Chapter Ten
The next month for Gwyn was a busy one. All of Winterfell was getting ready for the King's arrival. Most days Gwyn shadowed Catelyn as she went about her duties. Ned and Catelyn believed now that Robb and Gwyn were betrothed she should start learning how to be the Lady of Winterfell. Gwyn had initially been excited for this new endeavor. But as she saw less and less of Robb over the weeks she became a little put out. They were relegated to stolen moments in alcoves and their sleepovers, which were becoming more and more sleep filled as they were so exhausted from the day. Just as Catelyn was putting Gwyn through her paces, Ned was also putting Robb through his.
Gwyn's mind was currently wandering to Robb as she sat with Maester Luwin and Catelyn. They were going over the expected expenses for hosting the King and his retinue, something Gwyn found incredibly boring. From where they were sitting in the library tower she could hear the sounds of the boys and Ned training outside. She held in a sigh. She wished she could be out there with them today. It was a nice sunny day, a rarity for the far north, and she had missed most of it. She had been inside all day.
"Gwynyth." Catelyn said, tapping Gwyn's arm. Gwyn jumped, her eyes focusing in on Catelyn. "Pay attention." She said sternly.
"Sorry." Gwyn murmured, placing a hand over her mouth as she tried to suppress a yawn. Catelyn shook her head at her as she looked back down at the papers in front of her. Gwyn jumped again as the door opened and a guard stepped in.
"Sorry for the interruption my lady, a letter." He said.
"That's quite alright." Catelyn said as he approached their table. He held out a missive. Catelyn took it. "Thank you." She said nodding to the guard. He nodded back and left, closing the door behind him. Catelyn opened it.
"What is it my lady?" Maester Luwin asked.
"A letter from the patrol we sent out to meet the King's party. They will arrive sometime tomorrow." Catelyn said as she folded the letter up.
"Finally." Gwyn mumbled. Catelyn shot her a wry smile. Gwyn knew Catelyn was aware how anxious the King's impending visit made her. Although she knew the Stark matriarch was still unaware of the conversation Gwyn had with Ned. The conversation, coupled with the preparations for the King, had Gwyn's stress at an all time high. She still hadn't been able to discuss with anyone what Ned had asked of her. Everyone had assumed that the King was coming to ask Ned to be his hand, so she was at least able to talk about that. But whenever the boys brought up why the King was coming she became very quiet. Something Robb had noticed, and asked her about. She'd told him she was just worried about all the preparations, which was not a lie, but still not the truth.
"You know what, I think we can be finished for the day." Catelyn said to Gwyn. Catelyn nodded her head towards the door, a small smile on her lips. Gwyn sighed as she immediately pushed out of her chair.
"Thank you." Gwyn said, swooping down on the woman and kissing her cheek, before speed walking out of the room. She took the tower's spiraling stairs two at a time, lifting her skirts so she wouldn't trip over them. When she reached the bottom she made for the door and pushed it open with a flourish, a soft breeze blowing back her hair. She looked up at the sky to see the sun was close to setting. She frowned, a little disappointed.
She stepped out of the tower, closing the door behind her. Though it was getting late in the day Winterfell was still abuzz with activity. Everyone was working hard to impress the King and his entourage. Gwyn set off, heading for the training grounds. As she got closer she could hear the sound of grunting and a repetitive metallic thudding sound. There was a large group of people standing around the area, but she noticed no one was up in the viewing deck. She quickly climbed the stairs. She crossed to the railing and perched on it, leaning her back against one of the support beams. She glanced around the amassed group, Carn catching her eye. He nodded at her, a roguish grin on his face. She rolled her eyes at him, but smiled back.
Gwyn looked down at the fight that was currently happening. At the moment Robb and Jon were locked in a heated battle for dominance, their blunted swords flashing in the early evening light. She couldn't help but to admire Robb as he fought off his brother. His movements were quick and calculating, strong and aggressive. But at the same time he was graceful. Gwyn thought it almost looked like he and Jon were engaged in an exotic dance.
