Okay, I'm so sorry this took so long, I've been sick and now my uncle is in the hospital and isn't doing too well so yeah, I meant to have this up before now. But I promise I will do my best to get Chapter 3 up as soon as possible~ I hope you enjoy and please review~
Chapter 2: The Royal Arrival
All of Winterfell was alive and buzzing with excitement since the breaking of dawn and now that noon approached things were even more hectic, Catelyn Stark and the servants were doing everything they could to make sure things were absolutely perfect for when the King, the royal family along with the Lannisters and their troops arrived at Winterfell.
Catelyn had already ordered the maids to wake and get her daughters ready, while her boys and the bastard were cleaning themselves up. She made her way down the corridors, popping in to see how Sansa and Arya were coming along. Sansa stood tall and graceful, her long, thick auburn hair was half braided while the rest flowed down her back; the long silk gown she donned was a deep royal blue shade. Arya stood at her sister's side, arms folded across her chest, pouting, the gown she wore was a steel blue hue and her brown hair was pinned up. The maids had had to fight Arya tooth and nail to get her dressed, Catelyn smiled at her girls and strolled over to Arya, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Unfold your arms Arya, you are a Lady, stand tall like Sansa, please."
Arya huffed a sigh and then did as she was told. "There, much better. You both look lovely."She replied, "Now I'm going to go see how Faolan is managing."She informed before leaving the chambers. Catelyn walked down the hall and towards her eldest daughter's bed chambers, Catelyn opened the oaken door to see Faolan still laying her in bed asleep. Her blue eyes rounded in frantic, "Faolan!"She shouted rushing inside.
Her daughter jolted up in bed, her dark hair a mess, "What on earth is it mother?"She asked rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Faolan Stark, have you forgotten the King and the royal family are arriving at Winterfell today?"Catelyn snapped. "You should have been bathed and dressed hours ago! Everyone else is ready and here you are lazing around, why have you slept so late?"Her mother demanded crossing her arms and looking at her daugther harshly.
Faolan looked up at her mother and then back down at the stone floor; she had tossed and turned all night, not being able to shake the feeling that the King and his lot coming to Winterfell was bringing something horrible not only to the Starks, but all of Westeros. Catelyn noticed the concern swirling in Faolan's sapphire eyes, she knew her daughter could sense things that others couldn't; a ball of panic quickly formed in the pit of Catelyn's stomach.
Catelyn knelt down before Faolan who say on the edge of her bed, "What is the matter? What do you sense, Faolan?"She demanded, grasping her daughter's shoulders tightly.
Faolan glanced up at her mother, panic in her blue eyes, her brow furrowed as she stared at her daughter, she smiled faintly, "It's nothing to worry about, mother. I just had a nightmare is all."
"You can tell me anything, you know that right?"Catelyn replied, releasing the grip she had on her daughter and raising from her stooping stance.
"I know."She said with a grin. "I will go get ready now, I don't want to cause you a headache, mother."Faolan said, standing up from her bed.
Catelyn managed a smile, Faolan could still see the worry in her mother's eyes. "Very well. I will return to check on you later."She replied before making her leave.
Now that she had had her warm bath, with the evergreen and mint oils, Faolan stood in her chambers taking in her new appearance that looked back her through the looking glass. Her long, dark hair was wore down while some was pinned up, the gown she wore was a violet-blue shade that really brought out the rich blue hue of her eyes. Faolan wrinkled her nose at her reflection, "I do not look like myself."She replied.
Her mother and Ingrid stood behind her, "You look very beautiful Faolan, now stop making faces."Catelyn said.
"Can't I wear something other than this? Perhaps one of my other dresses?"
"Faolan, this is one suits you well."
"My other ones are alot more comfortable, this is itchy and stiff."Faolan replied.
