Hey guys!
I know it's been awhile, but you know how it is - end of term, holidays, etc. But here I am, with a new chapter!
This one was a lot of fun to write - it marks the arrival of the royal family in Winterfell!
Happy New Year, and thank you for the reviews & alerts, I love hearing from you!
Marianne xx
CHAPTER 9
Raelyn
A childish giggle escaped her mouth when she saw Robb, and he rolled his eyes before shushing her with a kiss. He pressed himself against her, their lips tangled in a passionate dance. They stood in a dark corner of the castle, away from curious glances, enjoying the last minutes of intimacy they would get in a long time.
Raelyn slid her hand across Robb's jaw, feeling the smooth skin and that was usually covered with his rough beard. The boys had gotten their faces shaved and their hair cut for the arrival of the King, and it made them look years younger. Raelyn liked it. It reminded her of the boy she grew up with, and in a way it was reassuring to know he was still there inside, hidden behind the burden of new responsibilities.
"Someone is going to find us here," he whispered, his lips gently kissing her jaw and ear.
"Let them," she replied with a smile.
Yes, let them. Nothing could break us now.
The fact that Theon had surprised them scared her at first. But the young man had not spoken of the event afterwards. The reason why he didn't denounce them escape her understanding, but she liked to believe it was for the greater good. Theon had been very kind to her for the last week, and the memory of their fight slowly faded to become yet another ghost. It was because of him, after all, that she had finally gotten to be with Robb. She doubted Theon realized it. The relationship between the boys had surprisingly gotten better too. But they had always gotten along very well, and brothers never stayed mad at each other for long. As long as she didn't kiss Robb in front of Theon, they were fine.
"Have you seen Robb ?" a voice said, not far away.
Raelyn burst out laughing. Theon was probably looking for him everywhere at Lady Catelyn's demand. The King would be in Winterfell in a matter of minutes, and Robb's presence was obviously required, so his current absence probably worried his parents. But they wanted a minute alone, just a minute, before the King's court invaded the castle and made privacy a vague memory. She closed her eyes and kissed Robb again. She liked to think nobody was suspecting their relationship. Of course, Theon knew, but they would always kiss when they were sure nobody was watching. Robb came almost every night so they could sleep next to each other. Her nights were empty of nightmares, and she felt happier than she had ever been. Only Jon asked questions, but they didn't worry about him. He could keep their secret safe.
"We should go," he said before letting out a sigh, pulling a face like a child.
She chuckled and gently pushed him away and smiled at him, letting her hand caress his auburn curls.
"Every girl from the King's court will fall in love with you." Robb's laughter echoed in her chest.
"But I'm already taken," he replied, taking a strand of her hair to put it behind her ear.
"Yes, but they don't know that."
"What if we told them ?" Raelyn scoffed at him, taking his hand and pulling it away.
"What, now ? In front of the King ? Are you so eager to lose your head ?"
He chuckled and kissed her one last time before they left their safe sanctuary to join the others.
"There you are !" sighed Lady Catelyn in relief at the sight of her son.
Robb winked at Raelyn before taking his position at the front row of the small crowd. Raelyn joined her father, who eyed her suspiciously.
"Where were you ?" he asked quietly.
"With Robb. He was too ashamed to leave his room without his beard."
Jory raised an eyebrow but didn't pick up. Jon, who stood a few steps away, let out a small chuckle. She pointed his hair with a huge grin, and he rolled his eyes. That's when the first horses came through the entrance in a clamor.
Raelyn first saw a young man who wore the golden hair of the Lannisters. Prince Joffrey. She had not heard much about him except his supposed beauty, but she could only read pride on his face. He smiled arrogantly, stopping his horse, glaring at everyone with vanity. She noticed him smiling at Sansa, who immediately blushed. She fancies him. Robb gave both the prince and his sister a death glare. Raelyn had to hold back a chuckle.
Beside the prince stood a huge man wearing a helmet forged like a dog. The Hound. She gasped when he got his helmet off. She had heard the story, but it was a frightful sight. The man's eyes may seemed kind to her, his appearance was as menacing as it was in the stories. The crowd was quiet as a huge, beautifully decorated cart made its way before them. Only a few servant girls whispered between each other with excitement.
Then the King entered, and it was all she could look at. He is far from what I imagined. She had heard all the stories of his Rebellion, how he fought beside Lord Stark and won the throne by strength. People told that he was once handsome, but now only an old fat man who drank too much wine. The man that could barely get off his horse by himself indeed fit the description. She kneeled, as did everyone, bowing her head to acknowledge the King. She shared a look with Jon. He looks disappointed too.
When King Robert stopped in front of Lord Stark and made them stand again, Raelyn took the opportunity to look at his face. His eyes are kind. Calm. His heavy, colorless beard made him look severe, even more since he was staring angrily at the man who supposedly was his oldest friend.
"You got fat," he stated, without the slightest hint of a smile.