The fight went on for another few minutes before Jon managed to twist his blade around Robb's, knocking the sword out of his hand. Jon smirked at his brother. Robb smiled back as he bent down to pick his sword up. Many of the onlookers were hooting at the turn out of the fight, calling congratulations to Jon or teasing Robb. Gwyn smiled as she saw Jon say something, causing Robb to swat at his brother's head with his unoccupied hand.
"What a shame to lose in front of your lady, Robb." Carn called from where he stood beside Jory and Rodrick. Robb looked around for a moment confused before he noticed Gwyn sat high above everyone else. She smirked at him, quirking a brow at him. At Carn's statement many of the guards started razzing Robb harder. Ned walked over to Robb and patted him on the shoulder.
"Alright, I think that's enough for the day." Ned called. Slowly the crowd started to break up. Jon looked up at Gwyn and bowed to her, his lips quirking up slightly at the edges. She nodded at him sagely, trying not to laugh. She saw him guffaw, a hand coming up to cover his mouth. She laughed as well, causing Robb to glance up at her from where he and his father were talking.
Gwyn cocked her head to the side as she watched him. Robb was still breathing hard from the fight, his chest visibly moving up and down. His curls were a mess, standing up in places and tamped down by sweat in others. His skin was glistening, and his clothes and leathers were covered in dirt. He was a mess but he had never looked more beautiful to her. As if feeling her intense gaze on him his eyes lifted again, his icy blue eyes burning into her. He nodded at something his father said, his eyes still on her as he responded. She jerked her head towards the main keep, and he nodded.
Gwyn hopped off of the railing and made her way down from the viewing deck. As she walked across the yard she could see Robb out of the corner of her eye, making his way towards the main doors of the keep as well. They reached them at the same time, automatically linking hands, but not breaking their stride.
"How was your day?" He asked her quietly as they made their way through the halls.
"Boring." She murmured disinterestedly, making him chuckle.
"How so?" He asked.
"We stayed in the library all day, going over expenses for the King's visit." She said. "I hate numbers." She griped.
"I know you do, but it will be a part of your duties one day." He said warmly, giving her hand a squeeze. She squeezed it back.
"I know." She said with a sigh, smiling at him. "And how was your day?" She asked him. He shrugged.
"It was the usual, neither good nor bad. Listening to villager complaints in the morning, and training all afternoon." He said.
"I wish I could have been training." She said wistfully.
"I'm sorry Gwyn. You know there will be less of that in future, don't you?" He asked her, a regretful look on his face. She knew he meant after they were married. He had always encouraged her in her weapons training, but she knew once she was the Lady of Winterfell she wouldn't have a lot of time for it.
"I know." She said.
"Lord Robb." A maidservant called as she walked towards them. "We have set up a bath in your room my lord." She said, bowing her head to him. He gave the girl a warm smile. Gwyn bit her lip, holding in a chuckle as she saw the girl blush and look down.
"Thank you very much." He said as they bypassed her. Gwyn glanced over her shoulder to see the girl looked a little flustered by his gracious response.
"You know, I think you should learn to be a little mean. All of the maidservants have crushes on you." She teased. He pulled her closer, his hand slipping out of hers to wind around her waist.
"Jealous?" He asked, a devilish smile on his handsome face.
"Hardly. I just don't think you should play with their affections." She laughed. He shook his head.
"Being nice to the servants only endears me to them more Gwyn, it encourage loyalty." He said.
"I know, I was only kidding you." She said leaning her head against his shoulder. He turned his head and placed a kiss on her forehead. She sighed deeply as his lips lingered on her skin. When they finally approached his door he stopped, grabbing her elbow to keep her from continuing on.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"To my room?" She asked, her brow crinkled. He shook his head before looking both ways. When he saw the coast was clear he dragged her into his room, quickly closing the door behind them.
