A/N: Hello, All! This story is going to be an AU with Robb/OC, and is my take on what would have happened if he had married a player in the Game of Thrones instead of a pawn. It will start in a Clash of kings and span through A Dance with Dragons, so spoilers. But trust me, Robb/OC is not the main story arc. Her relationship with Robb will be the first half of the story, while the second half will focus on what happens to her after his death, and will include Daenaerys in the storyline. I plan for it to be very long. Please, give it a read and tell me what you think! Constructive criticism is gladly accepted.
Chapter One- Winter is Coming
"I came to win, to fight
to conquer, to thrive
I came to win, to survive
To prosper, to rise
To fly"
-Fly, Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna
NAEVA
Naeva looked out over the battlements as the Stark men began their way to the castle she had always called her home. Beside her, the guards shifted nervously. And for good reason. Only a hundred men had been left to hold the castle when the rest of the men had ridden off to heed Tywin Lannister's call to arms. Today her dress was purple, lined with white. The colors of her house. But as she stood looking out over the field at the Stark colors, she was not afraid. If all her mother said was true than she could not be allowed to be afraid. "All men want the same thing." Her mother said sharply when the scouts brought report of Stark banners. "You will restore the power our house once had." Naeva had looked at her mother confused when she said that. "I am but one woman. How am I supposed to restore the power of our house?"
"By making him yours." Was all her mother had answered.
That night, her mother brought a whore from the brothel outside of their keep to Naeva's room. "Teach my daughter." Her mother had commanded the whore. And so that night Naeva learned exactly what her mother had meant by making him hers.
The next morning Naeva had been furious with her mother. She remembered the argument distinctly. "I am to marry a Lannister." She snarled at her mother viciously. "If I am soiled who will want me? No Lannister man will marry Robb Stark's whore!" Her mother had merely shook her head. "You will do what I order you to. I will worry about your marriage prospects. If you play this right I may not even have to do that. Perhaps the King will take you for his mistress. He is to marry a Frey girl. I'm sure he would want to far more prettier company. And if the king takes you as his mistress, our house will be well protected, and it will be given wealth again. We could be powerful again, Naeva. Like our house used to be." Naeva had seethed at that. "You would have me be a King's whore in the hope that he might show some favor on you." She spat back at her mother. "What if he doesn't take me as his mistress? What if he beds me once and that is the end of it? No honorable man would want a woman who has already been tried. I would find no husband."
Her mother merely smirked. "There are men that would take you, trust me my darling. Men from lower houses would gladly take you in the hopes of raising the status of their own houses." Naeva looked at her mother incredulously. "You would have me marry a hedgeknight." She snarled. "I was thinking the Clegane's, actually." Her mother had replied with a small smile. Naeva slammed the door to her mother's chambers on the way out. It was only when she reached her own room that she gave in to the tears she had been holding back.
But as she stood atop the battlements she felt no fear. She merely held the fur cloak around her closely. There was a chill in the air. Winter was coming.
Her mother had her fetched from the battlements shortly afterward. They were to be waiting in the courtyard when her father brought Robb Stark forward. It was her father's hope that if they welcomed the King in the North to their keep he may spare them. When she heard the rattling of the gate opening and no sounds of battle, it seemed that the King felt no need to shed blood. Naeva couldn't help but to think that if the roles were reversed, Tywin Lannister would have taken their modest keep by force.
The King rode in on a big bay horse, followed by several of what she assumed were his lords, and a small amount of his host. The rest of his army would stay outside of the castle and have their camp there. As he rode closer, she saw the giant direwolf of rumor jogging at his horse's side. The wolf's head came up past her waist easily. She saw her mother shift uncomfortably at the sight of the creature, but Naeva felt no such discomfort. When he finally came to a stop, she got her chance to have a good look at him.
His hair was auburn slightly curly. It had apparently been some time since he cut it, because it hung loosely in his eyes. His eyes were a beautiful piercing blue. He had a slight beard to accent his face. As he dismounted his horse, she noticed that his body was just as appealing.
He was handsome, there was no question about it. She knew that if she ended up needing to do what her mother had alluded to, she would not have to feign being attracted to him. For that matter, she may not even have to pretend to enjoy it.
"Stark men are hard." Her mother whispered in her ear. "He will be honorable before anything else. You may find him a challenge."
Naeva pretended not to hear her mother.
