I have updated the first chapter and changed it on the suggestion of a good friend of mine. I hope you all enjoy the new and improved chapter 1 3 please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions on how I could further improve on this story. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy.

Duchess

Rickard

Rickard Stark surveyed the busy mess below his window, a small smile on his lips as he watched the people mill around below him. The courtyard of Winterfell was alive with the hustle and bustle of preparation. The warm months had been long this year and the crops of the Northmen had been bountiful. Rickard knew that the best way to thank his people for their hard work and lift their spirits would be to throw a celebration so that is what he had done. It hadn't taken him long to prepare and for those banner men that couldn't come, he would send them gifts of gratitude. A united North was a strong North after all. It was his duty to keep the Northern Lords together under one banner

A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts.

'Enter.'

He called out in his deep voice as the door swung open to reveal his son Eddard. He was recently returned home from the Vale where he had been for many years yet Rickard could see little changed in his quiet second son.

'How are you Eddard?'

'I'm well father, I was wondering if you knew where Lyanna was?'

Rickard raised an eyebrow. He knew where Lyanna should be but that often meant little as to where she actually was.

'She should be in her dance lesson. In the main hall.' He replied but Eddard only shook his head confirming for both of them that, once again, Lyanna had run amok.

'Then I must admit to not knowing where my own daughter is.'

Eddard, known for his stoic expressions, gave his father a rare smile. Rickard could see a glint of humour in his son's eyes as the unspoken truth passed between them. Lyanna was more beast than girl and there was nothing Rickard could do to tame her; whatever he may try.

'You know her better than anyone Eddard, where do you think she might be?'

'I haven't been able to find Benjen either, so I suppose, Lyanna is outside somewhere beating him with a stick.' Eddard replied easily. Rickard nodded knowing this was likely a true statement. When no one else would duel her Lyanna often resorted to tricking Benjen into mock swordfights using branches. The youngest Stark never seemed to mind and Rickard had decided months ago that it was good practice for the boy.

'Send her to me when you find her.'

Eddard nodded and left the room, shutting the heavy wooden door behind him. Rickard sighed. It was long past time he found a husband for Lyanna. Maybe a husband could achieve what a father could not. Rickard did not hold out much hope. He would start asking around. Surely one of his Lords would have a son that would be happy to take such a wildling as Rickard's daughter. He wouldn't be around forever and winter was coming.

Lyanna

The Godswood had looked beautiful, bathed in the rays of the summer sun. Lyanna could hardly hold her excitement as she's rushed from the great hall that morning and found a stable boy to ready her horse. She'd fidgeted around him until he was done, impatient to be outside of the castle walls. She hated dance lessons and regularly skipped them. Riding was almost a kind of dance anyway and one she was much better at. As she was leading her mount from the stable she bumped into Benjen. The youngest Stark had popped out of a stack of hay, frightening Lyanna half to death, and demanded that she take him with her. Benjen seemed to have a nose for knowing when Lyanna was escaping and she didn't mind having him around. She'd helped him up into the saddle in front of her and ridden from the castle as fast as she could.

They had explored a little at first. Climbed trees and played a pretend game where they were wildlings sneaking through the brush beyond the wall. Inevitably the adventure had turned into a battle. Lyanna was now a Knight of the Realm and Benjen the Night King. Both held sticks as swords as they parried and blocked each other.

Suddenly, Benjen lunged at his sister, wildly waving the branch he was using for a sword. Lyanna swiftly stepped to one side and dodged his thrust with ease before replying with one of her own. Her aim was true and she slashed Benjen across his thigh causing him to stumble and fall backwards into a shallow pool. As he splashed down into the water she couldn't supress a laugh.

'I'm sorry Benjen, here, let me help you up.'

Lyanna reached out with a hand and Benjen took it but, instead of allowing Lyanna to pull him to his feet, he heaved all his weight backwards, dragging her into the mud along with him. She let out a little scream as she fell headlong into the muddy water. Benjen was the one laughing now. Distracted from their war game they began to splash and throw mud at each other until a chill breeze sent them both shivering from the pool.

