"Leave me alone'' Ara say but the man was very persisting and he grab her hand hard "you will be quite or….'' Tears fall from her eyes "please, please'' she said as try to free her herself from him but the man laugh "let see if the stark boy will still want to wed if you were ruined'' the man slide his hand into her gown
"Arabella! ara!" His voice is urgent, pulling her from the depths of her nightmare, the depths of her despair. She wakes and she's leaning over him, grasping his shoulder, blue eyes wide and brimming with tears. "I'm here. I'm here." He hug her tight she was very upset yesterday when she hear Bran fall from the tower so Jaime decide to stay her with her and shush her to sleep found he himself unable to leave her all alone from her sorrow
"Uncle" Her voice is a breathless whisper, the taste of fear tarnishing her mouth. "You're here."
"Of course I'm here."
"I had a dream . . ."
"I know. I'm here, I'm here."
"There were a man and he try to …..''
"Hush now little captain." He breathes her name, and it's a talisman against her cry and the sound of choking panic coursing through her body.
"Hush, I'm here." he curls around him, "I will never late anyone hurt you''
"Okay."
…0…
She was breaking fast with the queen that morning something which she always doesn't like to do often unless she was force but since the Bran's fall the stark where very distant she know who it fell to near lose something or someone you value she lost her home ,her father, brothers and sister
I wonder how Robb is doing yesterday he was very upset and cry
She didn't even hear when Tyrion called her until Jaime place his hand on hers
"Ah," she said.
"How is Robb?" Tyrion asked as he seated himself, uninvited, at the table.
"He has not slept at all," she told him. "He has taken their sorrow deeply to heart."
"Of course he has" Jaime said with a lazy smile. There was very little that Jaime took seriously. Both Tyrion and Ara knew that about him, and forgave it.
A servant approached. "Bread," Tyrion told him
Ara turned back to the queen and Jaime there something off about them that morning.
Prince Tommen spoke up. "Do you have news of Bran, Ara?"
"I saw Jon yesterday night," Ara announced. "He said there was no change but maester thought that a hopeful sign."
"I don't want Brandon to die," Tommen said timorously. He was a sweet boy. Not like his brother, Ara run her hand and smooth his hair "me too sweetling''
"Lord Eddard had a brother named Brandon as well," Jaime mused. "One of the hostages murdered by Targaryen. It seems to be an unlucky name."
"Oh, not so unlucky as all that, surely," Tyrion said. The servant brought his plate. He ripped off a chunk of black bread.
Cersei was studying him warily. "What do you mean?" Then Ara remember her voice when she was very upset she run to one person who will give her comfort and she heard them argue
"What if he wake up and told Robbert''
"He won't'' her uncle answer with confidence
She may be a child but she knew what was going between Lannister twins even though she didn't say anything she couldn't hurt Jaime .During all the terrible long years of her childhood, only Jaime had ever shown her ,love ,affection and respect, and for that Ara was willing to forgive him most for anything. But the queen was the one person she could not stand she remember when her uncle told her you could help who you falling to. since that time she wonder how can one love his sister or brother in such way she understand the Targaryen was for the seek of keep the blood pure even though Jaime doesn't know she know she was good in keep secret and she knew if Robbert find out he would kill them
Ara gave her a crooked smile. "Why, only that Tommen may get his wish. The maester thinks the boy may yet live." she took a sip of water.
Myrcella gave a happy gasp, and Tommen smiled nervously,Tyrion always suspicious know there something Ara know he look at her and saw her gaze was not the children Tyrion was watching them too . The glance that passed between Jaime and Cersei lasted no more than a second, but he did not miss it so was Ara. Then his sister dropped her gaze to the table. "That is no mercy. These northern gods are cruel to let the child linger in such pain."
"What were the maester's words?" Jaime asked.
The bacon crunched when he bit into it. Tyrion chewed thoughtfully for a moment and said, "He thinks that if the boy were going to die, he would have done so already. It has been four days with no change."
"Will Bran get better, ara?" little Myrcella asked. She had all of her mother's beauty, and none of her nature.