Her father had rode in beside Robb Stark. He dismounted as well, and led Robb over to his wife. "Your grace," He began, addressing the king. "My Lady wife, Miranda Fortescue." The king nodded his head to her mother before taking her hand to kiss it.
"My Lady." Was his only response.
If he hates us for being Lannister bannermen he does not show it. Naeva thought to herself. But now her father was continuing.
"And here, I have my two daughters, Naeva and Natalie. And my son, Arthur, named after me." As her father said her name, she curtsied for the king. Her younger sister standing to her left did the same, and her small brother gave a curt bow.
Robb Stark looked at Naeva for a moment before saying a quick, "My Lady." For her younger sister and brother, he merely gave a curt nod.
"But you must be weary from the road." Her father began immediately afterwards. "Come, I will see you to your rooms and have some refreshments sent to you and your men." With that, he and her father were off again. As soon as his cloak was out of her sight, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She looked to her right to her mother, who merely had a satisfied expression on her face. The woman bid her children follow her, and so they left the courtyard.
Her mother quickly sent her son off with the old woman named Mary who normally watched over him. Her two daughters she took to her room.
As soon as the door was closed, she began to speak. "You did well today, Naeva. You caught his attention."
Did I? She couldn't help but to wonder. Maybe she had been too nervous to notice. "I'm glad that his grace took the care to notice me." She replied. As she heard herself speak, she was surprised at the amount of cold in her voice as she spoke to her mother. But then she remembered their argument.
She thinks of me as nothing but a king's whore.
Her mother stared her down. Lady Fortescue was not an uncomely woman. When she had been younger, she had been heralded as beautiful. She had long blonde hair with brown streaks in it, and eyes like green fire. But hair that had once shone like gold was now dull, and gray was beginning to appear at her roots.
It was often said that Naeva looked more like her mother than her father. She had hair that shone like gold, and deep green eyes. When she had been younger, her father had used to call them wildfire eyes. When she had asked him why he replied, "Because your eyes are just as fierce and green as that flame." Everyone that came to their keep called her beautiful, and she had had more than enough marriage offers. She had been crowned Queen of Love and Beauty at one of the more local tournaments by a knight. He was of a lower house, to be sure, but the compliment was still gratuitous.
A bard several years ago had come to visit and had been so inspired by her beauty that he had wrote a song about it. The song was known by some, and mostly got sung around the area of her home. She had, however, had visitors before all the way from Casterly Rock that had heard the song. Apparently it had become more popular.
As she glanced at her sister, she knew that her sister looked more her father. Her hair was a dark brown, much like their father's, but she had green eyes. Her eyes, however, did not hold the same fire Naeva's had. She lacked the curves that Naeva had been blessed with and had always been a little awkward. Her face however, was more like their mother's. So she could not be considered uncomely.
"You will need to make sure you hold his attention." Her mother said simply. "At the end of this week we will be having a feast."
"Surely his grace has more important things to do than attend a feast." Naeva tried to say.
"His grace is fine. Stop making pathetic excuses." With that, their Lady mother stood. "I must attend the preparations for the feast." She said simply before walking out and leaving the two daughters alone.
"It won't be so bad, you know." Natalie said softly from her side. Naeva turned her head towards her sister with a questioning look on her face.
"He's very handsome." Her sister began. "And he seems kind enough. His birth is very noble. And if he gets you with child, it will be a bastard, yes, but he will be royal." Her sister paused to look at her feet. "And to be his mistress. I don't think he would be cruel, or mean. It would be a good life."
Naeva stared at her sister, trying to understand. Being the mistress of a King would be a comfortable life, yes. But Naeva wanted to be a Lady and have a keep. And have a Lord husband who would give her beautiful trueborn sons and who would love her.
There was silence between the sisters for a few moments. "Mother told me that once the war is over, I will marry Ser Gregor Clegane."
At her words, Naeva understood why her sister would rather be a king's whore. She immediately wrapped her arms around her younger sister. "I will not let her do that to you." She vowed. "I will find you a good husband." She promised. Her sister hugged her back and nodded into her hair. Naeva could feel her sisters tears against her cheek.
ROBB
After Arthur Fortescue had left, Robb took the liberty to sink back into one of the chairs in the room and relax. Grey Wind trotted over to sit in front or Robb and rest his head in Robb's lap. Robb scratched the big wolf behind the ears distractedly. His squire was quick to pour him a glass of wine.