"What are you doing?" She giggled.
"We hardly get to spend any time together. Stay." He ordered, his face mock serious. She placed her hands on either side of his face and pulled his head down towards her. She kissed the crease between his eyebrows until it flattened out. She pulled back to see a crooked smile on his lips.
"Of course." She said. He quirked an eyebrow at her as he started to walk away.
"Care to join me?" He asked, gesturing at the steaming tub as he started to undress. She rolled her eyes at his back.
"I think I will pass. It's bad enough I'm in here while you are bathing. I would hate to find out what would happen if someone came in and we were in the tub together." She said in a scolding tone. He chuckled as he shed his clothes, dropping them to the floor. She bit her lip as she admired his strong broad back. He glanced over his shoulder at her, catching her staring.
"But that's not going to stop you from enjoying yourself is it?" He asked. She scoffed at him as she crossed to his bed and climbed onto it, settling herself against his headboard.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said, keeping her eyes on her lap.
"No, of course not." He teased, turning his back on her once more. She glanced up in time to see him drop trou, exposing his backside. She tilted her head to the left, taking him in, a satisfied and predatory smile on her face. He climbed into the tub, turning to face her before sitting down.
"No, you are not enjoying yourself at all." He quipped. She shrugged at him as she bit her lip.
"You wanted me here. I can leave." She said, moving to get up.
"No." He said, holding out a hand to her. She smirked as she sat back again.
"That's what I thought." She said as he rolled his eyes at her and started to wash. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the headboard. The sounds of the sloshing water in the tub lulling her into a calm state.
"Gwyn?" Robb called after many minutes of comfortable silence.
"Hm?" She hummed, her eyes still closed.
"I spoke with my father today." He said, his tone serious. She felt her stomach clench, her nerves kicking up. She hoped Ned hadn't told him he wanted to take her to King's Landing. She was dreading that conversation, and she didn't think she was ready for it.
"What about?" She asked. Her voice was soft and calm, not betraying her inner turmoil.
"About the wedding." He said. She let out a sigh of relief, her eyes flickering open. Robb wasn't looking at her. He had his legs pulled up to his chest, his knees just visible above the water. His arms were braced on top of his legs, his hand gripping his opposite wrist. His face looked pinched.
"What is it?" She asked.
"I asked him if he and mother had decided when we could get married and he said they are still discussing it." He said lowly. She bit her lip. It was the same response he had gotten every time he had asked. Slowly Gwyn stood from the bed and crossed to the tub. She crouched down in front of him and reached out to place a hand on top of his. He looked up at her.
"I know you are anxious to get married. And I know you are irritated with your father and mother for not making a decision." She said.
"Aren't you?" He asked, his brows furrowed.
"Of course I am. I want to marry you Robb, but you have to understand that your parents are under a lot of stress right now. I'm sure they will make a decision once the King is gone." She said reassuringly. She felt her stomach twist. She would more than likely be gone as well. She thought that may be why Ned was putting it off. He had the final say in the matter. She knew he must be struggling with the idea. What would it be like if they were married and she left for King's Landing, versus if they were still betrothed? Gwyn couldn't decide which would be worse. Robb sighed as he released his wrist and twisted his hand around to hold hers.
"You're right." He conceded, rubbing circles into the back of her hand with his thumb.
"Of course I am." She snarked. He laughed, shaking his head at her. He pulled on her hand, making her lean against the wall of the tub. He leaned forward, placing his free hand on her cheek, and kissed her. She smiled against his lips, letting the feel of him wash away her worries. He pulled back slightly, his lips still touching hers as he spoke.
"Are you sure you don't want to join me?" He asked, his voice low and raspy. She snickered as she dipped her hand into the water and splashed him. He sputtered as the water hit him in the face. She danced away as he tried to splash her back, his wave just missing her. She placed her hands on her hip and shook her head at him.