"I think so little princess'' she rise from her chair "if you pardon me I should go and pay my respect to lady Caterlyn'' Jaime took her hand and kiss it "be careful '' but soon she rise Tyrion rise with her. When they reach from the corridor "how long have you know'' Ara stop for a moment look at h him before turn her gaze "I don't know what you talking about'' she said calmly
"Don't lie to me, I saw the way you looking at them Ara'' Tyrion told her "tell me how long"
"In my sixteen name day '' she look at him "it was accident I swear .I was in way to uncle chamber to say thank you for the gift he gave me but when I open the door if found him and the queen they …..'' But cut her off before she could finish her sentence
"Does Jaime know''
"He doesn't please Tyrion don't tell him''
"Your secret is safe with me Ara you know that'' he look at her "why you didn't tell Robbert ''
"I know what will happen to Jaime .and his the only family I had ''after Tyrion took off
Ara climbed the steps slowly, trying not to think how the boy was doing. Outside, snow swirled through the castle gates, and the yard was all noise and chaos, but inside the thick stone walls it was still warm and quiet. Too quiet for Ara's liking. Soon she heard the family voice she turn and see her brother with Jon . "Goodnight, Ara."
"Goodnight, Jon''he smiles down at her.
"How is Bran Doing?"
"mastear Luwin say the danger is already pass''
"Thanks the gods''
Somehow, she manages to curl her lips upward in a semblance of a smile.
"I'll be off, if that's okay with you," I murmur.
"I think you should go and see Robb." Theon say
"He doesn't talk to us May he will talk to you'' Jon said to her
"Okay I will try" she walk toward the Robb's door with her head down, staring at her feet think of what to say to him she knock softly at his door "who is it''
"it me Arabella''she could hear he step as he move toward the door when he reach he open the door and grey direwolf come out first Ara lean and pat his back softly "he like you'' Robb say
"May I come in'' she ask sweetly he look at her how can he say no to such beautiful smile "yes come in''
Robb watch as she took a sit on a pile of cushions. She was wear he red crimson gown, her brown hair artfully tousled, she was very beautiful at once she make him forget all of his problem as she looked up. "Come sit with me Robb" Ara said, but Robb gaze never left her she try hard not to blush
"How beautiful you look." He said as he reaches her. "Thank you"
"Jon and Theon are worry about you''
'Only Jon and Theon. What about you'' He look straight into her eyes
she smile sweetly at him "I worry about you too Robb'' she took his hand into hers "you can talk to me any time you want I know how it felt to see a person you love hurt" she said remember he brother who dying during the rebellion. Robb wipe off the tears away from her cheek "am sorry Theon told me about you brothers'' she smile sweetly at him they keep staring each other in silence until Robb lean to her and place his lips to hers and stay still for a moment waiting for her reaction when she didn't push him away he start to move his lips slowly Ara did not know what happen she found herself open her lips to him they tongue massage each other it was good nobody ever kiss her before in lips it was her first kiss it feel very good a small sound of moan come out from her lips she pull back try to catch her breath Robb smooth her cheek gentle he could see how shy she was he knew it was her first kiss
"I better go before someone see here'' after a long silence she manages to talk
"We are betrothal Ara''
"But not wed yet, I don't want people start to gossip about me or you" she said "Uncle Jaime will never like that''
She was right Robb knew it also "I will see you later then, my lady'' he put a quick kiss on her forehead and watch her leave the room.
…0…
Ara was very tired with all pretending being a proper a lady she miss to hold the sword and bow in her hand that morning she went see her uncle and ask for permission she knock before enter the room since the incidence two years ago in king'slanding she become very careful with Jaime's room
"Come in'' she knew he was alone that day ever since the Bran accident Jaime and cersei were very distant
"Morning uncle'' she said as she places the tray of breakfast on the table "isn't today a lovel day'' she said as open the curtain. Jaime wake up from his bed watch her careful
"What you want Love'' he said as he took a piece of bread and place on his mouth , Ara look at him and smile "can't I brought breakfast for my lovely uncle without being accuse of needing something in return" she wrap her arms around my body, hugging herself tightly, holding herself together. Jaime look at her and simple smirk form on his face "so am lying you don't need anything'' Ara thought to herself he knew me very well dammed "may be. Maybe not as well as you think" she said
"Okay you may leave now, little captain'' he said as his kiss her forehead "and thank you for the breakfast'' Jaime look her wonder if she going to ask for what she come for
"On second thought'' she said and turn to look at him "I was think may I….''