Lyanna smiled at Benjen. He was her favourite brother, of that she was sure. She had been close with Eddard before he had been sent off to The Vale but since he had become close friends with Robert Baratheon; Lyanna found her older brother difficult to talk to. He had always been quiet but now he was unreadable.

'We should head home quickly; the festivities will be staring soon and I believe we both need a bath.' Lyanna winked at Benjen as she spoke. He hated baths but even he couldn't deny the fact that he was in desperate need of a cleaning. He nodded and growled a little in response. Lyanna whistled for her horse that was standing not far away. The animal trotted over and she helped Benjen into the saddle first before pulling herself up and settling in behind him. Lyanna kicked her heels into the horse's sides and they set off at a trot.

When the woods opened up onto the fields surrounding Winterfell Lyanna kicked her mount again. The horse snorted and leapt forwards. She could feel the power in it's body, the strength in it's legs, the burning need for it to run. Leaning forward a little she felt as if she and the horse were almost one. The excitement and the freedom that came from riding thrilled her to her bones. Riding gave her joy and made her heart beat in her chest. Benjen laughed and threw his hands out as if he were an eagle soring across the open plains. Lyanna would have given anything for that moment to last but the journey home was short and they soon came to the front gate of Winterfell.

Lyanna pulled her mount to a stop and slid from the saddle. She clutched the reigns in her hand as she walked her horse and Benjen back into the courtyard looking sheepishly around at the faces staring back at her. She knew she must be a sight. She was covered from head to toe in drying mud. Her hair was matted and her breeches were all but ruined.

'Well met sister.'

Her eldest brother Brandon was leaning against the stable wall, a huge grin on his face. Lyanna glowered and helped Benjen down to the ground before calling over the stable hand to take her horse.

'What do you want Brandon?'

Brandon pushed off the wall and took a step towards Lyanna. 'I just wanted to see if my sister had returned home safely. I had heard she escaped the castle this morning but I didn't realise she had crawled through the sewers to get there!'

'I'll fight you here and now Brandon, get you sword, I'll…' Lyanna began to shout but she was silenced by the voice of Rickard.

'You'll do no such thing. Lyanna, Benjen, get inside and make yourselves presentable. We have company.'

Lyanna turned to see Catelyn Tully watching her. The girl was betrothed to Brandon and was everything Lyanna was not. Sweet, calm, ladylike little Catelyn. Lyanna sighed and turned away from the girl and her family. She knew that was how her father wanted her to be, how any man that may marry her would expect her to be but she also knew that it wasn't in her heart to be that way. She longed for the freedom of her elder brothers. The chance to be sent away to learn their craft in the art of war and leadership, to see the world, explore the kingdoms. She had been longing to see Dorne since she had read about it in one of Brandon's books. A place that was the polar opposite of the frozen North she lived in. Unwilling to challenge her father in front of his bannermen she swallowed her pride and irritation and replied as a lady would.

'Of course, father, I will return shortly.'

The moment she turned her back on her audience she stuck her tongue out at Brandon, making sure that Catelyn couldn't see. He winked at her as she hurried back into the castle and up the stairs to make herself presentable.

Brandon

Brandon watched as his father shook his head before turning to Hoster Tully and began engaging him in conversation. His wild sister had made only a small scene and the people that had witnessed it had found it amusing. Lyanna could always liven up a party. Brandon made his own way over to his bride to be and offered her his arm. Catelyn took it with a smile and fell into step next to Brandon as they began to walk through the grounds of Winterfell.

'How is that boy? Petyr?' He asked when he was out of earshot of his father. The last time he had seen Catelyn had been at her home in Riverrun where her childhood friend had challenged Brandon for her hand. It hadn't ended well for the boy. Brandon had been angry that he had been challenged so openly by a nobody and he would have killed the boy it Catelyn hadn't begged for him to spare Petyr's life.