"Would you look at the mess you've made. Don't you dare let a servant clean it up mister, you do it." She mock scolded. He rolled his eyes at her as he sank back into the water.
"Moment killer." He mumbled.
"Oh I'm sorry. Were we having a moment?" She asked, batting her eye lashes at him. He scoffed as she sank fully below the water and started scrubbing at his hair. She laughed loudly as she dive-bombed onto his bed, snuggling in and getting comfortable.
That night Gwyn and Robb made the most of their free time. They stayed in his room until they had to leave for dinner, and went straight to her room after the meal was done. They hadn't spent that much uninterrupted time together in a while. When the next day rolled around Gwyn was really glad they had. Once the King and his over-large retinue arrived they would be hard pressed for privacy.
Mid-morning found Gwyn following Catelyn around, checking the final preparations. They were walking through the great hall, servants flurrying all around them as they prepared the room for the feast that would take place later that night. Gwyn ambled after Catelyn and Maester Luwin, glancing around at the progress.
"We need plenty of candles for Lord Tyrion's chamber. I'm told he reads all night." Catelyn was saying.
"I'm told he drinks all night." Maester Luwin said, a grin on his weathered face. Gwyn laughed, causing the old man to give her a warm and indulgent look.
"How much could he possibly drink? A man of his," Catelyn paused, "stature." She finished. Gwyn snorted, causing Catelyn to shake her head.
"From what I've heard his drinking prowess is legendary. Amongst other talents." Gwyn whispered to Catelyn.
"Oh Gwynyth." Catelyn said in a scolding tone as she tried not to laugh.
"We've brought up eight barrels of ale from the cellar." Maester Luwin said, not having heard what Gwyn said. "Perhaps we'll find out." This sent Gwyn into a whole new laughing fit. Catelyn smacked her arm.
"In any case, candles." Catelyn responded, trying to ignore the younger woman. Maester Luwin and Catelyn led Gwyn out of the great hall and through the halls of Winterfell. They passed by a room beside the kitchen, she could hear Robb, Jon, and Theon inside. She glanced at Catelyn and Maester Luwin. They were so wrapped up in their conversation she didn't think they'd notice if she slipped away. She snuck into the room. It was normally used for butchering meats, and in fact a servant was doing just that at nearby table, but today it was also being used by the boys and the Winterfell barber.
"Why's your mother so dead-set on us getting pretty for the King?" Jon asked Robb, who was currently being shaved.
"It's for the Queen, I bet. I hear she's a sleek bit of mink." Theon chimed in from where he leaned against a support beam. Gwyn rolled her eyes as she walked closer.
"I hear the prince is a right royal prick." Robb responded, a disgusted look on his face.
"Think of all those southern girls he gets to stab with his right royal prick." Theon laughed. Gwyn slapped him on the back of the head, stopping beside him. He jumped, rubbing the back of his head as he scowled at her.
"Why must you always think with your little head?" She asked him. He smirked at her as he continued to rub the back of his head.
"Trust me, it's not so little." He said.
"Hm." She hummed squinting at him. "Didn't look that way to me." She said. Robb's eyes widened as the barber, Tommy, ran a hand over his jaw, checking for any missed hair.
"When did you see Theon's prick?" Robb asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Theon smirked. Gwyn rolled her eyes.
"I caught him with a girl in an alcove." She said. Theon nudged her side.
"Must you ruin my fun?" He asked her as Robb visibly relaxed.
"I must." She insisted. Finally, Tommy shoved Robb's head away. He stood and pushed Jon towards the seat.
"Go on Tommy, shave him good. He's never met a girl he likes better than his own hair." Robb said as he took up Jon's old spot. Gwyn and Theon snickered. Jon looked nervously up at them as Tommy grabbed a chunk of Jon's hair. Gwyn stepped up to Robb's side. He looked down at her, a soft smile on his face.