"I knew you want something'' he said smile "I knew you very well little captain'' move and kiss her cheek "more than you know you self''
"Okay you know me well .you win''
"What you want''
"I want to practice sword with Theon and maybe go out for a ride'' she look at his reaction but he show none "if that is okay with you''
Blush her hairs gentle "of course little captain you can go'' she give him a quick peck on his cheek "thank you uncle"
"Be careful I don't want you to get in trouble''
"I won't I promise''
She was wear her brown breach with velvet brown with white tunic inside and long black boot reach her knees as she walk her away to the yard she could see a few eyes on her men was watching breach she wear show her curve very well Ara may have slender body but gods were good to her they bless her with beautiful curve, she was like piece of art which was well curve by the good artist but she didn't care she get used to it in king'slanding men used to watch at her with lust she could help who she is .when she reached the yard she stood for a long moment, listen to family voice.
"You don't know what you're asking, Jon. The Night's Watch is a sworn brotherhood. We have no families. None of us will ever father sons. Our wife is duty. Our mistress is honor."
"A bastard can have honor too," Jon said. "I am ready to swear your oath."
"You are a boy of fourteen," Benjen said. "Not a man, not yet. Until you have known a woman, you cannot understand what you would be giving up."
"I don't care about that!" Jon said hotly.
"You might, if you knew what it meant," Benjen said. "If you knew what the oath would cost you, you might be less eager to pay the price, son."
Jon felt anger rise inside him. "I'm not your son!"
Benjen Stark stood up. "More's the pity." He put a hand on Jon's shoulder. "Come back to me after you've fathered a few bastards of your own, and we'll see how you feel."
Jon trembled. "I will never father a bastard," he said carefully. "Never!" He spat it out like venom. Ara looks athim and feel sorry for him she not be bastard but she knowhow it feel to be cast out Ara thought to herself
Robb would someday inherit Winterfell, would command great armies as the Warden of the North. Bran and Rickon would be Robb's bannermen and rule holdfasts in his name. His sisters Arya and Sansa would marry the heirs of other great houses and go south as mistress of castles of their own. But what place could a bastard hope to earn?
She watches at him but she knew the last thing Jon need was pit he need someone who can trust him and believe on his cause Benjen turn and look at her "lady Arabella''
"My lord" she curtsy he must be Ned stark young brother they have match resemble "what are you doing here"
"I was looking for Jon, were going ride with Theon and Robb and I thought he would like to join us''
"Ohh" Benjen say "I should leave you two alone then'' he turn and look at his nephew "we will talk later Jon'' Jon only node
"Are you okay'' she ask as she watch suddenly she realized that tears begin to well behind his eyes.
"Oh Jon'' she said as she weep then off "he said those word cause he care for you''
"I didn't ask him to care or worry for me'' she feel Jon trembled. "I will never father a bastard," he said carefully "I don't want them to live like me'' she didn't know what come over her but she pull him to her and hug him "I know'' she whisper as she smooth his hair gentle "The Night's Watch is a sworn brotherhood. They have no families. None of them will ever father sons. They wife is duty. They mistress is honor. Is that what you real want" she pull she could look at his face when he answer "A bastard can have honor too," Jon said. she hold him to her arms listen has cry she didn't know what to do or say anymore so she just hug him and pat his back gently Robb stand on the yard as he entered watch them for while
"What wrong Stark'' Theon ask as he come from behind him but Robb didn't say a word so Theon look where his eyes was looking "ohh'' Theon said
"Am sure it nothing going between them Robb'' Theon said as he touch his shoulder "Jon is your brother and he know you two are betrothal''
"I wish she could be that free with me as she is with him'' Robb sigh "am like stranger to her''
"Don't worry today she will get to know you'' Theon told him and move close "Ara'' she pull away from Jon "what's wrong snow'' Theon ask
"Nothing Greyjoy''
"Hi Robb'' Ara say with simple smile on her face
"Hi'' Robb returns with smile also "are you ready''
"Yeah'' Robb turn and look at Jon "what wrong Jon'' Jon look at him try to hide the tears from his eyes
"he has a little argument with your uncle'' Ara said as he look at Jon
"we better move before the sun come down" Jon said as hi move to his horse he didn't want to talk about it anymore Robb node and help Ara to mount her horse "thank you Robb''
It seemed colder on the long ride, though the wind had died by then and the sun was higher in the sky. Ara rode with his brother,
"My father told me your leave with them to king's landing tomorrow" Robb said. He was big and broad and growing every day, with his mother's coloring, the fair skin, red-brown hair, and blue eyes of the Tullys of Riverrun. Ara look at him think at herself what did she do to deserve such handsome man in her life "Robbert think it not wise for me to remain to winterfell without supervision since we don't wed yet."
