A/N As promised here's another chapter! It's a little bit longer than the last. Cheers for all the reviews for the last chapter, they were much appreciated and I'm glad people are following with the gist of whats happening. As always leave a review if you can, it would much appreciated. Hope you enjoy :)
Sitting beside the bed, I continued to vomit the very next morning. It was exactly like last night. I have the same hot fever, I'm sweating and my stomach is twisting all sorts of ways. But as soon as the wave of sickness had flushed itself from my body, I was fine. I feel at ease now that it's all out of my system "Did the Maester give you anything for the sickness my lady?" asked Fillis as she prepared my dress for today.
"Yes, over on my vanity" I replied with a nod as I wiped my mouth "he told me take half a spoon at breakfast and dinner. I have to remember…" once I had regained the energy I stood up and headed over to the bathroom. Washing my mouth out, I wiped my face with a damp towel before walking back into my room.
"I'll make sure you don't forget" said Fillis before helping me into my dress.
Taking mother's advice, I had chosen to wear the outfit her and father had gotten me for my birthday. A deep lilac in colour it hugged my figure nicely, and there were nice silver patterns all along the fabric as well. Standing still, Fillis tugged the laces tight at the back while I straightened out the long sleeves. Once I was fitted and I had rolled on my knee high stocking I sat on the vanity stool so she could fix my long hair.
"You're looking very beautiful today my lady" commented Fillis with a tug at the edge of her lips "are you looking forward to seeing Lord Dalton? I here you two became very close during your stay in Harrenhal"
"We did, and yes…I suppose I am rather excited to see him again. It's a shame you couldn't come with us. I think you would have liked Harrenhal…all that grass" I said while remembering the long stretch of fields.
"Before I moved here to become your handmaiden, I used to live a little distance from Riverrun my lady. My father is one of Hoster Tully's advisors. I've always liked water and grass more than I liked snow and the cold, but over time – I've grown to love Winterfell"
I was surprised. I never knew or asked about Fillis' background, but it wasn't because of disinterest, it just never occurred to me to ever find out. Before, I never would have guessed that Fillis would have come from the Riverland's, but now that I look at her – the red hair and green eyes was an obvious indication "What's it like living near Riverrun?" I asked "have you been inside the castle?"
"It can be hot there sometimes, but it's nice living near the river. I enjoyed it a lot while I was growing up" she smiled "and as for the castle, I've only ever been inside twice. Once when my father took me along with him, and the second, when Hoster Tully hosted a feast. It's rather big, but minuscule compared to Harrenhal"
Nodding my head lightly, Fillis had finished my hair and helped me with my shoes. Now it was time to head down to breakfast and prepare myself for the rest of the day. No doubt the maids and servants will be running about like headless chooks, trying to prepare everything for when Lord Dalton arrives at the lunch. Picking up the small glass bottle filled with green liquid, I headed out of the bedroom and over to the dining hall.
Walking inside, the smell of fresh bacon and bread hit my senses, but unlike last night the scent wasn't all that overbearing to be around. Sitting beside Lyanna, I grabbed a strip of bacon and an egg "You're up rather early this morning" spoke father as he ate his breakfast "I thought you might have slept in…considering you weren't all too well last night"
"Unfortunately there's no time to be resting…and I'm feeling better. In fact…" I said while setting down the small glass bottle "Maester Luwin gave me this to take. He said it should improve my health"
"That's good news" smiled mother "make sure you do take it" nodding my head, I continued to eat my breakfast and listen to mothers plans for the today until it was time to disperse for other activities.
Once I had finished with my lessons on basic history, I still had a few hours left until Lord Dalton would be arriving and so I decided to visit the Glass Gardens. Venturing my way up to the Northgate on the other side of Winterfell, I headed through the small archway and into the Gardens. Looking around, the blossoming scent of flowers filled the entire stretch of space. Although they weren't as colourful as the one's in High Garden, they still held a certain charm.
Walking down the several paved rows, a few assorted trees grew inside and I touched the leaves of several flowers. Reaching near the end, I paused as a certain colour reached my eyes. Turning to face the luscious and native plant, its petals felt like silk on my fingertips – it was that of the blue winter rose. Staring down at it, I couldn't help but remember the tourney and the crown Rhaegar had given me. I remembered the silence that followed and the crowds burrowing eyes as I hurried away to the woods. The memory of it made me miss the silver prince's touch, as well as his deep eyes and voice.
"What are you thinking about?" asked Lyanna, causing me to gasp from fright.
