"It is very lovely to meet you Lady Baratheon," Robb Stark, Lord Stark, I corrected in my head, greeted me. I curtsied low, my long yellow dress bunching up and in the way.
"My grace," I greeted him before standing once again, my two guards did a similar bow. "I am pleased to understand the arrangements between our families. The Baratheons and Starks have long been brothers in war, I am honored to carry on the traditions," I tell him, he does not smile but only looks troubled. "Is something wrong my grace?" There was a bang at the door as they swung open.
"You did what?" In entered Jon Snow, or as Lord Stark tells me, my husband. He marched past me and my guards to stare down his half-brother. His grey fur cape trailing behind him, his white wolf growling lowly. "You married me off to a Baratheon? Without consulting me? I thought I was safe from that, I'm not even a Stark!" Jon growled at his elder brother, Robb Stark's dire wolf rose at the angry words, casting a glance towards the other before sitting back down.
"We will discuss this later Snow," Robb spoke lowly, he gestured at me and Jon spun around. Snow looked confused but looking at my yellow dress and my houses sigil on my necklace he put the pieces together. I curtsied lowly, trying not to let my apprehension show. I did not want to seem weak, but also not contentious. He would be my future husband, I reminded myself sharply.
"My lady," Jon bowed, confusion still riddled his face but this time he took a second to look me over. My mid-length brown hair and a short frame were not like those in the North, they grew their hair long and their girls tall, except his youngest sister. Arya Stark was short, with dark hair and dark eyes, just like the bastard son in front of me. I heard hundreds of stories of his father, the righteous and noble Lord Eddard Stark. My father's greatest confident, friend, and brother. He told me stories of their fostering at the Eyrie, young Eddard Stark that had yet to know he would be a Lord, second to his eldest brother Brandon. My father had always been a lord, Lord of Storm's End from nearly his earliest memory. His first memory was of my grandparent's death.
"Lady Alysh of House Baratheon, youngest daughter of Robert Baratheon, the Late King of the Andals, pray the gods let his soul rest," Lord Stark introduced me, my face turned in a slight smile towards me betrothed. I looked at his face, his curly brown hair and long Northern face. He was a Stark that was certain. His face was morphed with confusion and anger but I did not dare shrink away. I would not be afraid of him, I told myself that I knew I would be. He was of noble house Stark, they were not known for their roughness or their dishonor but alas he was the bastard son.
"If you forget the title, I am really just the Baratheon house's least important child," I spoke to the two men and the surrounding guards. My guards were like the lord they served, cold and unforgiving, they did not move a muscle. Jon looked at me, his eyes narrow as he judged my character. His eyes were intense and I looked away eyes flicking to the stone of Winterfell. It was truly an ugly castle, Dragonstone was glorious and large in comparison. Highgarden and King's Landing were homes to angels, what should have been my home.
"Is that all Lord Stark?" Jon spoke back to his brother, breaking his gaze on me. I relaxed slightly and I was certain Lord Robb had noticed my discomfort. He sighed at his half bother's exasperation clearly unsure how to continue.
"No, the wedding will take place in a fortnight. Until then I will trust you will get to know your wife to be," This time Robb stared down his brother ensuring he complied. Jon glanced back at me, his displeased face cutting into me. I do not wish for him to despise me, I did not want this.
"Yes, Lord Stark. Please see that my Lady has appropriate handmaidens and guards," Snow took one last look at me with his dark eyes and long hair before exiting the throne room with his dire wolf behind him. The Stark sighed as the door closed, looking at me once again.
"I apologize for him Lady Baratheon, do not fear him, he will not hurt you," Robb assured me softly, I glanced back at the door with a nervous look and the Lord of Winterfell looked disheartened. It is hard to convince a girl, that a man she had not met and was soon to marry, would not hurt her. I had heard too many stories of husbands beating their wives, even killing them. I did not know this Jon Snow and apprehension filled me. I remembered the late Lord of Winterfell and the one time that Lord Eddard ever contacted me. He sent a letter the Stannis as my father laid dying from wounds, a letter confirming that Stannis was the true heir and soon to be King of Westeros. He also asked about my safety, to ensure I would be safe as he knew I was the only unmarried child of Robert left. I appreciate the sediment and care he put, I know that he extended his protection to me. "I will appoint two guards for you and one house maiden, I trust you will tell me if they are not sufficient," I nodded before curtseying to the Lord, my mind racing to keep up with what was happening. Many things had happened, I had traveled thousands of miles from Dragonstone effectively in hiding. My guards bore no banners and I while I now had on a yellow dress I covered myself in black to mask my nobleness. My family remained silent, my sister in House Dayne was the only other one who contacted me to ask about my safety.