'He is gone now. My father sent him away the moment he was well enough.' Catelyn replied to the question in a quiet voice. Brandon could sense that she was reluctant to talk about the ordeal and he didn't wish to push the conversation any further.

'I apologise Catelyn, I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, I only wanted to know if the boy had lived.'

She nodded and smiled up at him again. She wasn't unattractive, her hair was like flame around her face and her eyes were a deep blue, but she seemed to serious. She was older than her years by far. Brandon knew that she had taken up the roll of Lady of Riverrun after her mother had died in childbirth and maybe that was where her seriousness stemmed from. She was well practiced in running a household though and she would be a wonderful Lady Stark. Although he didn't have much in common with the girl; Brandon did not hate the idea of their marriage. Maybe he could grow to like her with time.

'Your sister is quite wild, isn't she? I heard some of your men at arms refer to her as a 'she-wolf' when she rode back through the gates today.' Catelyn had finally got the topic on her mind. Brandon didn't mind explaining the situation to his future bride. After all, they would be family soon enough.

Lyanna

Lyanna surveyed her reflection in the looking glass propped up on her wall. She had been scrubbed pink and her cheeks still glowed from the hot water. Old Nan had left one of the little serving girls to sort Lyanna's hair and now it sat in twists and plaits on top of her head. She looked totally different to the wild girl that had rode back through the gates of Winterfell not two hours before. Her dark grey gown had long sleeves in the Southern fashion. Not practical for everyday use in the North but perfectly acceptable for a feast. The cuffs were lined with light grey wolf fur and the dress fabric hung heavy on her slim frame. The fabric was thick as even in the summer the North was a cold and unpredictable place. A knock on her door drew her out of her trance.

'Come in.'

The heavy oak door swung wide and Lyanna saw Eddard standing in the door way. He was dressed in his finest clothes. Dark, heavy and woollen, the same kind of material as her dress, with a wolf fur cape around the shoulders to keep his neck from the biting wind.

'You look nice.'

Ned was always sparse with his words, even more with his compliments and even this pale attempt made Lyanna smile. She had been close with Ned when they were little, being only three years apart in age, but that had changed when her father had sent him away to be a ward of John Arryn. He had been fostered there with the eldest Baratheon boy when he was eight and the pair were always together these days. As if summoned by her thoughts the face of Robert Baratheon appeared from behind her brother. He wore the same smug smile he always did. Lyanna resisted the temptation to roll her eyes.

'I've never heard you compliment anyone before!'

Robert gave her brother a hard smack on the should causing Ned to huff and step forward. Lyanna would never understand why her quiet brother got along so well with this huge, bellowing man. At seventeen years he was almost a man grown. His long dark hair swept back from his face where a handsome beard had grown. He was tall, six foot and more, and was a strong muscular man. Lyanna had often found the serving girls giggling about the gorgeous stag after he had left telling stories of how he blew them a kiss or spared them a wink. Lyanna thought he was arrogant and was more than a bit annoyed that he had stolen her brother.

'He's right though Lyanna, you look beautiful.'

'He said nice.'

Lyanna responded instantly, unable to supress the annoyance in her tone. She refused to be played by this man. His games were often simple. He relied solely on good looks to win hearts and her heart, she was sure, was not so easily swayed. Robert missed the hint entirely and stepped into the room to take Lyanna's arm and wrap it with his own.

'A lady should always have an escort for dinner. Lucky you, I'm here and willing.'

He pulled her from the room before she could protest and past her brother. Ned shrugged at Lyanna's beseeching eyes. What could he do? When Robert made up his mind to do something, there was no stopping him.