"It's new, you will get used to it. Please stop complaining, dear."Catelyn said. "I promise that after we greet the King, you may change into something else," She said to which Faolan smiled, "but that does not mean your outing attire. You will wear a gown, I would never hear the end of it if Arya saw you dressed that way."
"Very well, mother."
"Come along, help me round everyone up."Catelyn replied with a grin she turned on her heels and headed out of the room with Faolan at her heels. The mother and daughter walked down the hall and stopped at Sansa and Arya's chambers, instructing them to come along for the King should be arriving soon and they needed to be at the gates of Winterfell to greet them. Catelyn then sent Faolan to fetch Robb and Jon while she went to find Bran and Rickon, before Faolan left to do her mother's bidding, Catelyn grasped her arm. "Faolan, make sure to tell Jon that he cannot stand with us, it will insult that Queen. He will have to stand behind us, alone."She spoke harshly.
Faolan could sense the hate boiling inside of Catelyn, she knew her mother had always despised Jon Snow, for being her father's bastard son because he reminded Catelyn of how Ned had been unfaithful to her. Faolan and her siblings adored their half-brother, but their mother, hated him with her entire being. "I will, mother."She vowed before running off to fetch her twin and her half-brother. Faolan scurried down the corridors finally reaching her brothers chambers, she knocked on the oaken door and waited for a word to enter.
"Enter." Robb's voice said,
Faolan opened the door and joined Robb and Jon in there room, both were standing and placing their cloaks around them. She noticed what scruff they had on their faces was shaven away and their hair had been cut and styled nicely; she could smell scent of woodwick oils on their skin from their baths. Faolan smirked at them, "Well don't you two look nice for once, you really do clean up well, brothers."She mocked.
Smiles tugged at Jon and Robb's mouths, "Well, aren't you a sight Faolan."Robb teased.
"You actually look like a woman."Jon grinned causing all three to laugh.
"In all seriousness, mother wants us downstairs at once, the King should be here soon and we are to greet him and the royal family."Faolan replied. Robb and Jon nodded and headed towards the door, "Jon wait,"She said, her half-brother paused and looked over at her, "mother, says you cannot stand with us-"
"-I am not a true Stark and I'll offend the Queen, right?"He finished.
She nodded slowly, her eyes downcast; she couldn't met Jon's gaze, she couldn't handle seeing the sorrow and abandonment that she knew was in his eyes, she had seen it many times before. "I'm sorry Jon."Faolan said softly,
He smiled faintly at her, "It's all right, Faolan. You have to remember, I'm the bastard son. I have gotten used to it."Jon said, walking past Robb and leaving the twins behind him.
Robb shook his head as he and Faolan left the room and followed after their half-brother, "Jon, is a wonderful brother, a good friend, I wish he had better treatment."Robb said.
"I do too, but, I can understand how he feels."Faolan admitted sadly. Robb glanced down at her, her sapphire eyes downcast and full of pain and sorrow; he had heard the horrible rumors about his twin sister, had seen how some treat her, he hated it. "People look at you strangely if you are...different."
"Faolan, do not think of these things please. I hate seeing you so upset."Robb said tenderly.
She looked up at him and smiled even though her eyes spoke of sadness. "You are right brother, we have to be presentable or the King."Faolan replied.
"Everyone in line now."Catelyn ordered frantically to her children, the Starks were in the courtyard, while all of Winterfel lined the streets from the castel to the gates awaiting for the King who only moments away from their doors. She started at the end of the line which Bran stood, "Stand tall now."She grinned at him. Catelyn pulled Arya into line, wiping some dirt she had happened to get on her face away; Sansa stood elegantly, next was Faolan and Robb, Catelyn paused at her daughter, "Faolan, are you positive that everything is all right?"She questioned not forgetting the conversation they had had earlier.
Faolan smiled. "I promise, mother."She said.