They had been debating whether or not to take the castle by force when the Lord had rode to their camp to invite them to his keep. It was not a surprising move. Many would rather surrender than attempt to face thousands of men.
He knew the castle to belong to the Fortescue's, and as they were riding up to the keep, some of his lords had joked about the daughter that was supposed to be as fair as The Maid herself.
Robb had thought it was merely a saying, until he had laid eyes on the Fortescue's eldest daughter.
Her blonde hair had been stirring slightly in the wind, and his eyes had immediately been drawn to the movement. But once he had set his eyes on her, he had trouble taking them off. He had found it a miracle that he had been able to dismount without tripping. And he was pretty sure he had forgot to address the other Fortescue children. He had almost forgotten they were there after the girl's father had said their names.
He shook his head to rid himself of the thought as he took a sip of his wine. He was engaged to a Frey. He must remember that. Beauty would fade in time, but his alliance with the Frey's would last. And besides, he had his honor to remember. And hers as well. He added as an afterthought.
You're a fool. He thought to himself. One look at a beautiful girl and your mind wanders to a bedroom. He assured himself that it was only because of the war. His soldiers often spoke of bloodlust. And there had been times after battle when he had wanted nothing more than to find a woman. But those thoughts eventually vanished if he ignored them long enough. These thoughts will do the same. He assured himself.
"Olyvar." He called out to his squire, who was standing politely by the door.
"Your grace." The boy answered immediately.
"Go get some rest. I'm going to meet with my lords."
"Of course, your grace." The boy answered.
Making battle plans will take my mind off of this girl. He thought to himself as he stood and left his room to go track down his lords. He could have had them summoned, but he needed to walk. His battle plans may take his mind off of the girl for a time, and the keep was large enough that he should be able to avoid her. But there was to be a feast at the end of the week. No doubt she would be there. He tried to forget about that.
The rest of the week went by quickly for Robb. He was so often busy with his lords he didn't really have time to do much else. The Fortescue's kept a Godswood right outside of their walls, but that was about the only thing he had really taken the time to find out about the place. He spent so much time planning their next move it was a wonder he had even found the Godswood.
His constant planning, however, had kept him well away from the beautiful blonde he had set eyes on when he first came to the keep. And when it was finally time for the feast, he had pushed the girl to the very back of his mind.
Robb was given the place of honor beside Lord Fortescue, of no surprise. What was surprising was when the eldest daughter was placed to his right. He had been hoping to avoid the girl throughout the feast, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case. He talked mostly with Lord Fortescue through the first course, but soon their conversation ended. He knew he couldn't simply ignore the girl sitting to his right. And he had been stealing glances at her through his whole conversation with her father. While the Lord had been talking, he had been admiring her golden hair, her bright eyes, the curve her breasts beneath her dress. Bloody hell. He thought bitterly to himself.
He turned his head to address her, but his words caught in his throat, and suddenly he felt himself half a fool. He tried to remember what he was going to say to her when his direwolf saved him. Grey Wind stuck his head between them and gave the girl a good sniff before settling his head in her lap.
At this the girl merely laughed and gave the big wolf a scratch behind the ears.
"He's very handsome, your grace." The girl said to Robb. "What's his name?"
Robb was shamed at how long it took him to respond. You are a king, you have fought in battles. Answering a question shouldn't be this difficult."Grey Wind."
The wolf pricked his ears at the sound of his name.
"From all of the rumors about this wolf, I assumed him to be vicious. But it seems to me he's really rather sweet."
"He bit off two of the Greatjon's fingers." Robb stated simply, which caused the girl to hastily withdraw her hand from the wolf. Good going, Robb. Just make her think that Grey Wind is going to rip her hand off. He tried his best to make a quick recovery."But that was only because he thought I was in danger. He seems to like you, actually."
The girl smiled at that, and Robb felt his heart skip. She put her hand back on the wolf's head and scratched him behind the ears. Her name is Naeva. He reminded himself. And she was for the Lannisters until your force came outside of the walls. And you are engaged to a Frey. Make no mistake. She would turn you in to the Lannisters in a heartbeat.
As he was thinking the girl changed the topic of conversation. "You have done very well in this war so far, your grace. All around people speak of you as if you are Aegon the Conqueror come again."
"You were for the Lannisters." Robb stated simply. "Me winning should be a bad thing for you." He reached over to his goblet and took a sip of his wine.
Naeva brushed her hair over her shoulder as she turned more towards him. His eyes observed the milky white skin along her neck, and he immediately prayed she hadn't noticed. If she had, she paid him no mind.
