Part 2
Nessa was so nervous that she had to cross her hands in order to stop them from shaking. She was standing in Lord Stark's study, keeping her eyes down. Lord Stark had always been a good master and he didn't mistreat his servants, but now she was afraid of him. She truly hoped that Jon would be here, but Lord Stark had wanted to see only her. She didn't think that he was pleased by Jon's decision to wed her. Surely he wanted a much better wife for his son.
"Take a seat," he stated after she had curtsied as respectfully as she could.
She obeyed as quickly as she could, she still didn't dare to look at him.
"There is no need to be frightened," he said after observing her for a moment. "I asked you here because I would like to know few things."
"Yes, my lord."
"First of all, your parents. Their names?"
She hesitated for a moment before replying.
"My father's name was Barton Pike, my lord. He died before my fifth nameday."
"His occupation?"
A drunk? A gambler? A thief? Nessa really didn't know what to say. All she remembered about her father was that she had been afraid of him. He had been mean, loud and harsh.
"He… He worked in different places, my lord."
"I see. And your mother?"
"Rena Pike, my lord. She was a seamstress. After she died, her friend arranged me work in the tavern. After that I came here."
She had been 10 when her mother had died and 12 when she had come to Winterfell. Now she was 16 and she was about to marry Lord Stark's son. The kindest man she had ever met.
"Alright. Do you have any other family?"
She shook her head.
"No, my lord."
He was quiet for a moment before continuing.
"What about your education? Can you read and write?"
She blushed.
"No, my lord."
"Alright, we must arrange you a teacher then. There are also other things you need to learn, things that my son's wife need to know."
"Yes, my lord. I will try my hardest not to disappoint you and Lord Jon."
Lord Stark smiled.
"I am sure you will. My son chose you as his wife and I respect his decision. You have nothing to fear from me."
Cautiously she looked up and met his gaze.
"Thank you, my lord. I swear to you, I will do everything I can to be a good wife for your son."
"Snow! Hey Snow!"
Jon sighed as he heard Theon's voice, but he stopped and turned around. Theon was approaching him with a big grin on his face.
"Is it true? Are you really going to wed a servant?"
"Yes," Jon replied calmly. "It's true."
"Why? Surely you know that you can bed her if you want, you don't have to marry her for that."
"And surely you know that this isn't any of your business," Jon huffed.
"Oh come on, I'm just trying to help you. Marrying a servant would be like marrying a whore, completely needless. You can fuck both either way…"
"Keep your mouth shut," Jon snapped. "I don't want to hear any disrespectful words about my betrothed. Is that clear?"
"Oh, look at you," Theon chuckled. "Is someone in love with a servant? How sweet!"
"That's enough, Theon," Robb's voice said from behind Jon.
"Oh come on, I was kidding! Snow has sense of humor."
"No, I don't," Jon replied.
Theon rolled his eyes.
"Fine, but don't tell me that I didn't try to help."
"Jon," Robb said after Theon had left. "Is it true?"
"Does everyone know already?" Jon sighed.
Robb smiled.
"I heard Sansa's maids gossiping about it, so the whole Winterfell probably knows by now."
"Great."
"So… I take it that it's true then?"
"Yes," Jon replied. "Nessa and I will be wed as soon as possible."
"I see." Robb paused for a moment, trying to choose his next words right. "Listen… Are you sure about this? You could marry a daughter of one of our vassals, someone who would have dowry."
"No, I will marry Nessa," Jon replied firmly.
"I'm sorry," Robb sighed. "I meant no disrespect; Nessa is a very pretty girl. I just don't want you to do anything you would regret."
"I won't."
Robb nodded.
"Alright, I understand. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Robb patted Jon's shoulder before leaving. Jon hadn't really thought about it, but now he realized that he would probably have to have this same conversation with many other people. He would have to explain that he really wanted to do this. What about poor Nessa then? He pressed his lips together as he understood that this would be even harder for her.
She had no family or title to protect her from all the mockery and belittling. She wouldn't be one of servants anymore, but she wouldn't be a noblewoman either. He needed to help her any way he could. He was just heading to his bedchamber when he noticed Nessa. She smiled when she saw him.
"Jon."
"Hello. Where have you been?"
"Lord Stark wanted to see me."
Jon tensed.
"Why?"
"He just wanted to know about my parents and some other things. I… I think it went well."
"That's good."
Nessa nodded, she was still smiling.
"I… He told me that I would stay in this chamber until the wedding. After that I will stay with you."
"Oh…" Jon murmured. He had to admit that he hadn't thought about this either. All he had thought about was looking after her and the child; he hadn't realized that they would actually share a bed after the wedding.
"You don't want that," she said insecurely after a moment of silence.
"I do," he replied quickly. "Of course I do, I just… You deserve more than my chamber."
Her eyes widened.
"Jon, I'm honored to share your chamber and I promise not to bother you…."
"No, no, that's not what I meant." He paused and sighed. "I think this is new for both of us, but perhaps we can learn together."
She smiled.
"I believe we can."
