A/N: Oh gosh I don't think I should be watching the hockey games while writing. It was Russia and the USA and oh gosh that game had my heart going that is for sure!
A/N2: Thank you to my friends who have been helping me with my story! Much appreciated! And thank you for the reviews! They made getting this chapter done much easier!
Chapter Four
The King was sprawled obscenely in the chair, his crown of golden antlers askew in the scraggly hair. Groans and cracks protested his weight, muffled by the bulk of him and the table. Her father stood behind the King, on his right, with a frowned and stern disposition. Juliana's eyes quickly averted, not wanting to see the disappointment in his gaze. Ser Baristan was to the left of the King, unbiased in the situation, yet sombre in his own right. She would receive no reassurance there.
Shifting her weight as the cool, damp chill rose from the thick stones froze her feet, she tensed as the people stared at her back. It was ridiculous to think that so many people where here to have her judged for caring about the well-being of her family. Nonetheless, she was a woman, and a woman's place was at the home, not riding through the countryside.
To distract herself from the pending judgement, her ears picked up the obvious revulsion the South had for Northern hospitality. It was too harsh and isolated for people who were used to being warm and able to obtain whatever they wanted. With the wedding setback for yet another seven days, most didn't have the patience to wait it out, fidgeting and fussing every time they left their rooms. Hiding her thoughts, she mentally smirked as one particular southerner shifted and coughed on the creaking benches while a Northern Lord pushed back his cloak to allow the chill to cool his blood from the overheating he received with the amount of people in the hall.
She should have known that Septa Mordane would check on her still as she had when a child. It was reckless of her not to remember, and while she was used to the possibility of a scolding from her mother and father for her boldness, it was strange and unnecessary for the King to be brought in for such matters. Clasping her shaking hands together, she glanced towards Ser Jaime Lannister, looking splendid in his Kingsguard uniform. The Kingslayer was to be her husband in a matter of days—not something she was looking forward to. The King did not think to give her time to adjust to her new station as the future Lady Lannister, nor did he give her time to prepare herself for the month long relocation looming in her future. Noticing her gaze, his green eyes snapped to hers. Inhaling sharply, she turned her attention back to her feet. The King wasn't known to let things happen quietly, and Juliana knew that her judgment would be something shocking.
"So, Girl, marrying the Kingslayer must frighten you so much that you run away before the sun rises to find your father."
Keeping her eyes focused on the floor, Juliana felt her heart beat faster as she heard what the King said. She didn't want to say the wrong thing, but she knew that since her mother was not listening to her she had to find her brother with or without her consent.
"What do you have to say for yourself?"
Looking up, Juliana took in the sight of her King. He was not showing any sign of patience that her father had shown her as she grew up. "I did not intend to run away, my King. I just wished to know if my brother and father were still alive."
"Are you or are you not the daughter of a Lord?"
Straightening her shoulders as if to defend off the words that could harm her, Juliana did not look away. She refused to show fear, especially with a Lannister in the room. That was something her father had taught her. "I am."
"Then why not go to the guards?" he asked. "It is what they are bloody there for! It would have saved us all the trouble of having to be here."
Sucking in her breath, Juliana could feel the tears in her eyes. He was right. The King was right. If she had just gone to a few of the guards that were in Winterfell all of this could have been avoided. But she hadn't and now she had to deal with her actions. With her eyes still on her King she couldn't help but feel ashamed. She acted too quickly without a thought and now everyone in Winterfell would know of what happened. The way the King looked at her did not put her at ease for he had yet to speak of her impending punishment. Whatever it may be, she would take it. Hopefully he would remember that he liked the Starks and would go easy on her but she wouldn't hold her breath on it.
"It has been decided that since you are to be married in a week that your punishment will be conducted by that of your husband to be."
Rising from his seat, Robert Baratheon and his guards passed by Juliana without a second glance as he walked past her in order to leave the chilly hall. Dropping her head, she looked to her father who was not showing any emotion at all. Wiping her face from the tears that had leaked from her eyes after the King's departure, Juliana walked to where her father stood with his eyes on his eldest daughter.
"I am so sorry, Father, please-"
What she was trying to say to her father was cut off by a hand grabbing her on her arm and pulling her away from her parents. At first she tried to fight off the hand, but then she realized who it was that had grabbed and left with him.
As the two of them left the hall together, Juliana did not notice that Septa Mordane was following them. The people of Winterfell watched as the Kingslayer walked with her, his grip on her arm was obvious as was the Septa that followed. If Septa Mordane was anything it was diligent in her duties to the Stark children even if one was to be married. Walking into the stables, Jaime released her arm before looking where Theon was cleaning Lord Stark's saddle. He wasn't the only one that was staring at them. "Leave us."