Looking to face her, I had let go of the petal of the rose "Nothing…I was just looking"
"That's not what your face says"
"My face?" I questioned with an odd look "and what does my face say exactly?"
"That you're in deep thought about something – something important" replied Lyanna as she crossed her arms "you don't usually visit the Gardens unless you want to think, and besides, your my sister…I know when somethings wrong…so, what is it?"
Sighing, I turned and continued to walk slowly. Lyanna followed by my side "It's not that somethings wrong…I'm just nervous about all that's happened in the last few weeks. I think about you and Robert, and how you've grown to care for each other. I think how you're the same age with common interests and friends…and then I think about me"
"Just because you're different in age, that doesn't mean you won't get along. From what I've heard Lord Daltons willing to do a lot of things to be close to you – most men wouldn't bother about making you happy" I suppose she was right in that regard "…but I understand Lina. It's going to be different…especially when you do get married and when you do have to move away"
"I'm going to be in a foreign place, far from home – surrounded by people I know little about. It's going to be hard being all alone, with no one but his mother to talk to" breathing out a sigh, I know I should have made peace with it all, but I couldn't help it – it's still a lot to take in.
"You just have to be strong Lina, and I know you can be – you're a Stark after all" she smiled. Returning the favour, I leaned in and hugged her tight. I couldn't imagine a world without my sister. She's helped me through thick and thin, and I know she'll always be there for me.
Sooner than expected the Bell Tower rung loud and strong throughout Winterfell, signalling Lord Dalton's imminent arrival. Linking arms with Lyanna we made our way out of the Glass Gardens and down to the East Gate that led onto the Kingsroad. Waiting for a warm welcome, the rest of my family along with many soldiers and servants waited patiently and we quickly got into line; me being at the end since I was the youngest.
With my hands in my lap, the sound of heavy horses came through the gates and into the court yard like a great sea. Of course there wasn't that many, only about thirteen all together. Smiling, I watched as Lord Dalton got off of his mocha coloured horse to greet my father. Exchanging welcoming words as good friends, he kissed the hand of my mother before making his way over to me.
"My lady" he greeted.
Leaning over with my hand in his, he laid a gentle kiss on the soft skin over my knuckles "My Lord" I curtsied. Giving me smile, he let go of my hand before father and him started talking again. I didn't mind that his attention wasn't instantly on me – it was somewhat of a relief actually. It would give me some time to stop my racing heart and clear my mind.
Since we had yet to have lunch, it was decided that we'd head straight to the dining Hall as no doubt the days travel would have been tiring and consuming. Sitting in the middle with Lord Dalton directly opposite of me, it wasn't long until the servant had brought in an array of foods and of course – wine "Lord Dalton, how was your journey?" asked mother, trying to rid the silence from the room.
"A long but smooth journey my lady. No troubles at all" he replied.
"That's good to hear" she smiled, her plump lips stretching delicately across her face. Even with her age, she still managed a certain elegance of youth. It was one of the things I admired about my mother "and how long have you decided to stay for? You're welcome for as long as you like" she added so that her question didn't seem rude.
"Only for a week. I can only be away from my duties for so long, but I've managed to take some time off in order to visit…I've grown to miss Lady Stark's company" replied Lord Dalton, his green eyes latched onto mine as he uttered the last bit of his sentence.
Trying hard to conceal the blush on my cheeks at his public admission, I knew my siblings were probably teasing me in their minds. Picking up my cup, I drank slowly so that at least a bit of my face was concealed from obvious view – at least until the heat went from my cheeks. I doubt I'd ever hear the end of it once this lunch is over.
After digesting our food with more conversation, the afternoon was fast approaching as me and Lord Dalton took a stroll in the privacy of the Godswood. Playing with the hem of my sleeve, so far we had yet to utter a decent span of words. I thought I should at least break the ice "I'm glad you could manage to come see me so soon…"
"Are you?" he asked questionably, his gaze set on the fallen leaves on the grassy ground. His hands were clutched behind his back as we walked "…It just seems your rather shy with my presence is all"
Nodding my head, there was no point in lying "I am – shy…but more nervous. It's not anything bad, I've just never…had someone give me their affection in the way you are" I said quietly, embarrassed at my confession "I'm not sure how to act around you"
"You can act however you please. I don't want to make you uncomfortable…" he said gently. I could feel his eyes on me "that's actually why I came so early. I was hoping with the extra time that we would be able to get to know one another better"
"It's kind of you to think of me and I appreciate it…I am looking forward to spending more time with you during your stay" listening to the crunch of the leaves beneath my shoes, we continued to walk slowly around the Godswood. Taking a deep breath, Lord Dalton's words had comforted me enough to ease my nerves.