"The Baratheon guards will head back to Dragonstone at sunrise, I thank you for your kindness, my Lord," Robb looked at me like he was going to speak, to reassure me but he only nodded, excuse me. I turned to exit the main room, the guards following me silently. I gripped my hands together and willed away my fears and anxiety. I would be alright, I told myself. The Starks were noble people, harsh and tough as the terrain they grew up in but nevertheless kind.
"Lady Baratheon, I am at your service," A girl greeted me and she was clearly a maid. She was a beautiful girl, skinny and tall with red hair, not much unlike Sansa Stark but her clothes were basic and worn, she was not of noble birth. "Follow me to your quarters, they are across from Lord Snow's with a view of the training grounds," The girl spoke quietly before guiding me towards my new home at House Stark. Winterfell was dreary, the stone warm and cold in different sections. I had heard much of the castle in my studies, it was named the key to the North despite it is inconspicuous location.
"What's your name?" I asked her once my guards were gone and we were alone. She looked shocked that I asked, her mouth parted silently before she stuttered to answer me.
"Rayne.. my Lady," She replied softly, we continued down the stone hallways together, my yellow dress the only light in the halls.
"Call me Alysh when we are alone I beg you. How long have you worked for the Starks?" She looked very uncomfortable at my request. I wanted to ask the opinion of someone close to the Starks, one could be judged on their character by the way they treat their servants.
"Since I was 14, my L... Alysh. Coming on five years now," She was 19, older than me but the same age as Lord Snow. Five years was quite awhile to learn the personalities of the Stark children.
"And what do you think of Lord Snow, Rayne? I want the truth," She blushed a little before stumbling over her words and I smiled softly. I could tell what the young woman was going to say before she opened her thin lips.
"He is quite beautiful, he has a temper but he has never laid a cruel hand on anyone," I giggled at her comment, I did think he was an attractive man and I was glad I was not alone in that. I was relieved that she had not heard of him hurting anyone, it helped me relax. "None of the Starks were known to be unfaithful, or cruel. If I may give my consult, you have nothing to fear from Lord Snow."
"Thank you," I said sincerely, my hands softening their hold on each other. She gestured to a door on the left of a circle, the only other door opposite must be my husband to be. She opened the door for me and I entered.; I came with nearly nothing, only one chest of goods, mostly reminders of home, King's Landing not Dragonstone. It already sat in my room and I ran my hand over the gold Baratheon stag. I thought of my young uncle, not the one I live with recently but the other. Renly Baratheon, I felt a tinge of anger that veiled my love for him. "I apologize for such a request already but I came with only this dress and sleepwear, I hope it is no trouble to get some made,"
"No trouble at all, I will measure you," She took a tape measure out of a drawer, I stood straight, looking out the window and down to the training grounds. I saw a man striking the dummy, violent and harsh. The grey fur on the coat gave him away, Jon. His strokes were harsh and angry, his stance off, I shivered at the view. When she was done she left me and I opened my chest, placing my quills and stationary on the bare table and filled the drawers with drawings of my siblings and family. My favorite book placed on my side table and my toy stag by its side. I touched it lightly, giving a thought to my late father. There was a sharp knock on my door, I spoke that they could enter. Jon's face was on the other side of the door, he took a single step in before stopping stiffly. I curtsied to him and he waved me off softly. I searched his face, my eyes wide. He scanned my face his posture softened slightly and I knew that was because he saw fear for him in my eyes.
"I apologize for my attitude in the throne room, you do not deserve my outrage, it is not your fault," Lord Snow spoke lowly his words careful and slow. I broke the intense gaze and looked down, shifting my feet on the stone, I felt like a child now, alone and scared.
"There is nothing to apologize for my Lord, all is forgiven," I spoke quietly, he looked down at me from across the room, his eyes piercing and hard to read. "Is there anything else my Lord?" I barely whispered wondering why he did not move to leave.
"Please, call me Jon," He took a breath like he was calming himself and my heart raced. "I want to know what you did to have to marry a Stark's bastard son," His tone shifted at his words his eyes dark but I saw a sadness in them. I knew being a bastard to a Lord as noble as Ned was not easy, but my father had dozens and no one blinked an eye. Other than Stannis. I thought about why I had to marry a Stark bastard, what I had to pay for. I knew what it was, the blond hair still in my memory, his tearing eyes.