"Why" Jon Snow said quietly. "Lady Stark is not in any shape of take care of anyone right now, Jon." Jon's eyes were a grey so dark they seemed almost black, but there was little they did not see. He was of an age with Robb, but they did not look alike. Jon was slender where Robb was muscular, dark where Robb was fair, graceful and quick where his half brother was strong and fast.
"Is he afraid Robb will going to put a bastard on your before he wed you''
"Theon!" Robb give him cold stare
"What!'' Theon look at Robb "is there any reason why Ara should not stay with us until the two of you wed other than that" theon said "I see the way you look at her Robb , am sure Robbert see it too"
He laughed,
Ara was not impressed with her brother behavior who found everything amusing. "Forgive my brother, he can be an asshole sometime" the both Laugh
"That is not the word for lady to used''
"And who said I am a lady. Race you to the bridge?" She turn look at Robb and Jon
"Done," Jon and Robb said, kicking their horse forward. Theon cursed and followed, and they galloped off down the trail, Robb laughing and hooting, Jon silent and intent. The hooves of their horses kicked up showers of snow as they went. They watch as her long brown hair blow by wind but soon Jon slow down his horse "what you doing'' Robb ask him Jon look at him and smile "go get her'' Robb look at him and smile kick his horse forward Jon and Theon watch as their move their horse together the sound of Ara's laughter
When they reach on the crest of the hill they stop they horse turn to look for Jon and Theon. They waved and shouted down at them. "Jon, T, come quickly" Then he was gone again.
Jon shouts back. "Go head we right behind you"
"Behind a doubt," Theon said.
"I know Robb want to spend time with her alone" Jon said "let's give him that'' Theon node his head in agreement "better he better not try anything stupid'' Jon look at him "she right you know'' he told him "you can be asshole sometimes" Theon only smile
Robb found her stand on the riverbank north of the bridge, with Greywind beside her. The late summer snows had been heavy this moonturn. "Care for a swimming my Lord''
Robb stood look at her as she took off her clothes and enter into the river "I don't think it wise the water are so cold'' he said
"Is my ice prince afraid of water'' she smiles, as she move deep into water. Robb look at her and reap the word quietly to himself "ice prince''
"Are coming'' she ask him when he stand and stare at her
"ahm'' he try to say something but it look like his mouth betray him
"What''
"I don't think it wise Ara''
"I don't took you for shy'' she told him while give him sly smile "honorable yes''
"Am not shy'' he tries to say with confidence Ara watch him a as he remove his cloak and tunic off but remain with his breaches
"Are young going to swim with your breech on'' she could see his hesitation a small laughter come from her mouth she move from water put her clothes back on
"ohh, my sweet ice prince'' she said as she move close to him smile "are you cold as a wind blow?'' caress his check gently. But suddenly Robb grab her, pushing her to him. Before she know it, he's got one hand on her neck and the other on her waist , and he's pull her close to him, and his lips are on hers. It's was only just not painful. She moans into his mouth, giving his tongue an opening. He takes full
advantage, his tongue expertly exploring her mouth. She has never been kissed like that before even that day when Robb kiss her on his chamber was not like the way he kisses her now. Her tongue tentatively strokes his and joins his in a slow erotic dance that's all about touch and sensation, all bump and grind. He brings his hand up to grasp her chin and holds her face, and his hips restraining her. She feels his erection against her belly. That is when she knew Robb wants her. Even though he did say a thing but his body spoke already she closed her eyes let him kiss her and explore her mouth as he want, she could give herself to him there if he ask her too she was lost all are strength gone,the only thought was on him his caress hand ,he lips on hers even the iron princess can be tamed by the ice prince
"I'm not cold as you think I am" He cocks his head to one side of her neck, still grinning. Her heartbeat has picked up, as she tries to catch her breath. His grin widens, and he reaches over and runs his thumb down her cheek and across her lower lip her ice prince was not cold after all
"Breathe, Arabella," he whispers and move to pick up his tunic on the ground leave Robb may be honorable but not innocent of course he knew how to kiss girl and make her fall under his spell. Ara tries to catch her breath .she let out the breath that she has been holding. Why is he so damned attractive? She think to herself ,she want to kiss him again feel his lips on her one more time the butterfly she fell on her stomach she have never felt this way about anyone. Her hormones are racing. Her skin tingles where his thumb traced over her face and lower lip. She feels like squirming with a needy, achy… discomfort. She don't understand this reaction. This is desire. This is what it feels like. Is this how Uncle Jaime feels when he kisses his sister, now she can understand him.
