn't even met you." She took her hands from his and went to the balcony to stare into the crystal water, Winterfell here I come.

Xxxxx

The road to Winterfell was long and dull with the occasional passing of farmers and small villages. Athena rode alongside her father rearing up her mayor to be closer to her father, "how far are we father, my skin is beginning to freeze." Athena did not have many heavy clothes, this day she wore black skin pants and a dark grey shirt. Her black hair was braided down side of her head ending at the small her back. She felt how she looked, dull. The traveling so far had made her sick, her legs were aching from riding atop her horse for hours and her stomach turned every time they descended hills. She took the two kittens with her as well in the wooden cage she was given. They were already three times their size since she got them and became wilder every day. "Three more days my dear, don't worry we are almost there. You will love the Starks, the gods know I do." He said proudly as he continued forward. Maybe, but does this place have to be so cold!

Nevertheless, Leonard was right in his predictions, after three long days of travel they saw Winterfell in the distance. It was a pure amazement to Athena to see such a castle in what seemed like a new world. They immediately were greeted upon their arrival by the entire Stark family, Ned and Leonard exchanged friendly greetings with each other, "back already I see," Ned said to Leonard hugging him.

"Aye that's right, couldn't stay away for long. You remember my daughter Princess Athena Silverstone." Leonard gestured for Athena to come greet Ned, she curtsied in a lavender dress that she specifically picked out for this occasion. Her hair hung freely at the back of her head with thick braids attached with silver beads.

"My lady," Ned said curtly as he kissed her hand, "I haven't seen you since you were a babe." Ned looked at Athena with pure amazement in his eyes, but also a hint of sadness or maybe regret. Athena could not tell, but something wasn't right with the way the Warden of the North gazed upon her.

"It is an honor to be in presence of House Stark," Athena replied with her held high. She saw the way the Stark children were looking at her, they all seemed to be amazed by her beauty. She wore her house colors of purple and silver and was wearing a silver necklace with the head of a saber. Athena really did look magnificent in all her glory. One by one all the Stark children greeted her with the politeness one can expect from a royal family. It was Ned Stark's bastard Jon Snow that really caught her attention, he had a look of sadness on his face, but showed curtness nonetheless.

"Let us go inside and get you two settled in. We will have a great feast honoring the both of you," Ned said as he led the Silverstones into Winterfell.

Athena was settled into her room by a sweet young maid who unpacked her bags and fed the kittens for her. She changed out her dress into an even more radiant dress of dark purple that hugged her hips and showed most her arms. A strange feeling of acceptance lingered in Athena's mind as she got ready, she wanted to be accepted by the Starks, but didn't know how. Don't overdo it Athena. In her thoughts she was interrupted by the young maid knocking on her door telling her the feast has begun. Athena walked into the feast and noticed it was just her father, the entire Stark family including Jon Snow, and herself. Her father noticed the look on her face, "nothing too extravagant my dear, we have to save up food for when the King arrives." He already has. Her father told her that she was to sit with the Stark children at the lower table. She was placed in between Robb and Sansa Stark. He is so handsome! Don't act stupid, he won't like you if act like a child. Robb stood up when she came to her seat, "My lady," he said with a smile as he sat down after her. "You are surprised by how small the feast is?" Robb said with a smirk on his face. "Very," she said with a little giggle, "but it is lovely nonetheless, I am honored to be here."

"You look very beautiful," he said turning pink in the cheeks.

"Thank you, I can't say that I didn't try," Athena giggled again and noticed Robb smiling at her.

The feast continued with music, laughs, and hot food. Athena was not used to this type of setting, being around a large family and having someone to laugh with. She had gotten to know all the Stark children and was happily accepted by all of them. Robb offered to teach her how to use a bow and arrow, Sansa asked to braid her hair, Arya asked endless questions about the Crystal Waters and her sabers, and Rickon sat in her lap for most of the night. After everything was over, Robb escorted Athena back to chambers to her surprise and to most of everyone else's. The two walked back to her chambers laughing about the night's events. "I really can't believe Arya threw that pudding at Sansa," Athena laughed almost falling in the process. Robb held her up and couldn't stop laughing either, the two looked like a drunken couple. They finally reached the door to her chamber where the two stopped laughing and looked at each other. Without hesitation Robb kissed Athena on the lips which she happily accepted. The two parted after several seconds and looked each other in the eyes. Athena's eyes were light brown with purple specks that really showed in the light.

"I'm sorry," Robb spoke," I couldn't help myself, the night was just so per—" Athena stopped mid-sentence and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"It's alright, I had a wonderful night, with you and everyone. I haven't had this much fun in years, thank you."