"You say the word bastard like it is the worst word in the world," I told him quietly, my voice below a regular volume, I was not sure of his reaction. He looked at me and I swore I saw a hint of a smile. "But to answer your question, I was born the last child of the Baratheon house, the fifth daughter born to Robert. My father cared the least about me," I told him, and it was true. I remembered the last time I saw my father, he was looking down at the carts as I got in. I looked up but his face did not change, no sadness at my departure only distaste for me.
"Thank you for gracing me with the truth my Lady," Jon spoke finally, his posture was still stiff but his voice was softer, matching mine.
"Alysh is my name," I told him with a slight smile and he matched it slowly. My heart was no longer racing.
"Is there anything else you need Alysh?" I shook my head and Jon took his leave of my room just as Rayne came back with fabric samples, she blushed as she greeted Jon and he greeted her back. As she closed the door I laughed and so did she. "How have you worked so long in Winterfell if you can not even look at him!" I laughed and she shrugged unknowingly.
"I can not help it, it is like the gods carved him from stone themselves," She spoke wistfully, she handed over the fabrics. I saw the obligated light green of the Stark house and yellow for the Baratheon house but there were blues and black, red was forbidden for me.
"May I have a green and grey and blue made? Simple long dresses for everyday wear," Rayne nodded and took the fabrics from me. "What does the Stark family girls wear?"
"Lady Sansa Stark wore similar to what you picked," She mentioned the red-headed beauty who was rumored to be dead, no one had heard from her since her father's death. Arya had escaped with the Nightswatchmen traveling North and made her way back to Winterfell but Sansa was missing.
"And Arya Stark?" Rayne raised her eyebrows.
"The girl wears armor and pants, I do not think you base clothes off what she wears," My maid told me and I remember what I heard about her. The wild wolf princess of the North, she wore pants and fought with swords. I had only heard of one other like her, Brienne of House Tarth. Her swordsmanship unparalleled in the South.
"Very well that is all for now, thank you," I relaxed in my room for a bit before I heard metal clanging down in the training grounds and when I took a look down I saw a girl, short brown hair sparing with what looked like a swords-master. I headed down the halls and down the stairs, winding my way past the horses and to the training ground. I watched silently as she hit the man, their movements were fluid and fast. Soon he had her pinned but the small girl managed to slip out of his fingers and put his thin sword to his throat. They both let out a laugh and she helped the man up. Her eyes trailed around to land on, she brushed her hands off and sheathed her thin sword. I knew who she was, her dark eyes matched the ones I was just looking into. Her eyes held less sadness but far more anger below the surface.
"Alysh Baratheon, my new sister is it not?" I raised my eyes at her in-formalness, but I was not surprised, I had heard about her wildness even in Dragonstone. "How have you taken to Jon's anger?" She said her face giving nothing away, I tilted my head slightly what did she know that I di not.
"It is not him I should be afraid of Lady Arya," I told her with a slight smile and I could tell she took it as a compliment as she smiled widely. Her dark Stark eyes upturned like they were not used to smiling, I suppose with recent events perhaps they were not. She was the image of her half-brother, her dark hair, and horse face. She was not conventionally attractive, at least not by Westerosi customs, but she was confident and held herself high. I knew she was someone I would want on my side.
"Come with me," She spoke before stalking off, her heavy boots scuffling on the dirt floor of the courtyard. Winterfell was noising, dusty, and cold. Everything I hated but alas I was here. I kept up with her as gracefully as I could pick up my long yellow dress in my hands as I walked. She entered a room, it was dark and full of armor. It was nothing like the golden armory of the Red Keep, with my father's golden stag or the Lannister golden armor. These held steel and leather made for cold winter fighting. She took hers off, placing it on a bar to hang and rid of her shoes. She slipped into more normal shoes but she was still dressed, unlike a royal lady. "Why do girls like such an inconvenience?" She spoke gesturing to my dress as we headed back out to the ground once again walking quickly as I tried to keep up with the small girl.
