"This is the dress," Mother announced, walking into chamber with Noreena in tow.

My sister was already dressed in a pretty pink gown, her hair pulled back into a bun. She looked so grown up. My mother set a small package on the bed and unwrapped it as Noreena sat next to her.

"I had been saving it, and since your father has spoken at length of the great feast we will have tonight, it seems appropriate," she explained, holding up a deep purple dress to me.

I ran my hand along the wondrously soft material, smiling absent-mindedly.

"Come Analysa, we haven't all day," Mother pressed.

Rather than allow the maid to help me into my clothes, she did. With care, she tightened the corset and adjusted the skirt to fall just so. Taking a step back, she smiled with a sort of motherly pride that was typically reserved for Noreena.

"You look lovely, Ana," she said softly.

My hand fluttered to my hair. "Is it okay?" I had two small braids pulled back on either side of my head, the rest of my hair flowing freely with soft curls.

"Lovely," she repeated softly.

Noreena beamed from behind her, finally impressed with her elder sister.

"Robb is to escort you." There was something in my mother's tone as though she had a secret.

"He said he would."

"Noreena and I shall leave you then. I believe Bran is to escort you, my dear," Mother protectively wrapped an arm around her youngest daughter, but she stared at me for an extra moment with a soft smile before leading Noreena away.

"Ana," Noreena called. "You are really pretty."

"Not as pretty as you," I replied, eliciting a wide smile from my little sister.

I turned to the mirror, taking one final look at myself. The dress was tight, but it flattered me and the color suited my skin tone and hair. Studying myself in the mirror, I wondered what Robb would think.

When I opened the door for him, though, his eyes widened dramatically and a smile instantaneously spread across his face. For a few moments, he was speechless.

"That's it. You can't leave tomorrow," he finally sputtered.

I laughed, "If you command it, my lord."

"I wish I had some authority to keep you here."

"Let's not begin the evening worrying about tomorrow."

"The only way I can manage that is with a lot of ale."

I wrapped my hand around his arm, "I can think of a place to find just that."

It took two cups before Robb and I began to relax and laughed more easily. Will took it upon himself to carry conversations for us. After supper, however, he left us to dance with Sansa, who was all smiles.

"So, how do you two plan to spend your last night together?" Theon asked.

"Alright," Robb stood up.

"What?" Theon asked, attempting to look innocent but his devilish smirk gave him away.

Robb held out his hand to me, "Would you dance with me?"

"And miss Theon's suggestive statements?" I asked, feigning surprise.

I stood up and followed Robb. The music was much louder and more festive than any night before, standing in contrast to how I felt. Robb spun me with enthusiasm. The drink had obviously started to affect him. I giggled as he pulled me close.

"What?" he asked quietly in my ear.

"Nothing," I whispered.

He pulled back to look into my eyes, but I merely shook my head. Robb squinted his eyes at me, trying to think what I might mean, but it only made me smile more. Robb brought me close to him, my head falling onto his chest. I closed my eyes, taking in the moment. Robb seemed content to just hold me.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Noreena watching wistfully.

"I think my little sister would be so happy if you were to ask her to dance."

"Shall I ask her?"

I smiled at him, "I think for one song, and then I would like you to come back to me."

"Gladly."

Robb and I walked back to the table. Noreena nearly leapt from her seat when Robb extended his hand.

"Are you jealous?" Theon asked.

I laughed, "Terribly."

"We Samelsons are difficult to resist," Will commented.

"Impossible, one might say," I added.

Robb returned with Noreena shortly after the song finished. My little sister was all smiles as she joined the table, but her beautiful night ended there as my mother appeared to usher her to bed along with the other children. Sansa remained with us although I'm sure she wished that she hadn't as Theon became more boisterous as the night wore on. I left Will and Jon to mediate.

In our corner of the table, Robb and I spoke only to each other, slowly tuning out every sound and person around us.

"No, I've never been to King's Landing. My family has kept us close to home," I explained.

"Mine too. I much prefer the cold."

"Winter is coming," I said ominously. "That is the motto of the Stark family."

Robb grinned, "Yes, but I suppose I only know summer cold."

"I like Winterfell, though, it's very different from our lands."

"What are your lands like?"

"Well, more plains, really very little forest or woods. You can race for so long on the flat lands. Will would probably say the uneven terrain is the only reason he lost our race."

"I like my chances against him. I am disappointed I didn't get to see you sword fight. I was curious."

"Perhaps in the future," I suggested. "It would be a bit dark to try now."

"When you visit next then."

"Yes, or you could visit me. Usually, I practice with Will, but it would be more fun with you there."

"Who usually wins?" Robb asked with a wry smile. He knew the answer

"Will hits much harder, but I am quicker. He fails to hide his intentions, which hurts him as well, but yes, he does generally win."

"You suggest more deception?" Robb raised an eyebrow with a small smirk.

"In battle. I'm quite the strategist." I returned his smirk, causing Robb's lips to spread into a legitimate smile.

"That's good. Strategy keeps you alive."

"Hopefully, we will never need to do more than play fight in the courtyard, but I do worry. Will is so headstrong. I just—I don't like thinking about him in battle."

I turned my head to look at Willem only to find he was gone. In fact, our entire table was empty. We looked around the Great Hall in surprise. Few remained. Our fathers seemed to be sharing a joke together. Upon seeing our confusion, my father beckoned Robb and me over.

"It won't be long before sunrise," Father stated.

"I did not realize it was so late," I commented.

"Apparently." Father smiled to himself. "Are you packed?"

"Almost."

"You ought to go on and finish. Robb, you care to escort her?"

"Yes, of course," Robb replied, extending his arm to me.

Robb and I were quiet as we walked to my chambers, both of us knowing that I would be gone soon.

"I'm going to miss you," I ventured when we reached the door, running my hand along his cheek.

"I don't want you to go." He leaned into my hand, his blue eyes fixed on mine.

"Nor I."

Robb leaned in and kissed me, holding me tightly in his arms to the point that I almost felt like he would crush me, but I needed him that close.

"Stay while I put my things together?"

Robb nodded, "I'll stay as long as you want me."

"Forever then."

Robb smiled and walked inside, sitting on a chair as I surveyed my chamber.