"My father was declared for Tywin Lannister, yes. But the Lannisters have never been particularly kind to us. And Tywin Lannister is known to be more cruel than merciful."
"But you think I am merciful?" Robb immediately replied.
"You spared my keep. We had crimson and gold banners flying above our heads. You could have easily taken this castle by force. But you didn't."
"The less bloodshed, the better. I see no reason to kill those who surrender."
"So you are already better than Tywin Lannister."
Robb couldn't help but to smile slightly at that. "So how would you have this war end, if you had your way?"
"I would let the North govern themselves. And let the Southron lords decide who their rightful king is."
Robb smiled out of the corner of his mouth. "I'm afraid that solving the problems of this war won't be that easy."
"I'm only a Lady from a minor house who knows nothing of war, your grace." She responded, a smile playing about her lips. "But I do know some about men. And I know that so long as men are involved, nothing can ever be solved easily."
Robb laughed aloud at that. "Do you think women could solve the problem more easily?" He jested.
"Never." She replied with a smile before taking another sip of her wine. "Women can be just as ambitious as men."
He smiled at that and took another sip of his wine. He turned his head as music began to pick up throughout the hall, and several people stood to dance.
Naeva smiled next to him as the music began. "This is my sister's favorite song." She said, more to herself than to him. "But she's so shy, she never dances to it."
Robb turned to look at her after taking another drink of his wine. The more he talked to the beautiful blonde girl, the braver he felt around her. Or maybe it was the wine making him brave. He couldn't decide. "Well, let's see if we can't change that."
NAEVA
Naeva saw the shock written on her sister's face as the king went right up to her and asked her to dance. But for the first time, the timid girl did not refuse.
As the king led her shy sister to the dance floor, she took another sip of her wine and watched. Grey Wind had lifted his head from his lap as soon as the king had left, but the direwolf's head easily came over the table, and he didn't have a problem seeing over it. It seemed that as long as the giant wolf had one eye on his master, he was okay.
Her eyes stayed focus on the king, who was patiently trying to help her sister dance. The poor girl kept tripping over her own feet, but the Young Wolf was ever patient. By her side Grey Wind gave a low whine and she slipped him a piece of chicken. As Grey Wind ate happily, Naeva's mind drifted. The longer she watched the man before her, the more her mind wandered. He is the key to saving my sister. She thought. If I can win him over, he can wed her to one of his lords. Technically we wouldn't even need to be lovers. Just so long as he has some favor for me. She did not want to let her sister become the third deceased Lady Clegane. She hoped that praising his war efforts had done something for her. I will have to prove I am loyal to him. She thought quickly.
She glanced to her left down the table, to where her mother was seated. Her mother was watching the pair on the floor as well. But as Naeva looked at her, her mother turned and raised her goblet to her daughter. Naeva quickly turned her head away. No, mother. She thought bitterly. This is for my sister. Not to please you. She knew now that what she had always overheard the servants say about her mother was true. The woman was an opportunist, and worked only to help herself. She's horribly ambitious. Naeva thought darkly.
She was so engrossed in her own thoughts, she didn't even hear his approach. "My lady?"
Naeva glanced up quickly to see the King in the North standing at her side. He offered her his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
Naeva felt her nerves flare up suddenly. She had danced plenty of times before, with Knights from minor houses, uncles and cousins, her father and even her little brother. But dancing with a King suddenly made her terrified. This must be how my sister feels all the time. She thought to herself.
She placed a nervous hand into his. As he led her to the floor, she couldn't help but to think of the old stories her mother and septa used to tell her, about beautiful maids and the handsome men that swept them off their feet. If only things were as innocent as the stories. She thought to herself.
As she began to dance, her nerves slowly faded away. Even though her mind was fuzzy from wine and from her constant political thoughts, her body still knew how to dance. She was, however, aware of the closeness of their bodies, and the presence of his hand on her lower back. And his startlingly blue eyes.
She almost wished that he wasn't kind and handsome. Because at least then she could tell herself she was acting when she was in his company. That she really hated being around him and that she was only pretending to enjoy his company. But as he spun her away from him only to bring her back closer than they were before, she couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. It occurred to her that maybe the wine wasn't the reason her mind was fuzzy.
A/N: Please tell me what you think, =) Reviews greatly appreciated. I've never written anything for Robb before, so let me know if I'm keeping him in character.