"Oh, I do not, a royal formality. Nasty business isn't it?" I joked to her and she laughed. When I was younger I did not like royal dresses either, I wanted to fight with knights and Loras humored me. Then as a young lady, I had to enjoy it, being an object looked at in pretty dresses and shining jewelry. I shivered as the cold wind went by and Arya gestured for us to enter back into the castle and I was glad to be able to. "Us Southerners aren't used to the cold,"
"The South is miserable and hot" Arya spoke and I thought of the last time she was in the south. In King's Landing with her father, whose head was now on a spike I was sure. I enjoyed the summer heat, Highgarden was my dream home with its white castle and beautiful flowers. I had never be allowed to visit, I was never let out of King's Landing other than when my father sent me away. Being a princess was not as glamorous as one might think.
"I want to offer my condolences to you, Ned Stark was a good honored man," Arya looked at the ceiling and took a breath, I knew what it felt like to lose a father you barely knew and still I felt tears but she was very close to her father and I was not.
"The same to you," Gods rest their two friends, brothers in arms died not days apart. It was fitting for them. "The Lannisters will pay, maybe not today maybe not tomorrow but one day," Arya warned me and I nodded back firmly. I grew up with that family, lived with that family and in the end, they slaughtered my brother, got my father killed, and killed Ned Stark. The Lannisters were the lions in the game, hunting down the lesser animals. Wolves alone were easy Cersei, but a pack you cannot defeat.
"Lady Arya!" A maid called and Arya just rolled her eyes playfully. "We were looking everywhere for you, there is a banquet tonight and you will be required to wear a dress, my lady,"
"It was nice you meet you Alysh, I am off to be tortured," Arya sighed dramatically as she was dragged off. Servants were walking around setting up for my welcoming banquet tonight, I was to meet the people of Winterfell and the other Stark children. I wandered up to the deck, looking out once again at the training ground where now the war dogs were training. I saw one, clearly, a wolf who lunged and stopped on command quickly. Their howls and barks were sharp and ear-splitting. I shivered at the wind but it felt nice on my skin but soon the sun would set and the bitter north would take it is held. I heard a pant on my right to see Snow's wolf watching me. I prayed Jon was not far behind, the albino was not looking at me as a friend. His red eyes pierced me, showing no emotions but watching. He reminded me of his owner, hard to read and cold. He approached cautiously, sniffing the air but when he got close he stopped turned and sat down, in a protective stance. I did not touch the wolf staring at it is snow white coat. Why did it trust me? The dires were known to be smart animals, their kind driven north of the wall by the first men, they were vicious but loyal.
"He rarely does that," A man spoke, the grey fur coat was the same but he was changed now. In more formal attire under it with silver buttons and cuffs. I curtsied and he nodded respectful back his eyes shifting from the white wolf to me. The growling wolves below us got louder and the albino stood stance low and defensive. "Ghost, sit," Jon commanded roughly, his voice strong. And the wolf did as he spoke, the red eyes still watching the disturbance.
"The wolves are vicious, are you training them for war?" I asked Jon looking downwards at the courtyard. The Stark followed my gaze downwards before speaking.
"Yes but after the success of the direwolves these wolves seem so small but we will try and train as many as can handle," The bastard told me, I looked at the setting sun, as the wind blew through the trees and to my core. I could feel him looking at me but I pretended to not notice, I shivered from his gaze or the wind but either way Jon noticed. His dark eyes not missing anything. He untied his fur cape, not speaking. He draped it over my shoulder and my back, I turned to him but his eyes were on the thread as he tied it together, securing the fur cape on the act was intimate and I did not dare look up at him. I felt so small beneath him and that shot nerves through me even though he had given me no reason to fear him.
"Thank you," I whispered over the wind, Jon's eyes shot up to mine as he took his hands away. He stayed silent like he was unsure of what to say, or what to do. His eyes searching my face again and I glanced outwards. "I am sorry you were unaware of my coming, and that you have to marry someone you do not want to,"
"It is not your fault," I looked at him and his face was soft and pure. "There are far worse women to marry in the Realm," He said with a slight smile and I could tell he meant that as a joke.
I matched his tone and replied, "I will take that compliment, Jon Snow." Our brown eyes both looking at each other his smile small but there. Our moment was broken when a servant stepped onto the deck bowing at both of us before speaking.
"Lord Stark requests you in the throne room as the banquet will begin soon," Jon thanked him and he held his arm out to me. I linked arms with him his broad body towering mine as we made our way down the stairs and towards the banquet. Robb was directing the servants as to where to put things when we entered but I still saw his Tully eyes glance at our intertwined arms.