Juliana closed her eyes and turned away so that the stable hands could not see the shock in her eyes or her face. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and looked into the green eyes of Jaime, her future husband. But before he could say a word she felt a hand grab onto her wrist. Turning and looking at Theon, she was confused. "Juliana-"
Even before Theon could finish was he wanted to say to her, Juliana felt the pressure on her upper arm as she was yanked back and when her back hit the wall of one of the stables, she realized that Jaime had taken exception to the way Theon had addressed her and grabbed her so freely. As Jaime released his hold on Juliana, she watched as he turned and with his arm, swung at Theon's face. Once Jaime's fist landed upon Theon's nose, the blood started gushing down his face and Jaime pulled his dagger and pressed it to Theon's throat before he could even think of retaliating. "Lannister business is Lannister business and a Lannister always pays their debts."
"She's no Lannister. She's a Stark of Winterfell and always will be."
Jaime couldn't help himself but laugh at Theon's words. "In a week she will be my wife. She will have my cock in her and she will bare my children. Make no mistake Greyjoy, she is a Lannister."
When she looked up, Juliana saw Jaime's golden hair and his body was blocking Theon's so it was not possible for her to do anything but look on. Her husband to be had lowered his voice so but she could still hear him. Every word he said. Never one to be afraid in her own home, Juliana moved forward and gently put her hand on Jaime's arm.
"My Lord, please let him go. He is in the service of my father and I do not think he would appreciate it if his ward were to come up dead."
"Heed my words Greyjoy."
Not allowing Theon a moment to say anything, Jaime grabbed him by the throat and walked over to entrance of the stables and pushed him back. Hearing the splatter of the mud, Juliana moved closer to see if she had truly heard what she thought. Gasping in surprise, Juliana covered her mouth with her hands at seeing Theon drenched in mud.
Moving away from both men, Jaime's voice stopped her in her tracks.. "My Lady, we need to speak."
Turning so that she were to face him, Juliana glanced at Theon's retreating figure.
"My Lord-"
"My Lady it seems that whenever you go off on your own, trouble seems to find you."
"My Lord I-"
Ignoring what Juliana was trying to say, Jaime ran his hand through his golden locks before he looked into her blue eyes. "Your punishment and there must be a punishment is that you will receive your Lannister guards early along with a handmaiden of my choosing," Jaime continued to look into her eyes and could see the anger brewing in there. "From this day forward you will go no where without an escort."
"My Lord," Juliana said as she backed away from him. "I beg of you not to do this. I know I must be punished, but I-"
"My decision is final."
The anger in her eyes was as obvious that it was cold in Winterfell. "Maybe Theon Greyjoy is right. I am no Lannister because I do not see how one that is supposed to start a life with another would be so cruel as to take away someone's freedom."
"You heard what I said to the kraken?" Jaime questioned her with a smirk upon his face.
"Every word, Ser." She said sneering at his title.
"Then you know that you will be mine in mere days. The King demands punishment and what the King wants he shall have."
Turning around, Juliana was heading towards the entrance of the stables when she felt a hand grip her upper arm. "When I said that you will go no where without an escort I meant it." Taking her arm he looped it through his and held her hand tightly without gripping it painfully. "Where are we going?"
With her dark blue dress with silver embroidery, Juliana had to force a smile as she allowed the handmaid that her husband to be had picked for her brush her hair. It was hard for her to show him any gratitude. She knew that she had to be punished for her behavior, but her lack of freedom was not something she wanted for herself. The way Ser Jaime had informed her that she would receive her guards early, it meant that he planned on giving her guards and a handmaiden after they were wed. Sure the Lannister's were a powerful family, but surely no one would think to harm her once they were wed, Everyone in the seven kingdoms knew he was the best swordsman so who in their right minds would pick a fight with him willingly?
"My Lady are you sure you do not want me to style it as the ladies of the south?"
"I am not in the south," Juliana said as she sat at the vanity. "I am a Northern by blood and so I will wear it how I am expected while in the North."
"Of course, My Lady."
Rising to her feet, Juliana looked at the handmaiden and sighed. The girl was quite pretty and Juliana had nothing against her besides the fact that her husband to be had dismissed her maid that she had since she was a young child. There was nothing more she wanted to do than just walk up to Jaime Lannister and demand for her maid back, but she knew that he would never agree to such a demand. This was her own doing and so she would have to deal with the consequences.