Catelyn nodded and managed a smile but that soon vanished and changed to a purse line, her eyes narrowing; Faolan glanced over her shoulder, seeing Jon standing beside Ser Rodick Cassel and nineteen year old Theon Greyjoy, her father's ward. Catelyn finally unglued herself from the spot and walked to the other side of Robb, taking her place beside her husband. Ned met Faolan's gaze and a smile tugged at his mouth, he strolled over to her and placed a tender hand on her shoulder.
"What is it, father?"She inquired.
"Faolan, your mother spoke of you having a nightmare, I know you can sense things-"
"Honestly, I just told her I'm fine. Father, I promise you it was nothing, just a dream."Faolan replied not really sure if that was true or if it truely was something more.
He nodded. "All right."Ned said before taking his place back in line.
A cavalryof horses galloped into Winterfell, the bannermen carrying the red and white flags with the lion sigil that was the symbol of the Lannister family; the Kingsguard rode in front with Ser Jaime Lannister donned in his golden armor and mounted on his white stallion, was riding in the midst protecting the royal carriage which carried his twin sister, Queen Cersei and the princess and young prince and Tywin Lannister. Prince Joffery rode beside his uncle while the King rode behind the carriage along with more of the Kingsguard.
They made their way to the gates of the Stark castle and entered the courtyard where the Starks and their servants awaited to greet the King; the Starks and their servants remained standing as the Kingsguard and the carriage entered, once they caught glimspe of King Robert Baratheon they knelt to the ground. The King pulled on the reins of his black stallion, his footmen immediately came to his aid, placing down a medium sized wooden box that had three steps cut into them. The King dismounted his horse, walked down the steps and onto the soil; Faolan's eyes glanced up as she keep her head down as the others did. The man known as Robert Baratheon, childhood friend to her father and now King, was roughly the same age of her father about forty-five to forty-six years of age; he was a fat man who carried the burning smell of ale as if it were made into his very skin. He wore a dark brown leather tunic, a long black fur cloak was draped over his shoulders, a sword was strapped to his side; he had shoulder length wiry hair which was a brown umber shade, he had a full scraggy beard which was fading to gray and his eyes were dark.
She watched under her full dark lashes as his booted feet approached her father and then stopped; he made a gesture for Ned to raise which he did and the Starks and servants followed the movements of their Lord.
"Your Grace."Eddard replied bowing his head to the King.
King Robert Baratheon's eyes were glued to Ned as if he seemed to be studying him, he looked Eddard up and down and then finally spoke, "You've gotten fat."He said.
Faolan and her siblings looked over to their father, awaiting to see what his reaction would be; the King had no room to talk, Ned was no where near the weight of the old friend that stood before him. Ned looked the King up and down and then nodded towards him with a smirk which caused both men to burst into laughter. Robert and Ned shared a brotherly hug and then released one another, "Cat!"He grinned.
"Your grace."Catelyn replied as they hugged briefly. Robert patted Rickon (who was standing by his mother's side) on top of the head.
"Nine years, why have I not seen you, where the hell have you been?"Robert said smiling at Ned.
Ned returned the grin, "Guarding the north for you, my grace. Winterfell is yours."
Ser Jaime Lannister, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, the Kingslarer, removed his golden helmet, showing his face to Winterfell; Faolan glanced over to him, she had heard the maids gossiping about how Jaime was supposed to be the most handsome man in all of Westros. His ruffled blonde locks were pulled away from his face, his eyes were a lovely shade of green; he met her gaze and a smirk spread acorss his face, she quickly looked away as he dismounted his horse. She had to admit he was rather good looking but she didn't see what all the fuss was about. The sixteen year old, Prince Joffery, eldest son of Cersei and Robert got off of his brown horse and stood at his uncle's side; Faolan had taken notice that Sansa had not broken eye contact with him since they rode in. He had short blonde hair like Jaime, his eyes seemed to be a mixture of a pale blue and pale green shade, and he sneered over at them.