Eddard

Ned watched as his best friend swept his sister down the corridor. Her footsteps staggered on the stone floors as she tried to keep up with Robert's gait. It was so like Robert to just do what he wanted and dam the consequences. It was a well known fact by all who had seen or heard Robert talking about the young lady Stark that he was infatuated. He had written poetry about her eyes and sung songs about her smile but Robert didn't know the wild girl living inside Lyanna and Eddard doubted he ever would. Few things mattered to Robert and a woman's personality did not make that list. With a sigh Eddard followed after his friend and sister hoping to catch them before they reached the hall. He had to jog a little but managed to catch up just as they reached the doors. The feast was already in full swing. The hall was alive with music and the small of roasted meat wafted across his face.

'I bet that's the boar I caught earlier.'

Robert was bragging about his conquest to Lyanna who was quite obviously furious that she had been manhandled to dinner. Her face had gone almost white where she was clenching her teeth and her free hand was balled up into a fist. Ned moved instantly and pulled his sister from Robert's grasp.

'I should take her to our father, she will be sat at the head of the table with him and we don't want him to get the wrong idea.'

At that Robert's face changed from confusion to mirth and he chuckled.

'No no of course no. I would not dare sully your honour my lady.'

With that he bowed and swaggered into the hall bellowing for wine and laughing loudly to sit next to two soldiers. Lyanna let out the biggest breath Eddard had ever heard then sucked the air back in through her teeth.

'I swear Ned, I was going to punch his arrogant face. How dare he!'

'Ladies don't punch.'

'Fine, slap it.'

He couldn't stop himself and let out a small laugh.

'Lyanna, I know you're angry but remember you have to be the lady tonight.'

They both looked at the empty seat next to their father. That was where their mother had sat. Small and serene, she had been every inch a polished lady of the South but the Northmen had loved her. She had been kind and always wore a smile. She was patient and always had nice things to say about everyone she met. Lyanna swallowed.

'I can't do it Ned, I can't be her.'

'You don't have to be her, you just have to be a better behaved you.'

'She would never have let me become like this. Just imagine what she would have said if she knew I preferred riding over dance! I'm a terrible lady Stark.'

'Right now you're the only one we've got. I know you can do this.'

Lyanna flashed a thankful smile up at him before giving her whole body a little shake. She was incredible that way. The thought of failure terrified her but she would put it to one side when she wanted. Ned tightened his grip on her arm in response.

'Let's go.'

Rickard

Rickard watched Robert as he sauntered away from his children to join the feast. He was aware of Robert's interested in Lyanna but was reluctant to approach the Baratheon's concerning a match. The Stark blood was respected but Rickard was unsure if it would be deemed worthy as a match for the blood of kings. Anyway, Lyanna would feel suffocated in the South. She liked to ride and run and wouldn't be interested in the dresses worn by the Southern women. She would need to be educated in the etiquette and manners and that might take some time. Rickard watched as Eddard and Lyanna made their way down the hall towards his seat at the head of the long table. Lyanna had her head up and was smiling at people around her, nodding and laughing at comments. Eddard looked thoughtful, quiet as usual, not responding to words being thrown his way. Benjen jumped off his seat near Nanny Rush and ran to his sister. She smiled and bent down to hug him. Rickard sighed. Lyanna was pretending. Something was wrong. She was never this nice to anyone. After a few more moments Eddard dropped off his sister at his father's side before leaving to join Robert at a lower table. Lyanna sat in the empty chair that had belonged to her mother and smiled at the congregation.

'What's the matter?'

Lyanna jumped a little at his words before shrugging it off.

'Nothing father. I'm just doing what you told me. I'm being a lady.'

'That Baratheon boy hasn't upset you has he?'

Lyanna stiffened and didn't reply.

'You're an open book daughter but I wont press you now.'

Rickard picked up his goblet and took a swig of wine. It was dark red and sweet. Good summer wine. Lyanna sipped at her own cup then waved at Benjen who had been frantically waving at her since she had sat down. Rickard watched his daughter thoughtfully. She would be fourteen in two months. Maybe a marriage was exactly what she needed to help her become the lady he knew she could be. Rickard would make some enquiries tomorrow but for now he would just enjoy the feast.