Raelyn frowned and saw Theon who couldn't hold back his amusement and discreetly chuckled. Her father was grinning from ear to ear. Have I missed something ? Then, Lord Stark glared the King who started laughing. It sounded like a growl, but it made Raelyn smile. At least he's got some sense of humor. The two friends hugged and the tense ambiance broke.
"Cat !" exclaimed the King, facing Lady Catelyn.
"Your Grace." After hugging her, the King messed up Rickon's hair and turned to Lord Stark.
"Nine years. Why haven't I seen you ? Where the hell have you been ?"
"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace. Winterfell is yours."
Raelyn's eyes were attracted by the cart's door opening to the most stunning woman she had ever seen. The Queen, Cersei Lannister. She regally stepped out of the cart, her long, golden hair floating around her fair face.
"Where's the Imp ?" suddenly asked Arya, breaking Raelyn's awe.
"Will you shut up ?" snapped Sansa. Raelyn held back a smile.
"Who have we here ?" growled the King, facing Robb.
They shook hands, and as the King turned to Sansa, Raelyn noticed Robb's smile. So much like his father.
"My, you're a pretty one." Sansa, without any surprise, blushed at the comment.
Then the King bowed in front of Arya who didn't seem to truly care.
"Your name is ?" he asked.
"Arya." He walked to Bran and smiled warmly at him.
"Oh, show us your muscles !" Bran obliged, grinning at the tall man.
"You'll be a soldier," said the King before making his way back to Lord and Lady Stark.
Raelyn decided that despite his very little appealing appearance, she liked the King. He may not be the best ruler Westeros could have, but he was a good man, like her father always told her.
Then her father gestured her to look at the knight who was taking off his shining helmet. She recognized the golden hair and the white cloak. Jaime Lannister. She remembered her cousin Beth telling her how handsome he was. She had to agree.
"Take me to your crypt. I want to pay my respects," said the King.
"We've been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait," declared the Queen in a cold voice.
"Ned," ordered the King, and the Queen looked away, her face impassive. Beautiful, but cold.
"Where's the Imp ?" asked Arya, obviously eager to meet the last of the Lannister siblings.
Raelyn was curious to see him too, but he was nowhere to be found. As Lord Stark led the King to the crypts, the crowd slowly broke so that the Court would be led to their rooms. Lady Catelyn had to take care of the Queen and her two child, Myrcella and Tommen, and Robb reluctantly walked to the prince. Raelyn observed him from her spot and couldn't help but laugh. Her father led Ser Jaime, who shot her a curious look as he passed.
"That was quite a show," said Jon as he helped her taking the many packages inside the castle.
"Yeah. It's going to be odd." He nodded. "Do you think they are going to stay for long ?" She shrugged.
"I don't know. The King probably made his offer already, it will be Lord Stark's decision then."
They stayed silent for a minute, and it was only once they were done and went back to the main hall - that was heavily crowded - that Jon faced her.
"Would you go ?" he asked, frowning.
"Where ?"
"South. If Lord Stark agrees to be Hand, he will need to go to King's Landing, and so will -"
"So will my father, I know."
She didn't want to think about it. A part of her wanted this because she knew Jory always wanted to go south, and so did Sansa, and she was aware of how important the position of Hand was in the Seven Kingdoms. But the thought of their big family having to separated and spread across the realm was scary.
Jon gave her a familiar look. She smiled weakly.
"No. I'd stay here. Someone's got to watch over you."
He chuckled, but it seemed off. Then she remembered the book he was reading some days ago, about the Night's Watch. Should I ask him ?
She didn't have the opportunity, however, as Robb walked to them, looking grim. He bent down and whispered so nobody would hear them.
"That prince is a real git." He seemed so annoyed it made Raelyn smile.
"He kept on making comments about the castle, how it was 'too dark' and how he understood why we were all 'so pale'. I swear it, I won't let Sansa get an inch close to him."
Jon gave him a look.
"You won't be able to stop that. Your parents want to alliance, and it's going to be even more adequate if your father becomes Hand." Robb rubbed his eyes.
"Well I'm certainly gonna keep a close eye on him."
Raelyn wanted to hold his hand and calm him down, but she couldn't in front of Jon. They went silent and the black-haired boy cleared his throat.
"That sounds like my leave." He turned and with a last smirk, walked away. Raelyn frowned.
"He knows. He knows, it's obvious, so why won't he say a word about it !" she whispered frenetically.
Robb shrugged, but a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
"Come."
He discreetly took her by the hand and led her to the quiet spot they usually went to. It was a dark hallway, between the main hall and the kitchens. Barely anyone walked through it to reach either place, only a few servants from time to time. Robb kissed her as soon as they were hidden. She savored the taste of his lips and his hands sliding down her back to reach her waist.
"The next days are going to be hard," he whispered in her ear, his mouth and tongue caressing her temples. She held back a deep sigh.