The doors to the royal carriage opened and the beautiful and elegant Queen Cersei emerged from it; she was tall, slender and graceful. Her long wavy blonde hair reached the small of her back, her brilliant green eyes flashed over to her husband and the Starks, the gown she wore was long and was a beautiful shade of red. Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella followed suit behind there mother, both sharing the Queen's looks; Lord Tywin Lannister was the last to exit, he was a tall, slender man while broad shoulders and he appeared to be in his fifties; the only hair he had was his golden side whiskers and he shared the same green eyes as Cersei and Jaime but a harshness swirling in them.
"Where's the Imp?"Arya whispered up at Sansa. She was referring to the younger brother of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, their dwarf brother.
"Will you shut-up?"Sansa snapped.
"Both of you stop it."Faolan hissed at her sisters.
The King then made his way to Robb and Faolan, pausing before them, now that he stood before them his drunken smell was so overbearing it seemed to rob Faolan of her breath; she made sure not to show it but it was setting her nostrils on fire. "Who have we here? You must be Robb."King Robert replied. Robb nodded as the two look hands.
King Robert moved on to Faolan, she felt his eyes looking her up and down as if they were undressing her, "Aye, your a pretty one. What's your name?"He inquired.
"Faolan, your grace."She replied feeling her body tense as he continued to stare at her. He nodded then made his way to Sansa,
"Aye, your pretty too."He said. King Robert looked over to Arya, "And your name is?"
"It's Arya."She replied harshly arching an eyebrow at him.
"Ah."King Robert said finally reaching Bran, "Show us your muscles, lad."
Bran smiled and held up an arm flexing, Robert eruppted into laughter, "You'll be a solider." He smiled before making his way back to Ned. "So Ned, which one of your girls is the She-Wolf?"The King said loudly.
Ned glanced over to Faolan who remained standing tall, no expression on her face, "Um.."
Faolan stepped forward, "I am the She-Wolf, your grace."She said.
Every eye was now on her, Faolan held her head high as the King approached her once more, circling her like a hawk. He paused before her, looking her up and down, "Hard to believe a beauty like you can transform into that beast."He said coldly.
Those words stabbed Faolan but she had heard far worse things in the past, she remained emotionless as she met his gaze. "Looks can be deceiving, your grace."She spat back.
"Aye they can."He replied with a nod. King Robert narrowed his eyes at her, "And what do you mean by that?"He asked raising a brow to her.
"I meant nothing by it, my grace."
King Robert smiled at her and began to laugh heartily, "You have the fierce spirit of a wolf all right."
The Queen approached Ned, a sneer on her face as she stopped before him holding out her hand. Ned took her hand, bowing down as he did so and planted a kiss on top of her smooth hand. "My Queen."He replied. Ned released her hand, Cersei cut her eyes to Catelyn who then bowed to her,
"My Queen."Catelyn said.
Queen Cersei sneered at Catelyn as her husband's voice boomed, "Take me to your crypt, Ned. I want to pay my respects."
"We've been riding for days my love, surely the dead can wait."Cersei replied. Her voice a bit cold, there seemed to be hatred there instead of love. The King ignored the Queen's words, he turned and began to walk away; Ned glanced up at Cersei who frowned, Ned nodded towards her before leaving to catch up with Robert. Faolan looked over to the Queen, she had heard how she had spoken to her husband, loathing spilled from her pink lips like venom; Faolan could plainly see that Cersei thought highly of herself, she had the air of being willful and ambitious, as well as being cunning. The Queen watched as King Robert and Ned headed to the crypts, she gaze then met Faolan's and she narrowed her eyes at the She-Wolf before turning and walking away.
