Catelyn announced it at breakfast with her children and Myrcella, Edmure and Roslyn still in bed after the previous night's feast. She didn't make a scene, but she drew their attention in her modest way, and then declared it, leading with a little plea for Robb not to argue.

'I plan to return to Winterfell, to take Sansa home and to see my boys again,' she stated, 'And I also want to take Myrcella with me, if you would like to, my dear?'

Myrcella gaped at Catelyn blankly. She couldn't quite comprehend what was being offered? Yes, she could go north to Winterfell, make herself a home, far from her mother and far from the war. She could probably live in peace there, once she'd adjusted to the climate. But the idea of leaving Robb… Not being able to see him every day and laugh with him and ride with him… The thought was unbearable.

She paused her thoughts, noticing that Catelyn was looking at her expectantly. She forced herself not to glance at Robb, and said softly, 'I shall think upon it.'

…

Robb accosted Myrcella the moment they left the room, dragging her into the adjacent room, which was his suite. He pushed her against the wall and pressed his forehead desperately to hers.

'Don't go, Cella,' he whispered, his chest heaving with silent sobs, 'Please don't leave me!'

She tried to shrug away, making indecisive sounds that not even she was listening to, but Robb slid to his knees, wrapping his arms around her hips and burying his face in the soft fabric over her stomach. He wept violently, the tears soaking through her dress and the touch making her insides shake.

She hesitated a moment before she touched him, but decided that comforting him was sisterly and decent enough- good, even- and so she knotted her fingers in his hair, massaging his scalp gently and stroking like a mother with her babe.

He relaxed a little under her caress, and the crying slowed until his breathing steadied, although he stayed with his face pressed to her for as long as he could. Finally he stood up, slipping her hands into his and holding them tight.

'I'm sorry…' he said sheepishly, but serious still, deathly serious, 'That was childish.'

'Yes,' she said, rather abruptly because she couldn't afford to be nice to him. It was too painful.

Cella stared past Robb's head at the window, ignoring the feel of his eyes on her face. She thought more sensibly about the options open to her.

She could stay, if she wanted to. Catelyn might be disappointed and she would know that Cella was only staying for Robb- a promised man- a deed that could hardly be justified to anyone but Robb. Many people loved an lost every day, and they had no power over it. Maybe Winterfell would be good for her: a change of scenery, a different way of life, maybe a husband if Lady Catelyn could find her a match who didn't think Lannisters breathed fire and ate babies.

'I have to go, Robb,' she said firmly, finally letting him catch her eye. 'I cannot spend my life wishing I was yours when I can never be. I must do something for myself.'

Robb stayed silent for a long moment, and then took her face in his hands. 'You must visit me,' he said, imploring her with his eyes, 'We may still be friends.'

Cella nodded, and then lifted his hands away gently. She smiled sadly at him, and then turned away and left.

…

'Sansa,' Cella announced herself, slipping into Sansa's solar and spying her friend sat by the fire.

'Oh, Cella!' Sansa exclaimed cheerfully, putting her sewing down in her lap, 'Come sit!'

Myrcella came and sat, perching on the soft armchair opposite Sansa and shuffling until her tight dress was comfortable.

'Have you had a good day, Sansa?' she asked, a little apprehensive to divulge her news.

'Good, thank you,' the Stark answered softly, 'Hasn't the weather been lovely?'

'Very,' agreed Cella, 'Have you been out?'

'No,' Sansa said quietly, her eyes drifting to meet Myrcella's, 'I wish I had… It gets a little lonely, being up here all alone all day- I mean, it is an easier life than fighting with my wits at court, but I miss having constant company.'

Myrcella nodded kindly and bit her lip before she finally told Sansa the truth. 'I will come with you to Winterfell.'

Sansa's smile was surprised and slow, but so joyous that Cella had to laugh.

'You shall have my constant companionship from now on, Sansa,' she beamed.

Sansa was up and out of her chair so fast one would never have known she had been unwell.

She wrapped her arms tightly around Myrcella, pressing her Lannister blonde curls into her soft Tully blue dress.

'Thank you,' Sansa whispered, 'I knew you wouldn't desert me, not my new sister.'

A/N: I'm so sorry that this is so late but in return good news! I finally worked out a good plot twist to get the ending we all want ;) I hope you enjoyed this one, I hope the next chapter will be fairly soon!