"With Sansa gone, you will sit on my left and Bran and Arya on my right," Jon looked to his brother and Robb grabbed his shoulder. "You have always been a Stark," Jon looked troubled but nodded firmly. I realized the reaction was due to the fact as a bastard he was most likely not allowed at the Stark table before.
"Thank you, Robb," Jon whispered and the doors opened to the throne room with Bran being carried in and Arya in a stunning dress. I had heard about Brandon Stark, named after his older uncle who was slain by the Mad King. He was a cripple, having no use below his hips and left unable to walk. The original story was the young boy fell from a tower but I later heard he was pushed by Jaime Lannister after discovering the Lannister twins fucking.
"You look beautiful Arya," I spoke to her examining her light Stark colored dress, the light green a flattering color. I was sure she did not pick it, nor make it, as that was not the young Stark's style. She gave me a glared back but I could tell it was not serious.
"They pulled at my hair and this is dress is so tight I think I might suffocate," The entire Stark family smiled at their sisters complained. They all moved to sit at the head table, Robb in the middle. Jon pulled the chair out for me next to him, Arya was watching us closely. I could tell she was a hundred time smarter than she might first appear but I was not afraid of her, she seemed to like me.
"Lord Stark," Someone bowed, a man in armor, no doubt the head of the guard or arms. "Lady Baratheon, you are beautiful as the stories say," I nodded my head in thanks as he walked to take his seat where the council of Lord Stark sat. I knew that was a lie, most people barely knew who I was other than the last daughter of Robert. There were little stories of me let alone my beauty. The only story they may know would be of my banishing from King's Landing, I hoped they did not. My sister, Alyssa, was known as the beautiful one. She was tall and graceful what everyone wanted in a princess. She had tens of suitors when she became of age, my father was ecstatic of course. He got the pick of whomever he wanted for her, forging alliances. I brought my attention back to the room people beginning to file in, council members and members of the army, the room was soon full and their lord went to speak.
"I trust you understand that we are here to welcome Lady Alysh to House of Stark as Lord Snow's wife," I glanced at Jon and he just looked back as the Stark people clapped and cheered. I gave a soft smile to the people, not trying to make it look like I despised their family. "But I have an order of business the address first," Jon looked to his elder brother and the people mutter softly. "Jon, stand please," He did so but with a face of confusion. "With the passing of the late Lord Stark and Lady Stark, my parents," The crowd muttered, may they rest in peace. They loved their lord and lady, nearly everyone in the North did. "There is something that has bothered me for years, my brother, my friend and one of our greatest warriors in Winterfell, did not carry the Stark name," Jon's eyes widen and I understood what was happening. I had seen this a few times on the court but usually, this had to be done by the current King to legitimise it, that was not going to happen now.
"Robb what are you doing?" He spoke quietly but Robb waved him off and Jon did not dare speak out of turn in front of all these people.
"My brother has stood by my side, raising my siblings, taught many to fight and will continue to do so. But now Jon Snow is no more, as only Jon Stark takes his place," The crowd cheered for Jon and Robb smiled widely. "If Jon so chooses he shall stand by my side, as the second Stark son and heir to Lord of Winterfell!" The crowd rooted for Jon and I could see tears in his eyes as he nodded trying to contain himself. I smiled at him, he seemed genuinely happy by this.
"I take the honor you graciously have given me. To Lord Robb Stark, my brother," They all raised their glasses and clinked their glasses to signal Jon's new name and position. I looked at the other Stark siblings, including the youngest at the end as they clapped for their brother. They all seemed Jon sat down, his eyes wet but a smile on his face. I touched his shoulder and he looked at me his face content and proud.
"You've earned the honor," I told him and his lips upturned at me. Perhaps this would be not as bad as I feared. The food was served and the banquet went on. Many people came to speak to me, giving condolences on the death of my father and congratulating Jon and me for our engagement. The job was tedious but I smiled through it all, even after Jon was bored and done with the comments. Then a man came forward, I did not need an introduction to him. "Lord Baelish what brings you to Winterfell?" He looked at me, his posture stiff. My eyes narrowed at him remembering the last time I saw him, wanted to be a whore, I remembered his voice loud and clear.
"Lady Alysh, always a pleasure to see your darling face. You know what sends me away from your home, disagreements with the Lannisters," He bowed to me, his slimy face making me angry but I still smiled.
"Very kind of Lord Stark to grant you refuge, despite you not aiding his father," I said with a slight tone of my voice. Baelish looked lowly at me as Jon turned his attention to us, overhearing our words. I did not want to speak to Baelish, I did not even know he was here within Winterfell. Everything he knows about me makes him dangerous.