Night fell and the King and his family was enjoying a merry feast with the Starks; the servants rushed into and out pouring wine, bringing platters full of different foods and waiting on everyone hand and foot. They had much to be celebrating, the King had just named Eddard Stark the new Hand of the King, since the pervious one, Jon Arryn had passed away. Ned and Robert were very close to Jon Aryrn, both thinking of him like a father. And they were also celebrating the engagement of Sansa and Prince Joffery. The King had had too much to drink and continued to fill himself with wine, he was dancing and fondling a serving wench, as the Queen watched on unamused and disgusted. Faolan sat with Robb and their siblings as well as with Joffery and his siblings; she glanced up at him as they ate, there was something about him she didn't quite like; she could sense a darkness that was deep within him, just waiting to be set free. Faolan moved her gaze to Sansa whose cheeks were a rosy color, she was smiling as she and Joffery chatted, she could tell Sansa was already smitten. She shook her head softly as she continued to eat,
"What? Why do you keep glaring at the prince?"Robb whispered over to her.
She looked up at her twin and then back to their sister and Prince Joffery, "There's something off about him...I don't like him."She replied.
"What do you sense?"Robb inquired.
"He's evil."Faolan answered softly. Something suddenly caught her eye, she moved her gaze to the figure that was approaching their table. Jaime Lannister strolled over towards them and paused gazing down at Faolan before claiming the chair in front of her for himself. His scent which smelled of expensive and summertime oils seemed to blanket her with their beautiful aroma, a crooked grin spread across his face as he watched her; a maid quickly made her way over to him setting down a plate filled with food while another rushed over placing down a golbet filled with wine before him.
"So, you are the great She-Wolf that everyone in Westros talks about."He said.
Faolan watched him like a hawk as he began to cut his meat and then eat, "I am."She replied. She could tell how arrogant he was, thinking himself as a god, a gift to the poor mortals. "And your the famous Kingslayer."She said harshly.
Jaime glanced up at her, his green eyes cutting into her. "I'd prefer not to be called that."He retorted.
"And I prefer to not be addressed as the 'She-Wolf'."She spat back. "My name is Faolan."
Jaime smirked, "Well Lady Faolan, is it true then? That you can transform into a direwolf? To me it just sounds like a bunch of rumors."
"I'm afraid the rumors are true, I can transform into a direwolf."She replied, "Ser Jaime, I have heard many tales of you being the best swordsmen in all of Westros, are those just rumors?"
Jaime's smirk widened as he chuckled, "You have a smart mouth."He stated, "And the tales you have heard are indeed true.
"We shall see."
"And what does that mean?"Jaime hissed, arching a brow at her as he studied her.
Faolan glanced up at him and smiled. "Just as it seems, I want to fight you myself, I want to see how well the famous Kingslayer fights."
"Fight you?" He snorted. "Are you forgetting you are a woman, Lady Faolan? You do not know the first thing about holding a sword."
"Actually, Ser Jaime, Faolan is a very skilled swordswoman. She has been practicing since she was very young, do not mock her."Robb replied grimly. Faolan looked over at her twin, a scowl was on his face as he looked at the Kingslayer, she could sense the anger that was raising up within him; he reached over and placed her hand on top of his, telling him it was all right.
Jaime's gaze moved over to Robb, "I see. You Northerns are quite different then us, we do not allow women to practice such things."
"We do not here either, Ser Jaime, I just happen to be...different."Faolan said. "If you are as good as people say, then you should have nothing to fear."
The Kingslayer narrowed his bright green eyes at her, a scowl on his face as she smirked at him; Faolan could now take in his features, he was very handsome, his facial feautres seemed to be chrisled by the Gods themselves. She could see why so many woman talked and fantasied about him, but she could sense how he thought of himself as a treasure to the world; he was arrogant and cocky and much like his twin sister, he thought highly of himself, thinking that everyone else was beneath him. "Very well."He replied. "When shall we have our...little duel?"
"Tomorrow."Faolan smiled.
A devilish grin spread acorss the handsome face of the Kingslayer, "Very well then. We shall see how good...you are."He said before making his leave.
