White. As far as the eye can see. It coated everything. There was no colour to be seen. It was so dreary and drab. Especially when compared to my home in Highgarden. I've never more missed vibrant colours than I do now.

I don't even want to get started on the cold. It was inescapable. The chill seeped into my bones and held me prisoner. The layers I wore mattered not.

"We've almost arrived mi'lady" I heard a masculine voice loudly announce outside the carriage.

"Thank the gods." I muttered as I huddled further into myself.

A few moments passed before I felt the carriage come to a stop. I stared at my handmaidens with my sky-blue orbs. Brow arched, I tilt my head. "Do you think it's too late to turn back?". My handmaiden Lorelle giggled at me. "Only by a little bit, mi'lady". I nod solemnly.

The door to the carriage swung open, and a Tyrell guard peeked inside. "They are waiting." He announced as he held his hand out to me. Crisp air filled my lungs as I took his hand. I was momentarily blinded before I adjusted. I reluctantly admit that Winterfell is more than I expected. For one, it was larger than I imagined. I assumed that being so far up north, there wouldn't need to be a castle this big. Surely there wouldn't be that many people?

Turning my attention across the courtyard, I spot them. The Starks. Lord Stark is as I imagined. Standing stoic and proud. His wife faithfully by his side, with a young one clutching at her skirts. Standing tall beside them was whom I assumed would be the man I would be chained to for the rest of my days. I studied him as best I could from the distance. It was hard to tell with him wearing a heavy furred cloak, but his body seemed broad and strong. And he seemed handsome enough, from a distance of course. The true test will be when I see him up close.

I straighten my back, and make my way over. I've nearly made it before I slip, quickly righting my balance before I fall. "Damn it" I curse under my breathe. I hear a distinct snort, my eyes snapping to the source. My future husband. His mouth is pressed in a suppressed smile, his blue eyes shining with amusement. He does have quite beautiful eyes. I study him. He has auburn curls, neatly trimmed. His face looks smooth to the touch, no stubble in sight. My luck could be worse.

Lord Stark clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. He gives a small smile while holding out his hand. "Welcome to Winterfell, Lady Evelyn." He drops a soft kiss to my hand. I smile, "An honour, truly Lord Stark."

I turn my attention to his wife, who smiles warmly. "We will try our best to make you feel welcome and at home for the duration of your stay."

"This is my eldest son, Robb." Lord Stark introduced. My eyes turned back to Robb. He smiled warmly. "I do hope you come to love Winterfell, Lady Evelyn." He spoke softly before he dropped a swift, soft kiss to the back of my hand. Just as I was about to turn my attention to the young lady by his side, whom I assumed was his sister, Lady Stark demanded my attention.

"We have your chambers set up. Robb can escort you, while servants unload the carriages of your belongings. You may want to rest before the feast we are having tonight."

"Oh, Very well." I smiled, then took Robbs offered arm.

"Watch your step, you wouldn't want to slip and fall." Robb whispered as he led us away, a teasing smile adorning his face. I turned to him, pretending to be affronted. "Lord Robb! Are you mocking me?!"

He chuckled. "Not at all. And please, just Robb." He led us inside, ever being the gentleman as he held the door for us. He offered his arm once more. "We are to be married. And I hope our marriage will be a pleasant one, at the very least. I want us to be familiar and comfortable with each other. And I think the first step is to be on a given name basis." He turned to me with a smile. His words radiated warmth and sincerity.

I simply stared into his blue eyes. Gods, they were beautiful. I was thrown off guard, something I hadn't expected. I had all these theory's and assumptions, and so far, they all nearly proved to be wrong. Everything, right down to the temperature of the keep. It's wasn't horrid or drafty at all. It was surprisingly warm. Well, warmer than expected. There was still a certain bite to the air.

"That would make me happy, Robb." I give a small smile in return. We lapsed into a silence as he led me up the stairs. As we turned a corner, down a hallway, he broke the silence. "Mother wanted to throw a feast in your honor. And for it to be a chance for you to meet the residents of the keep."

We stopped in front of a wooden door. He gently turned the knob and opened the door. He stepped in, then gestured for me to enter. He stayed by the doorway as I stepped further inside. There was a fire already roaring in the fireplace. The room wasn't overly large. But there was a cozy, homey feel to it. The bed was covered in pillows and furs. It was most inviting.

Robb must have seen me eying up the bed, for he laughed. "You must be tired. Rest up. The feast isn't fore a while yet. She will send someone up before then to help you freshen up. Is there anything you require?"

I turned to him. He wasn't smiling but his face still seemed open and pleasant. "No, thank you."

He nodded before bowing slightly. He turned to the door, before turning back to me, his hand resting on the knob. "I will have the servants store your belongings in an empty room for now. I won't let them disturb your rest."

I smile. "Thank you, Robb." He smiled before exiting, shutting the door softly behind him.

I turn to the bed, unseeing. So far, I have been nothing but wrong. Winterfell was not an ugly, dreary small castle. It was quite beautiful. True, in a way it was dreary, just because it lacked the vibrant colours of Highgarden. Snow blanketed the land. So, everything was white, and grey. With some browns and greens peaking through. But it was not as bad as I imagined. The sky was clear, a beautiful blue. The inside of the keep was not plain, covered in frost and cold beyond comprehension.

And so far, my husband was not some dull, cold man. I was under the impression northern men were solemn and dull. Those were the stories. Yet, Robb radiated a warmth. There was a stoniness to him when I first arrived and viewed him from across the courtyard. But it easily melted away in seconds. It was the same with Lord Stark. He had the rumoured stoniness then he revealed a slight warmth. It was all unexpected.

Maybe being stuck up north wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps I wouldn't be bored out of my mind.

So, it is I. For years, I lost the passion to write, only for it to come back unexpectedly and briefly. Whereas, when I was younger, writing and reading nourished my soul. I still read constantly. But writing I haven't done for awhile.

My other stories…. Let's be honest. Those won't be done for awhile.

Lots has happened to me in the past years. I was diagnosed with Melanoma. (Skin Cancer….the nasty one). That was not a good time. I then booked a trip to London. I've always wanted to travel. I have some parts paid off, but not all. That's been stressful haha. And just recently I was in a collision (Not my fault) and my vehicle was totaled off. And then not being able to work because of injuries. And trying to save money which is hard when you're not working. I have a moth to figure shit out hahaha. Its just been not a fun time lately hahaha. Everyone has ups and downs and I'm just in a down.

But I remember the joy writing used to bring me. The joy, confidence and satisfaction. Getting chapters done, having readers enjoy my writing. It did good for me, and I could use a little of that again lol. My writing skills are a bit rusty, so please bare with me.

Let me know what you think. If you have anything you would like to see. Constructive criticism is welcome, flaming is not.

Thank you!