Robb smiled at her, "Me too, I haven't been this happy in a long time," he grabbed her by the hands and kissed her lightly one last time before leaving. Athena entered her room smiling to find that the two kittens had escaped from their cage. They lay on her bed sleeping until she entered the room. The two babes clawed at the bottom of her dress wanting to be picked up. Athena hugged the both of them thinking that she still hadn't named them yet. "What should I call you two my darlings?" Both brother and sister began to wrestle each other clawing at each other and breaking skin. Athena noticed the kittens two canine teeth had become larger and more noticeable. "You two are growing stronger by the day." There was an overwhelming feeling of love that went through Athena's body. It was something she couldn't explain, but she knew she loved the two little creatures more than anything in the world. She continued to admire the beauty of the wildcats and the predatory instincts they displayed even when play fighting. "Amazing creatures aren't they?" a man's voice said behind her. It was Eddard Stark standing in the doorway, "may I come in child?" he asked politely.

"Of course my lord," Athena said standing up and fixing her dress. Ned walked in admiring the babes with a slight smile on his face from seeing the two cats fighting with each other. "They're a bit wild at night," Ned picked up the white male and held him to his face, "my lord be careful they are known to scratch."

"This one has two violet eyes," Ned said almost under his breath. His face began sag looking at the cat, he put it down then sat down on the edge of her bed looking into the distance. Athena wasn't sure what to do or what to say. "Is there something bothering you my lord?" Athena asked honestly.

"Aye just tired from tonight that's all. I just wanted to stop by and make sure you have everything you need."

"Oh yes my lord, more than I need actually. Thank you and your family for being so kind."

Ned stood up from his seat and closed the bedroom door, "there is something you need to know Athena." Ned said gesturing for her to sit down. "You weren't brought here to meet the King." As Ned began Athena's heart was racing nervously with the unknown reason as to why she was brought here. The kittens sensed her nervousness and began to crawl into her lap and nuzzle their head into her arm. "Your father came to Winterfell to talk about something that we put behind us long ago. But it is time for you to know the truth about who you are." Ned looked at Athena with sadness in his eyes as he continued, "During Robert's Rebellion, your father and I went to war to end the Mad King's reign. Your father and I became brothers, we fought side by side. Leonard is a great, House Silverstone stood by House Stark in their time of need and I will forever be in debt to your house." Ned rubbed the back of his head not sure of what to say, but continued on, "seventeen years ago, I found my sister Lyanna lying on her deathbed covered in blood." Ned's eyes became watery and a tear slid down his cheek falling into his lap. Athena just sat next to him silently wanting Ned to continue, deep inside she knew what was going on.

"My sister gave birth to two babes, she was lying in her own blood. I still remember it like was yesterday. You never forget the smell of death; it hangs around your neck for the rest of your life. I promised I would protect her children like I would my own so King Robert wouldn't hurt you. Your father was with me when I found my sister and swore by oath he would raise you like his own child." Ned finally looked up towards Athena, "You remind me so much of her, every time I see you it's like being next to her."

"I don't understand; this can't be… I am Lord Leonard's daughter, my mother died at Crystal Waters giving birth to me…"

"No Athena, Lady Talia died of fever shortly before the war ended. You are the daughter of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen." She looked at Ned with tears in her eyes not knowing what to think. Her whole life was a lie, her entire heritage was false.

"Somehow I always felt I didn't belong Crystal Waters, like there was something not right. Somehow I always knew." Athena paced around the room, "you said Lyanna had two babies, so that means I have a sibling?"

"Yes, but I cannot tell you who it is. You know too much already and it wouldn't be right if I told you who it was without them knowing the truth beforehand." Ned stood in front of Athena, "how do you feel about all of this child?"

"I don't understand, you promised Lyanna you would raise me like I was your own yet you gave to my fath… I mean Lord Silverstone…" Athena didn't know what to call the King of the Lost Sea anymore.

"It was meant to protect you in case Robert found out. He would have harder time trying to get the both of you."

"I see." Athena said still taking in everything Ned said. This was so unbelievable to her. She is the daughter of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the two people who started a war. Now that she thought about it, it started to make sense about her appearance. Athena's eyes were dark brown with a purple rim surrounding her pupil. Only Targaryens were known for their violet eyes which made Athena feel foolish for not questioning her father.

"Lord Silverstone will always be your father Athena, he loves you and you him. "

Athena sighed, "of course Lord Stark, my father raised me like I was his own and I will never forget that. I just have questions about all of this."

"In time child, right now you need to get some rest to get your mind off all of this. You must keep this to yourself."

Ned began walk to the door when Athena stopped him, "wait Lord Stark!"

"Yes," Ned said as he turned around.

"Thank you for telling me."

"Of course Lady Silverstone," Ned said politely as he was about to leave, "I would like for you to stay in Winterfell for a while. You don't have to of course, but I would like to get to know my niece better." Ned had a hopeful glare in his eyes as he told her this. He knew it was a lot to ask of Athena knowing that she has never left Crystal Waters for long.

"I would be honored Lord Stark," Athena said with a smile. Ned was pleased by her response and politely left. Athena was filled with so many emotions that night that she couldn't sleep. Everything was over her head and she couldn't believe who she was. At that moment she realized something, 'I kissed Robb… My cousin!'

Athena knew she would have to break things off right away before they got worse. Sleep finally came to her, it was a long day for the princess with her new family.