Faolan arose early the next morning, Robb and Jon had decided to go hunting for next feast and Faolan told them softly that she was going too. She knew what her mother had had planned for her the next day, a day of lounging around with the Queen, listening to her talk on about herself. Faolan had quitely dressed herself and stunk out of the castle and into the courtyard, where Robb, Jon, and Theon were waiting with their stallions; quivers and bows were strapped to them and they were ready for a day of hunting. The morning was cool and crisp, the sun was slowly taking it's place in the skies with night fading away to make room for day. Faolan made her way over to them, Jon had readied her black mare, Luna, for her. "Thank you Jon."She smiled taking the reins from his hand. They mounted their horses and headed towards the forests, leaving Winterfell far behind them.
"So what's this I hear about you fighting the Kingslayer?"Jon questioned softly. Faolan and Jon were tracking a stag, Faolan had picked up its scent rather quickly and they were now on it's trail.
"It's just a sparring match."She whispered, bow and arrow in hand ready to strike. "Why does it matter?"
"Faolan, he's the Kingslayer, don't you remember the stories father told us?"
"Yes. But what do old fables have to do with me fighting him?"Faolan snapped and then paused and turned towards her half-brother. "You don't think I can beat him."
Jon met her narrowed gaze and then looked at the ground, "I didn't say that Faolan, but think about it, he's a master swordsman. He's the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. You are very skilled with the sword but...do you honestly think you can defeat Jaime Lannister?"
Faolan's glare deepened, she turned on her heels swiftly and continued tracking the buck. "If I did not think I could do it, do you honestly think I would have even proposed to fight?"She hissed. "I am not an idiot, Jon."
"I know..."
"Don't you trust me?"Faolan asked but before Jon could answer, she signaled for him to be silent. A top of the hill before them stood the huge stag, brown fur, a large rack of antlers, it stood chewing on some grass. Faolan readied her bow and arrow,
"It's too far away."
"Shut-up and trust me."She whispered before sending the arrow flying.
The hunting was successful, it was now noon and the sun was high in the clear blue sky. Faolon had shot the stag she had tracked much to the amazment of Jon, the two also had tracked a few rabbits and Robb and Theon had killed a doe. They decided to pack everything up and began their way back to Winterfell which they reached swiftly; they road their way to the stables and then planned to go clean their kill.
"Falon, I am sorry I ever doubted you."Jon replied.
"You should be."She teased, leading Luna towards the stables so she could remove her staddle. She abruptly paused, a chill running down her spine, Faolon looked over to see her father, Lord Tywin and Ser Jaime all walking towards them. She removed her bow and quiver which she still had strapped to her, Jon took them from her as the group stopped before her. "Did we miss something important, Father?"
Ned glanced over at Jon, "Falon, we need to speak with you, alone."He said. His voice dripped with seriousness, she could sense that he was tense and that whatever he had to say, it was important. Jon nodded, he took Luna's reins from Faolan's hand and walked away, leading the horse into the stables.
"What is it?"She inquired searching her father's eyes for the answer. Faolan knew something was going to happen, each one of them was tense and serious, it seemed to overshadow them; she glanced over and saw that Jaime wore a scowl on his handsome face, his hands were clentched into fists and she could tell he was gritting his teeth. Her eyes then wandered over to Tywin, who stood as tall as a statue and about as emotionless as one too, she couldn't really read what he was feeling. She moved her gaze back to her father,
"Faolan, Lord Tywin and I talked and we decided that you and Ser Jaime will wed."Ned finally replied cutting into the silence as if he were ending the life of a deserter with his sword Ice.
Faolan froze. Her eyes rounded in shock, had she heard him right, she was to marry...Jaime Lannister? Faolan's dark blue eyes locked on Jaime who met her gaze with a narrowed green eyes that were cutting into her. "You are to marry Jaime Lannister."
Faolan looked up at her father, she regained her composure, "Yes father, I understand."She replied hating the fact that she would marry a Lion and not just any Lion but the Kingslayer himself.