"Shouldn't you be with my mother?" He asked. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the table. She pressed her front into his side, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her chin on his naked bicep. She looked up at him, rolling her eyes.
"Probably. But there's really nothing left to do. She's just triple checking everything now. She worries too much, your mother." She said.
"Of course. It's one of the many reasons we love her." He said, leaning down and kissing her nose.
"Would you two get a room, you're making me want to retch." Theon said. Gwyn twisted her head around to look at him.
"Oh shut up. You can deal with this. Consider it pay back for all the times I've caught you in compromising positions with girls. I'm scarred for life." She griped at him.
"Yeah, well, I just don't fancy seeing my little sister get all cozy with my best mate. Go somewhere else." Theon said.
"And I don't fancy seeing your dick or bare arse cheeks again anytime soon, but I probably will. Maybe you should learn how to get a room." She snapped, making Robb and Jon snicker.
"Sometimes I really hate you." Theon muttered.
"Liar." Gwyn said as she turned back to Robb.
"Such fowl words for a lady." Tommy chided stoically as he cut a lock of Jon's hair.
"Sorry Tommy." Gwyn sang. The burly man grunted, nodding his head.
"Love, shouldn't you be getting ready?" Robb asked. She sighed heavily, looking back up at him.
"I suppose." She said. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. She could hear Theon making vomiting noises while Jon laughed.
"Theon's right. I don't think I want to see that either." Jon said as they pulled away from one another. Gwyn shook her head at him.
"Shave him bald Tommy." Gwyn demanded as she started walking away.
"Yes, my lady." Tommy intoned, a smirk on his face.
"What?" Jon yelped. Gwyn cackled as she left the room. Tommy wouldn't really shave him bald, at least she hoped not. She really did like Jon's hair. Gwyn smiled as she realized Tommy had called her my lady. A lot of the servants and guards had started calling her that after news of her betrothal to Robb had spread, she believe Carn had something to do with it. She had also noticed there was a sense of relief amongst the people of Winterfell when they heard Robb would be marrying her and not Joanna. She was not very well thought of in the castle.
Gwyn trekked through the halls up to her room. When she opened the doors she was surprised to see Sansa, Arya, and Catelyn waiting for her. She smiled bemusedly at them as she shut the door.
"Where did you run off to?" Catelyn asked. Gwyn smiled and looked down at the ground.
"She went to see Robb." Sansa exclaimed happily. Arya rolled her eyes and flopped onto her back on Gwyn's bed. She groaned loudly in disgust.
"What's the matter Arya?" Gwyn joked, walking over to her. She leaned over and started to tickle the girl mercilessly. Arya flailed around, trying to get away from Gwyn as they both laughed.
"Alright, that's enough. Gwynyth, you need to get dressed. I was told the King's retinue is within sight of Winterfell." Catelyn said smiling.
"Oh alright." Gwyn grumbled, giving Arya' sides one more tickle for good measure. Arya swatted at Gwyn as she walked towards her armoire.
"What are you going to wear Gwyn?" Sansa asked joining her. They both looked at her dresses.
"I have no idea." Gwyn mumbled. Sansa reached up and grabbed the skirt of a dark blue dress.
"What about this one?" She asked. "Robb told me he loves it when you wear blue." She giggled.
"Ugh!" Arya groaned out. Gwyn chuckled as she pulled the dress out of the armoire. It was an off the shoulder dress with three quarter sleeves. When it was on it cinched in her waist and clung tightly to her body down to her hips where it flared out. Along the neck line, the bottom of the sleeves, and the hemline there was gold embroidery. It was a dress Sansa and Gwyn had made together.
"Perfect." Gwyn said as she looked down at the dress. She looked up to eye what each of the Stark women were wearing. Their dresses were more traditional northern dresses, with their high necks, long sleeves, dark colors, and little embellishment. Gwyn's dresses always were a little more outlandish in comparison. She had a bit of a flare for the dramatic. At least she knew her fashion sense would fit in down south.
