Chapter 9

Hulda's head snapped around to land her eyes on Ned Stark, she felt Margaret tense up beside her as they both gazed at the boy.

"Lord Stark!" Margaret stood in a hurry a slight tremble in her voice. "Forgive me, I am due back to the kitchens."

Hulda watched the other girl leave in at a fast pace.

"What do I owe the pleasure for?"she asked carefully, rising to her feet.

"I came to see how you were."he spoke.

"I am well as you can see." Hulda gave a slight nod.

"May we walk?"he asked offering his arm, Hulda paused a bit and slowly reached out to allow her hand to be tucked into it, as they began to walk her cheeks felt a bit warm from the close contact.

"I didn't see you at the party last night."he said after a long silence.

"I wasn't invited." She hesitantly said.

"Lord Tully was wondering where you were, I had overheard him asking Lady Catelyn." He explained when she gave him a look.

"I did not want to offend my half brothers and sister."she spoke, they had wandered along the river, the sounds of bird chirping held a charming moment.

"Are they still not welcoming?" Ned asked his eyes meeting her own.

"They are still wary of me, it has lessen when they found out I was conceived after Lady Alyssin had been taken by the Stranger."she explained, her heart was beating a bit faster from the eye contact, she broke it by looking out at the river again.

"I would never had thought you were related to Lord Blackwood."he admitted.

"Neither had I."she admitted.

"Although you spoke very little back then."he admitted.

"I was placed with the Septa after everything was confirmed, I had made her days worse."she admitted with a small smirk.

"But she prevailed."Ned said with an amused grin.

"Through blood and patience."Hulda chuckled out, she slowed down when Ned stopped.

"I was wondering if you'd like to walk with me tonight, the sky is breathtaking to look at."he said keeping eye contact with her.

Hulda took a deep breath, a rush of warmth ran along her body causing her cheeks to burn.

"O-of course!" With a jolt Hulda turned and walked away at a fast pace.

The night air usually held a calm feeling to the girl, alas tonight didn't settle her stomach right. Hulda was restless her mind going over what happened earlier today.

A feeling of excitement filled her chest as soon as the sky brought it breathtaking stars out.

Hulda jolted when the sound of rustling was heard, she spun around and felt her cheeks warm as Ned appeared.

Due to the cool air his cheeks were a pleasant red, his eyes were staring at her as if she was the only lady in Westeros that mattered.

"You came," his voice was filled with joy as he walked closer.

"It would be rude." A smile appeared on her lips as she stared at him, a dull throbbing headache filled the back of her head as they began to walk and glance up at the sky.

Hulda had tried to focus on most of the conversation, most of the time she felt a rush of confidence hit her.

Most of the way it dared her to press Ned against a tree, it was mortifying to be honest.

Ned hadn't appeared to be offended by her silence, mostly he continued to talk for them both. When it came for her to retire she had boldly pulled his face down and gave him a rough kiss.

It had lasted for a while, Ned had gladly responded to her advances. Although he had more control than Hulda herself.

Hulda currently laid on her bed drifting off to sleep, hoping the headache would disappear when she awoke.

She was running, the forest was filled with the scent of rot, a few blur glances of dead creatures laid in the path she was tearing through.She had to make it, she had to save them! She wouldn't allow Tom to take it all away.Hulda took a glance down at her attire, she didn't find the soft shape of a girl, her limbs were lanky, dirt covered and bruised.Once she broke through the last of the brush Hulda was met with a crowd of people, wearing robes similar to the Maesters' of Westeros.Most had a faint sneer on their faces, their aristocrate features highlighted by the evening sun. The one who drew her attention the most was the terrifying man in front of them, his skin was an unhealthy pale, his body was thin and not a hint of humane features fitted his face. His eyes were as red as the richest wine she had enjoyed with Margaret.Hulda opened her mouth to scream in terror at the same time the horrifying creature hissed out."Harry Potter, come to die."A flash of sickly green light exploded in her vision and a hot searing pain filled her forehead.

With a start Hulda sat up from her common bed, a sweat on her brow.

Her body was shaking as she furiously rubbed at her forehead, tears leaked down her cheeks as she slowly began to calm down.