"If we can sneak here from time to time, it won't be that bad," she replied with short breath.
He chuckled in her ear, and it seemed like it vibrated throughout her entire body.
"It's risky though," she added.
"It's not."
He's fearless. She liked it, as it seemed to always appease her worries. But Robb's confidence could lead them to their own condemnation. She pulled him back as he kissed her ear.
"What if someone from the King's court finds us ?" Robb shot her an annoyed look, but didn't have the time to answer.
"Yes, what if ?"
The unfamiliar voice paralyzed her. She turned on her heels as quick as lightening, pushing Robb away, who wore the same look of panic. Raelyn felt her heart sink into her chest as she eyed Jaime Lannister's golden hair. We are doomed. Her words, her explanations, everything stuck into her throat, pulsating like they had their own heart. She stuttered but lowered her gaze. What is there to say ?
"I wonder what Lord Stark would have to say about this."
She felt Robb stiffen beside her. Fortunately, he kept his eyes on the knight as he came closer, a thing she couldn't bring herself to do. Raelyn felt his glare on her like a burn.
"Yes, what would he have to say about his heir sneaking behind his back with a common girl ?"
"She's not." Robb's reply fused out of his mouth. "Ser," he added hesitantly.
She gained her courage and lift up her head to face Jaime Lannister, who observed her with curiosity.
"Who are you, girl ?" She pecked her lips.
"Raelyn Cassel, Ser." The knight lifted his eyebrows, obviously insisting that she was more precise with the information. Raelyn shifted on her feet, uneasy, her cheeks burning and her heart beating like madness.
"I'm... I'm..." No one.
"Her father is Jory Cassel, my father's Captain of the Guards, Ser." The knight kept his piercing stare on her for a few seconds before smirking.
"I see."
His golden hair seem to shine, even in the dim light of the hallway. For a moment, he scared Raelyn. He has the power to destroy us both.
He turned to Robb, who stared at him, a mixed expression of anger and equanimity on his face.
"Well, I certainly hope your father doesn't find out. It would be a shame for your - how to say ? - tragic and secretive love story to find a violent end, am I not right ?"
NO ! Panic blinded her for a second and her cry came out of her mouth without thinking.
"Please ! Don't tell." But the knight was still smiling.
"Your secret is safe with me, as of now at least. But I'd recommend you to find a quieter place for your - well. You know."
He smiled.
"I'm looking for my brother, maybe you've seen him ?" She slowly shook her head.
"We haven't, Ser." Raelyn thanked the gods Robb had more cold blood than her.
"Well surely you can show me the way to the closest brothel in town ?"
She could've laughed. Robb bluttered indications and the knight nodded before turning on his heels and walking away. Raelyn breathed out, her hands still shaking. I could feel the end of it. She glanced at Robb, who still wore a stiff look.
"What do we do ?" she asked with a weak voice. He blinked and blankly glared at her.
"I don't know," he replied with a low voice. Robb sighed and passed a hand through his hair.
"How do we know he will keep quiet ?" Raelyn's eyes lowered to her hands.
"We can't."
They walked back to the main hall in silence, without sharing a look or a gesture. Is he already giving up ? He only shot her an undecipherable glance before leaving for his chambers.
Raelyn remembered there would be a feast that night, in honor of the King's arrival. She felt far from in the mood for a party, but she knew her presence would be appreciated and the feasts in Winterfell were usually fun. Raelyn didn't like to dance much, but she loved the sound of conversations, of laughter, of plates colliding and bodies collapsing from too much drinking. Even though Theon always drank so much he always ended up trying to talk her into some stupid idea - running away, going on an adventure, the list was endless - Raelyn usually had fun, and with her worries weighing her down, heaving her shoulders, some fun would be welcome. It can't do me any wrong.
She chased away her frightful thoughts about Robb and walked to her chambers where her cousin waited for her. Beth loved feasts even more then Raelyn did ; it was an occasion to doll up and be prettier than usual. She loved styling her hair and choosing the right dress, so Raelyn let her since she didn't really care. But that was before. Now, she felt the need to please Robb. I want to be pretty for him. His previous blank stare and his silence haunted her thoughts.
She put on a long, deep blue dress, the nicest she had. It was embroided with silver, and it was laced in the back. The fabric was a little bit worn out since the dress previously belonged to her mother ; but it suited Raelyn's slightly curvy figure perfectly. Beth braided her hair into a loose bun, and a few rebellious stands of hair surrounded her pale face. Once she was ready, she helped Beth with her beautiful green dress and watched her do her hair.
Once they were both ready, they walked to the main hall, which was already heavily crowded. She exchanged a look with her cousin, who seemed overly excited, seeking for someone - Sansa or Jeyne Poole, probably - through the crowd. Raelyn nearly sighed at the sight of the soldiers, laughing loudly and eating with little grace. It's going to be a long night.