"Cersei is a convincing woman," Baelish smiled at me but I could see the hint of a frown in his eyes.
"To a man with no honor, yes she is," Baelish narrowed his eyes, and there was nothing left to say. He turned to Jon who was already looking at him with suspicious eyes.
"Lord Jon Stark, Congratulation on your engagement. Lady Alysh is a.. strong women," Jon's eyes did not change, he did not smile but he noticed the pause between his words.
"Thank you Lord Baelish," Jon said simply, the two stared off both on edge.
"I am well acquainted with your future wife, I raised her since she was young. Tragic when her father sent her away from King's Landing, I was heartbroken," I stood up abruptly and both the men's eyes were on me. Jon looked at me with curious eyes and I spoke.
"Walk me to the door Lord if it is no trouble, I need a breath of air," I said to Baelish and of course he did not refuse me. Jon watched us leave, confusion on his face. We both walked together outside, he held the door open for me and once we were both outside alone I turned to him. "You will not ruin the only good thing I have in my life," I growled at him lowly, unaggressively. Baelish was good at that, manipulating and hurting others. I was sure about that.
"Whatever do you mean my Lady?" Baelish spoke raising his eyebrows, I wrapped Jon's cloak around me and he noticed the fur and the seal. "I know things Alysh, things about Jon and the Starks and the council. Things that you can also come to know for a price. But the same is true for Jon Stark and his family. There are things to know about you, that maybe comes at a lesser price for the Starks, but far far more value," He stepped closer as he spoke and I closed my eyes before shaking out of it. Littlefinger would not manipulate me, I would not let him.
"Do what you want with the Starks, Baelish I have no control over that but do not bother me again," I told him, he smiled as he tapped his book and I knew he was not done yet.
"Did you know that Jon Stark frequents a whore house here in Winterfell, every week he went up until yesterday," Baelish told me, I narrowed my eyes at him. That was not was not in line with other things I had heard about the Starks.
"I do not care, do not speak to me about these things again," I said to him, Baelish nodded but he still had a wicked smile. I gestured for us to go back in and I put a smile on my face and so did he. He walked me back to the table and Jon watched us with his dark eyes. "Thank you Lord Baelish, I feel better now with some cold Northern air,"
"Anything for you my Lady, nice to see a Southern friend in house Stark," He said my once more bowing and heading away from the table. Jon turned sharply to me when Baelish left, he looked me over with concern.
"Are you alright?" Jon asked quietly, his dark eyes worried. The diplomat that I was I only smiled and nodded.
"Of course," But inside all, I could think about what he said, about what he would tell the Starks about me and what I would not want them to know. The night dragged on but eventually, the night wrapped up and only Rob, Jon, and I were left alongside the servants cleaning up. "The banquet was lovely Lord Stark, thank you," Robb smiled at me and looked at Jon and me.
"I hope you two may get along, I know it isn't easy," Robb spoke to the both of us before squeezing his brother's shoulder and leaving the throne room. Jon stood and put his arm out for me to take and we walked intertwined back towards our quarters. A tension was still in my body, I still did not know him. We arrived outside our rooms, he released my arm and turned to me.
"Tomorrow we can go out riding, maybe Bran will come, to see the grounds around Winterfell, if it pleases you," Jon spoke softly, I smiled at his effort to get to know him and nodded.
"That sounds wonderful," I went to take off the cloak to give it back to him but he shook his head slowly.
"Keep it, I have another," I went to leave but his voice stopped me. "With Baelish, if he ever causes you trouble then tell me. Please," Jon spoke, he was serious and very kind to say that.
"Thank you," I whispered back and he was looking at me again so intensely. He went to take a step forward and instinctually I took a step back not being able to read his face. He stopped moving and cast his eyes downwards. "I'm sorry," I said worried he would be angry.
"I just want you to know that you do not have to be afraid of me," He said awkwardly touching his hair with his hand. I watched his movement quietly and he sighed softly when I did not respond. "I promise to never hurt you," I did not know what to say, I did not want to imply I thought he would but a woman always fears. I think he realized I had nothing to say so he spoke again. "Goodnight my lady," He said before turning and disappearing into his room. I let out a breath I was holding and too turned to enter my room. Someone had lit the lamps for me and left water for me to drink. I changed into my nightgown and lied on the bed, listening to the wolves howling in the Northern night.