"But, maybe I should wear something else?" Gwyn asked uncertainly, reaching out and fingering one of the knots that adorned the front of Sansa's dress.
"Oh no Gwyn, you have to wear this one. We worked so hard on it, and you haven't worn it yet." Sansa cried. Gwyn looked to Catelyn for help. She was staring at the dress. Catelyn stood from where she was sitting on Gwyn's vanity table chair. She walked over and took the dress and held it up to Gwyn's body.
"You would look lovely in this. And you would certainly fit in with the southerners, with their flashy styles." Catelyn said, echoing Gwyn's thoughts from moments ago. "But perhaps this dress would be better suited for the feast tonight. For the King's reception maybe a more subdued and modest dress would be best." She said. She laid the blue dress on the vanity before going back to Gwyn's armoire and pulling out a more traditional northern dress. It was dark grey with a high neck, sans the knots on the other girls dresses. It was more like the ones Catelyn wore on a day to day basis.
"You're right. Of course." Gwyn intoned as she took the dress from Catelyn. Sansa sighed heavily and sat on the end of Gwyn's bed. "I promise to wear the blue one to the feast tonight." She reassured the girl. Sansa's face lit up with excitement.
"Good. I can't wait to see it on." Sansa said.
"Who cares what you wear. Just get dressed." Arya whined as she hopped off the bed. "I'm going to see how close the King is." She said as she left the room, her mother shaking her head.
"That girl." Catelyn said, a fond smile playing on her lips.
"Don't you just lover her?" Gwyn said with a laugh.
"That's debatable." Sansa murmured.
"Sansa." Gwyn said in a scolding tone.
"Sorry." Sansa said. Catelyn shook her head again as she took Sansa's hand and pulled her towards the door.
"We will leave you to get dressed Gwynyth. Don't take too long." She said before closing the door behind her.
Gwyn smiled as she set down the second dress. She had opted for a tunic and leggings that day because she knew she would be running around a lot with Catelyn. She kicked off her boots before stripping off her clothes. She walked over to her armoire and pulled out an under dress. She was about to pull it over her head when the door opened again. Gwyn turned her head to see Robb coming into her room. He was looking down, adjusting the straps of his cloak, another cloak draped over his arm.
"These straps are getting a little tight." He said to her, still not looking up.
"Maybe your just getting too broad." She quipped. He smiled and glanced up at her, and then did a double take. Robb's eyes widened before he quickly shut the door behind him. She smirked at him as he took in her naked back, his eyes falling to her rear. She pulled the under dress on over her head, smoothing it down her body before turning to face him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Robb said drifting off, his eyes still flitting over her body. She chuckled.
"Maybe you should learn to knock." She said as she picked up her dress. She stepped into it and then reached behind her to start lacing up the back. Robb crossed the room and pushed her hands away from the laces.
"Let me." He said, his fingers taking up the laces.
"How far away are they now?" Gwyn asked.
"Not far. Mother told me to bring you down to the yard as soon as you are ready." He said as he tightened the laces and tied them off. Gwyn nodded. When he finished she turned to face him and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. She could feel him smiling against her lips. She smiled back at him as she pulled away and moved to pull on her heeled boots. Robb raised a brow as he picked up the blue dress and held it up. Gwyn glanced over at him and shook her head.
"Put that down." She said ruefully.
"And when are you going to wear this?" He asked expectantly, a wide grin on his face.
"Tonight, for the feast." She said taking in his pleased expression. "Sansa's excited too. We made the dress together and I have yet to wear it." He nodded as he placed the dress back down. She nodded at the cloak on his arm. "Is that for me?" She asked.
"It is." He said holding it out to her. "I thought you could use a new one. Your old one has gotten a bit ratty." He said.