Hearing the knock on the door, Juliana ignored the loud knocking as the handmaiden went over to the door. Moving to her bookcase, Juliana had her back to the door. She figured it was Jaime coming to escort her to dinner, but she needed to settle her nerves a bit before looking at him. The last thing she wanted to do was make a fool of herself by saying something she would later regret.
"My Lady, your brother requests an audience."
With her back to the door still, Juliana felt a grin form on her face. "Which one?"
"My Lady?" the maid asked.
"Which brother? I have four of them."
"My sister is thinks she is funny," Robb's voice sounded out in the room and Juliana could tell by the tone of voice that he was in no mood for her humor. "What she has yet to figure out is that she is not that funny."
Glancing at the book in her hands, Juliana placed it back on the shelf before turning and looking at her twin. He had the look on his face that made you believe that he was in a foul mood and he was. Turning her attention from her brother to the maid, she gave her a small smile. "My brother is always welcome. Please fetch him some wine."
"Of course, My Lady."
Motioning for Robb to take a seat in the chair that was in front of the fire. Glancing to the side she watched at the maid was going about pouring wine for them. Sitting in the seat across from her brother, she looked into his eyes and saw something that she hadn't seen in sometime when it came to her. Worry.
"Robb…"
"Theon came to be earlier after he had been to see Maester Luwin. He was drenched in mud and his nose broken."
"I know." Juliana said without a hint of remorse.
"You know?"
"Yes."
"Then you know he accuses the Kingslayer, your future husband of beating him without a cause?" Robb questioned her. "He means to go to father and tell him about it. It worries me."
"What does?" Juliana asked as the maid placed the wine in front of them. "Please leave us alone. This is a family matter."
Once the maid was on the other side of the room, Juliana waited a moment before looking back at her brother. She would see that he was struggling with finding the right words to say so that he would not offend her. Unfortunately for Robb he wished to speak with her on a day where things were emotional for her.
"What worries you, brother?"
"If Jaime Lannister can beat a man unprovoked it makes me wonder what he'll do to my sister."
"It was not unprovoked."
"How do you know? You cannot believe everything he tells you."
"He didn't need to tell me anything, Robb. I saw it happen. I was there."
"What did Theon do that was so awful that he was thrown into a mud pit after being attacked by the Kingslayer?"
"He grabbed me and Jaime did not appreciate Theon touching what is his. It would seem that Jaime Lannister likes to protect what is his."
"His?" Robb asked. "Is that what you are? Something that belongs to Jaime Lannister?"
"Soon enough. I have Lannister guards and a new maid who are all appointed by him. In a few days time he will be my husband and I will be his in every sense of the word."
Shaking his head, Robb placed his head in his hands. Ever since the King and the people from the south came, everything was not going the way he believed it should. He sister, his twin sister was to marry the Queen's twin brother. He had yet to make it known to his sister that he did not approve, but he didn't have to say a word, Juliana always knew.
"Can you be happy away from Winterfell?"
"I hope so."
"Well isn't this cozy."
Looking up, Juliana saw that her chamber door was opened and the man they were speaking of was standing there in his white cloak and armor. Both Robb and Juliana stood up from their seats. Taking Juliana's hand, Robb kissed it before giving her a smile and placing a kiss on her temple. "I will see you at dinner."
"Ser Jaime."
"Ah the great and illustrious Winterfell heir." Jaime jeered as Robb walked past him and out of his sister's chambers.
Rolling her eyes, Juliana picked up the goblet of untouched wine and walked over to her window.
"Are you going to sulk by the window?"
"I am not sulking," Juliana said as her eyes continued looking out the window. "Just watching."
Somehow with all the armor he wore, Jaime crossed the room making very little sound. Only when he took her goblet of wine from her hand, did she realize he was standing next to her. Looking to him, she watched as he downed her entire goblet of wine without blinking. "There is another cup on the table. You could have had that one."
"Wasn't sure if your brother spit in it."
"How do you know I didn't spit in that one?" Juliana asked, a small hint of a smile gracing her face. "After all I hadn't taken a single sip of it."
"What are you watching?" Jaime questioned her as he moved to look out the window.
"My brother is playing with Arrow. He's been itching to go for a ride lately."
"Your father's bastard?"
"Not my brother Jon," Juliana said glaring at Jaime who only gave her a smirk before they both returned their gazes to the outside. "I meant the pups. It has been too long since I took Ghost and some of the other pups on a run in the woods. Maybe after dinner Jon and I will take them."
"Or maybe, I will take you," Jaime said. "But for now we are going to be late for the feast and I believe I will escort my future bride to her seat."
A/N: There is the next one! I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think of where this story is going or if you have a suggestion!