Robb watch her his heart was racing too he want to take her and be damned to whatever sentence he will get to the king, Jaime or Theon but he didn't want to put a bastard on her belly he saw who Jon leave and treaty he we never want his children to be treat in such way. He only watch her smile happy with reaction he have on her, he close to her "who is shy now my lady'' Ara look at him but before she could answer she heard Theon and Jon call them
"We should start back," Theon urged
"The woods began to grow dark around" Robb agree with him. But there something off with them even Jon and Theon could see
"what happen'' Jon ask Ara turn and look at them try to hide he shyness "nothing'' she said as she pass over them "you right we should head back'' Theon look at her he knew when women very well to know his sister was blush and try to cover it
"What did you do Stark'' he ask Robb in hiss tone so Ara couldn't hear
"Are you afraid, Robb may be a taken you sister maidenhead?"Jon asked with just the hint of a smile.
"Jon'' Robb warming his brother with smile
Theon did not rise to the bait. "He wouldn't dare" he said. "She will never let him though even if he wants. She is iron born" Theon said with pride
"Relax Theon" Robb said softly. "I only kiss her" Ara turn and look at them "are you three coming or you going to keep gossip as young maiden in king'slanding do''
She turns her horse and kick it forward, leave them follow her from behind. Theon Greyjoy were the first to reach her. Greyjoy was laughing and joking as he rode. Ara heard the breath go out of him. "Gods!" he exclaimed, struggling to keep control of his "Robb, I don't think you can keep her in bed when you wed her!" he called as his he try to keep up with her
Robb grinned and looked up at her. "I think can tame her," he said. "She does already start to like me T." He joke
"Am I know, Stark" Ara said as she argue her horse to move fast. Robb watch heras she reach the gate first but when they reach the yard they found Jaime in his shine golden armor he took the rein of her horse he offer her his hand and help he to dismount her horse "did you have funny'' he ask her, Ara look at him and smile "I don't kiss and tell uncle'' she kiss his cheek before turn and look at Robb, Jon and Theon who they already dismount they horse
"ser Jaime" Jon call, Jaime look at him he knew he must be the bastard cause he look so much like ned, "Jon'' he said back and turn his gaze to Theon "you must be Theon,'' he said "little captain's brother''
"Yes ser'' Theon said shake his hand with him "thank you for take care for my sister''
"It my pleasure Greyjoy'' he smile
"And you must be Robb''
"Yes ser'' Robb said, Jaime look at the boy "if you dare hurt her, I will hunt you down and make you suffer as you never did before Stark''
"Uncle'' she called him "stop scare him'' she said pull Jaime to her
"It okay Ara, I knew he care for you''
"Go inside now and pack you thing, we are leaving early tomorrow'' Jaime said as he kiss her on top of her head.
"Okay'' Ara watch him as he disappear "for give him'' she said "he can be very protective sometime''
"I can see'' Theon was amusing .she kiss both of their cheeks and bid the farewell as enter in the castle