"Thank you." She said as she took it from him. She ran her hands over the soft fur on the shoulders, and down the supple cloth of the body. She pulled it on, adjusting the straps so they crisscrossed comfortably across the top of her chest. She turned towards the mirror and pulled her wild hair over her shoulders before pinning it up at the sides. "How do I look?" She asked him. Their eyes met in the mirror. He stepped up behind her and leaned over her shoulder to kiss her cheek.
"You look like a Stark." He said softly. She blinked rapidly as she realized he was right. She was dressed like a Stark woman. She smiled as she turned her head towards him, their noses brushing against one another.
"Ready to go?" He asked. She nodded. He gave her a crooked smile as he laced his fingers through hers and pulled her towards the door. They made their way down to the yard where most of Winterfell was already lined up and waiting for the King's arrival. As they neared the rest of the Stark's they could hear Catelyn's worried voice.
"Where are Robb and Gwynyth?" She asked Ned.
"We're right here mother." Robb called. Catelyn quickly looked around and smiled at them. Robb tried to lead Gwyn to stand next to him in the line but she pulled her hand away.
"What are you doing?" He asked as she stopped walking.
"I can't stand with you, I have to stand with Theon and Jon." She said.
"What?" He asked, his brows furrowed.
"She's right son. If you were married she could stand with the family, but she is still a ward." Ned said, patting his son on the shoulder. Robb sighed.
"Stand behind me then?" He asked her. She nodded.
"Of course." She said, moving to stand behind him, Jon to her right and Theon to her left. Robb glanced over his shoulder at her. Gwyn gave him a reassuring smile as one of the guards up on the wall called down to the yard.
"They're here." He called. Gwyn could hear the sounds of hooves getting closer.
"Where is Arya?" Catelyn asked, looking around as horses started to enter the yard. Gwyn looked around as well, wondering where the little girl could be. "Sansa, where's your sister?" Catelyn called. Sansa merely shrugged. Riders with banners were riding in now. Gwyn took in the crowned stag of house Baratheon. Theon nudged her, chuckling as he pointed to their left. Arya was running up to them, a helmet on her head.
"Hey, hey, hey. What are you doing with that on?" Ned asked as he stopped Arya and pulled her helmet off. Arya dashed to the end of the line as Ned handed the helmet back to Theon. Gwyn, Theon, and Jon were trying to hold in their laughs. Ned gave them a stern, disapproving look. A blond haired boy rode into the yard with a few of the King's guard. Theon nudged her again.
"There's the royal prick now." He mumbled. Jon snickered on her other side. Gwyn took in the smug and pompous look on Prince Joffrey's face as he sat atop his horse. He was looking directly at Sansa, which made a protective fire start to burn in her chest. Joffrey was followed by a large carriage, which Gwyn could only assume carried the Queen and her younger children. The carriage was closely followed by the King himself. Everyone kneeled as pulled his horse to a stop and heaved himself off.
Gwyn's eyes widened as she took in Robert Baratheon for the first time. Ned had always described him as broad, strong, intimidating, and a true warrior. This man was none of those things, save perhaps intimidating. He had apparently let himself go. His large bowl like stomach jiggled as he approached Ned. Robert stopped in front of Ned and gestured for everyone to rise, which they did immediately.
"Your Grace." Ned said quitely.
"You've got fat." The King said. Gwyn bit her lip and gripped Jon and Theon's arms in an effort to keep herself from laughing out loud. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Theon's shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Suddenly both Ned and the King started to laugh. Robert embraced Ned before turning to Catelyn.
"Cat." He exclaimed, hugging her as well.
"Your Grace." Catelyn said demurely. Robert turned back to Ned, a slightly sour look on his face.
"Nine years. Why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been? He asked.
"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace. Winterfell is yours." Ned responded. Gwyn became distracted as the door to the carriage opened and the Queen stepped out, followed by her two youngest children. Gwyn thought Queen Cersei looked like she had just been sucking on a lemon, her face was so pinched. She looked around the yard with thinly veiled distaste. Gwyn stared at her, her hackles starting to rise. She barely listened as Robert started talking to each of the Stark children.
