For the rest of the day, Iona spoke to no one but Rane.
Her little sister Arya, had run into her rooms and showered her with praise, but Iona just thanked her and shooed her out. She was going to remain in her room and refuse to do anything, but then she remembered that it would make people think she was weak. People would think that she had been locked away in embarrassment. Iona would not allow them to think this.
That evening, in a tunic and breeches, she marched out of the tower and walked the streets with her chin up.

Her walk was stopped when a young boy ran up to her, panting.
"Can I help you?"
"You're Iona Stark, m'lady?"
She cocked an eyebrow, "Yes?"
"I shouldn't be telling you, but the Prince plans to do a most awful thing?"
Trying her hardest not to swear aloud, she urged the boy to reveal all.
"You're direwolves, m'lady. He wants them killed at tomorrow's tourney!"
"How do you know this?" She hissed
"I'm a coal boy. I was doing my duty, and I heard him talking to Ser Ilyn!"
Clenching her fists, with the look of absolute fury on her face, she barked a thank you and took off running back towards the Tower of the Hand. Iona had to find the wolves and fast.
Changing her mind, and her direction, she sprinted to the stables.
The stable boy looked from the horse to her in shock.

"I need a carriage and three crates - tonight."
"I will do my best, m'lady."
"You must - and tell no one of who asked you. I will pay you well for your service and your silence."
He bowed, and with a wave of her hand, he went to do as she had bid.

In the tower of the Hand, she sought out the wolves, one of which was not with her mistress, Lady, and the other who was.
Iona had to tell her sister that she wanted to walk them around the gardens to scare all of the servants - and then convince Arya that she did not need to come.
Three direwolves, all on leads, walked by one woman was definitely a sight to see. They were all so well behaved and it did no doubt break her heart having to do this.
The long walk, that felt like a walk of penance, Iona prepared herself for the backlash of her sisters' reactions when they found out.
Iona did not return to the stables before she had someone to drive the carriage.

On of her father's loyal guards would be sure to carry out the task.
"Paxley, I ask a great favour of you."
"What is it, my lady?" He asked, eying the direwolves in confusion.
"The direwolves need to be returned to Winterfell, and it needs to be done quickly."
"May I ask why, my lady?"
"No, you may not. It needs to be done, and they need to go tonight. I need you to do this for me."
"That is a big ask, my lady-"
"And it is one that I beg you to do. You are loyal to my father, and would do anything to ensure his family's safety and happiness, yes?"
Paxley nodded once, his face sincere.
"Then do this for me, please. I will assure that you and your family are greatly rewarded - just as my family will be if you do this."
"Does your father know of this?"
"Yes. There is no time though Sir, please. You must leave shortly - I will escort you to the stables, and here - take this for your journey."
Into his hand, she shoved a bag of gold that she had acquired from the bottom of her trunk (a secret stash that she had gathered over the years in case of an emergency).

Reluctantly, he followed her and helped her as she loaded each wolf into a crate, large enough to house them comfortably and then the crates onto a cart.
"Go now! Go now and do not stop until you are a day's ride away. May the Gods be with you. Go!"

The Prince's behaviour at the next day of the tourney was comical.
He lounged in his chair as if he were King, smirking to himself and looking down upon others as if they were ants.
Iona desperately looked forward to seeing his reaction when he realised what had happened.
Eventually it was time, and he took to the middle of the podium.
"For my darling betrothed, Iona, I have arranged a surprise. Please, come and join me."
People cheered and applauded her as she walked to join him. She acted surprised and slightly embarrassed. Iona didn't forget to make sure she looked adoringly at the Prince at all times whilst approaching him.

Shortly, a boy came running up to the podium and muttered something to the Prince.
The wolves were nowhere to be found.
Joffrey's smirk fell from his face, much to Iona's delight.
"There seems to be a slight hitch in the proceedings. Please, go on."
That, she had not expected. The Prince had calmly made an excuse - he had not made an utter fool of himself by acting up. Though he did not realise, she was pleased that she was finally rubbing off on him. It was about time.
The Prince stormed off, after the boy and without his invitation, Iona followed.

She followed him into a tent.
Strolling in, she watched as he yelled at the boy, demanding to know what had happened.
The boy pleaded his lack of knowledge, and as he did, Iona crossed her arms and started to laugh.
"Boy, you can leave us." She managed.
Joffrey turned to her, saw her face and the penny dropped.
Seething, he hissed, "You."
"Do not ever think to do such a thing to me again. If you ever think to do something like this again - I will hit back, and I promise you it will be twice as hard."
Her tone had been low and threatening, and he seemed to get the idea.

"This is childish. We are not children - why are we arguing like them?" He asked, accusingly.
"I don't know. Why are we?" Iona asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
His attitude changed completely, and he walked towards her, chuckling.
He reached out to stroke her face but she dodged his touch, denying him what he wanted most.
"Why do you deny me? I am the Prince!" He stated, furious.
Now there was an issue. Iona knew she had to keep him happy to be able to manipulate him, but she was so stubborn. Did she really give this up?
He worked best when he thought he was in control (though unbeknownst to him - he never was. Iona was). Therefore, she forced a small smile and put his hand on her face, and leant into it.
"I am sorry, my love. I was just so horrified by your behaviour. You were willing to kill my beloved pet for revenge! You said that we would make people suffer together - not destroy each other's happiness."
Iona had to fight to keep the smirk off her face when his expression softened almost instantly and he said,
"It was rash, it will not happen again. I promise that we will destroy enemies - not each other."
He leaned into kiss her, and once more, she denied him. She managed to put a finger on his lips before they met hers.
"Not now. People will be missing us,"
The Prince watched agitatedly as she strutted back out to the tourney grounds, radiating victory.