Rickard's eyes are cold and hard as the letter in his hands reveals its content. It is word from King Aerys, as much staggering, as it is unexpected. In truth it is a proposal, one Rickard can hardly refuse. For a brief moment he looks upon his daughter, Lyanna. The girl is pulling at Eddard, all her four years' strength for naught. The boy is unmovable.

The dragons ask for an alliance with the north. The dragons ask after his only daughter. Rickard tries to see her with his mind's eye, years from now, a queen.

Lyanna glances towards her father, as if knowing his thoughts are upon her. She goes back to pestering her brother after a smile blooms on her face. Sweet Lyanna is persistent.

It would be madness to refuse. His daughter is young still. Were the match to fall through, hope is not lost for her. Rickard pulls his lady wife aside and whispers in her ear as the children play. Their Lyanna, he says, will have the chance of bringing peace and balance. It is no little thing, not for her, and not for House Stark. Lyanna of the North is called by the dragons.