"You must be Robb." He was saying. "And where is your girl? I've heard word you were recently betrothed." Robb turned to face Gwyn and held a hand out to her. Gwyn blinked rapidly, having not been fully paying attention.
"This is Gwyn, your Grace." Robb said. Gwyn stepped forward, placing her hand in Robb's. The King smiled widely at her as she gave him a shallow curtsy.
"Ah, the shadow cat." Gwyn's head whipped up to look at him in surprise.
"How did you," Gwyn started to ask, drifting off.
"Lord Umber has a big mouth, word travels fast." Robert said, a loud raspy laugh escaping him. She smiled at the King then.
"Of course your Grace. I should have known." She said, making the man laugh again. He nodded to her before continuing down to Sansa. Robb squeezed her hand before letting her step back again, rejoining Theon and Jon. Her heart was pounding form her nerves. She hadn't expected that at all. Jon reached up and patted her back. She turned her head to give him a smile.
"Shadow cat." Theon mumbled to her. She nudged him in the side as she glanced around the court yard. She noticed one of the King's guard taking off his helm, revealing a head of luscious flaxen hair.
"That's Jaime Lannister, the Queen's twin brother." Arya whispered. Gwyn hadn't needed Arya's comment to know that. He looked quite a bit like the Queen.
"Would you please shut up." Sansa snapped at her. Gwyn sighed.
"Girls, please." She whispered to them. Sansa and Arya both looked back at her, apologetic looks on their faces. Gwyn looked up to see the Queen approaching Ned. Gwyn chose to ignore the woman, not having liked the way she looked at Winterfell. Her eyes drifted back to Ser Jaime. She started slightly when she realized he was looking at her as well.
"Looks like someone's caught the King slayer's eye." Theon teased quietly. Gwyn turned to grimace at him. She reached up and pinched his hand. Theon scowled at her as he shook her off.
"Take me to your crypt. I want to pay my respects." The King was saying as Theon and Gwyn stared each other down.
"We've been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait." The Queen said.
"Ned." Robert called. Ned had no choice but to take him to the crypts. Gwyn felt a small bit of satisfaction as she saw the Queen's face fall. The woman obviously thought she was too good for the North, let her be humiliated. Gwyn, like everyone else in Winterfell, knew that Robert didn't love her. He was supposed to marry Ned's sister Lyanna. She should be Queen.
"Where's the imp?" Arya whispered as the Queen turned away from the Stark's to whisper heatedly at her twin. Gwyn shook her head as the lines of people started to disperse. Catelyn approached the Queen with a few servants, offering to escort everyone to their rooms. Robb turned to Gwyn, Theon, and Jon.
"Well that was fun." He said sarcastically.
"Wasn't it though?" Gwyn quipped.
"Just a few weeks and then everything will go back to normal." Robb said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. Gwyn felt a pit form in her stomach. Things would not be going back to normal. They would probably never be normal again.
"Ugh, could you two save it for later please?" Theon asked in a disgusted tone. "Come on Snow, let's get out of here before I vomit." He said.
"Why are you always such a drama queen?" Jon asked as he followed Theon. Robb chuckled at the arguing pair as they walked away. He looked down at Gwyn to see a worried look her face.
"What's wrong?" He asked. Gwyn quickly schooled her features, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"Nothing." She said as she tilted her head up for a kiss. Robb gladly pecked her lips before hugging her to him. Gwyn's face fell again as she rested her head on his chest, her arms wound tight about his waist. She breathed in deeply, his scent overpowering all of her senses. It helped to push down the panic that had started to build inside of her. The arrival of the King had suddenly made the fact that she was leaving Winterfell suddenly very real, and she didn't know how much longer she could hide it from Robb.