"You know a few things about me, but I don't know much about you…" he said with a suggestive tone.
"What's there to know?" I smiled "I'm adventurous, I like sowing and you've already met my family…I'm an open book"
"There has to be more" he teased "what secret do you have that no one else knows…" feeling the smile on my lips shift, I looked down so that he wouldn't see. A secret I thought with an inward scoff. I could tell him a secret, but it would probably have him packing his things and leaving the next day.
"There's a place here...no one knows about it, just me. I've never taken anyone to it because it's a safe and quiet place. I call it Haven" looking up, I glanced into his curious features.
"And where is this Haven?" he asked "will you ever take me?" thinking about it, I debated on whether or not I would. I did just tell him about it, so I might as well.
"…Alright…" I nodded as I came to a standstill "I'll take you, but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone…and you can't laugh when you see it"
Stopping we faced each other and I could see he was confused about my request "Why would I laugh?"
"Because, it's not much to look at…but it's special to me" I explained "…so do you promise not to laugh if I take you?" I asked once again.
"My lady, outside appearances matter very little to me. If this Haven of yours is a special place for you, then I will honour it with my life. I wouldn't dare laugh" he said with a teasing smirk of a smile. Laughing at his mock act of nobleness, I couldn't help but fall a little further for his charming and funny ways. At least he wasn't as uptight as most others with nobility and money.
"Thank you" I said after I managed to control my small spurt of laughter. Linking my arm with his, we started to walk again "…and what about you Lord Dalton…do you have a secret no one else knows about?" it was only fair to ask.
"Well, let's see…" he hummed "most of them aren't for a ladies ear…"
"I can handle it" I spoke confidently with a grin.
"Alright, but I told you so" he said before continuing on with the story "…when I was a little older than you are now, I found this secret spot in the woods near the castle. The one that I live in now" he added before gesturing with his hand "there was this tall rock ledge situated right above a lake, and every now and then when it was too hot I used to jump off of it…"
Pausing, I took in the story "Is that it?" I questioned.
And then he added "…well I was naked" covering my mouth I blushed while giggling at the idea of it all. Lord Dalton in his youth, bare for all the world to see as he jumped off a rock ledge and into a lake "You didn't!" I laughed. It had to be a joke.
"Believe what you will, but yes…I was rather adventurous and daring back then"
"And what about now?" I asked "are you still somewhat adventurous, or are those days over?" looking at him, he chuckled with a smile before turning to look at me.
"Far from it my lady…don't let my age fool you"
"I'll hold you too that Lord Dalton" I teased. Pausing, a silence had washed over us before he spoke again. Although this time it was in a bit of a serious manner.
"You don't have to call me Lord if you don't want to…if we're going to get to know one another over the next weeks, I'd consider us more than just acquaintances" taking in his words, I nodded.
"Alright…Dalton, but in return you can stop calling me Lady Stark – if you'd like, I'd much prefer Mileena" nodding his head as I did, we started to make our way back across the Godswood. The sky was starting to change in colour and I suspect he'd want to rest before the dinner tonight.
Parting with a promise to talk more at dinner time, the night had soon arrived and I had changed into another gown on mother's request. With a knock on the door Fillis had opened it for me only to reveal Dalton; dressed handsomely as always and a warm smile on his face.
It never occurred to me now, but it struck me as odd for a man to smile as much as he did. I found most men were very distant with their emotions but not Dalton. He always has a welcoming aura about him that makes you feel safe when in his company. I guess it was better than the alternative.
"I was hoping to walk you to dinner" he spoke, drawing me out of my thoughts.
"That would be lovely" making my way over, Fillis held the door open; her head slightly bowed down in respect. Linking my arm with his, we continued on down the cold stone hallways and across the court yard to the Hall.
"I always remembered it to be extremely cold in the North, but I had forgotten just how cold…" joked Dalton as his breath turned to smoke in the night air.
"I've gotten used to it…it's actually a nice temperature tonight, unlike the scorching heat in the South" I replied as we entered through the large double doors. Already waiting for us, the tables had been arranged so that Dalton sat beside me – it was probably the doing of my mother no doubt.
Pulling out the chair for me, I sat down and so did he a moment after. Conversing amongst the table, the kitchen servants continued to bring out food which consisted of fresh vegetables and various meats "Is your room to your liking my Lord?" asked mother as she began to cut into a piece of chicken.
"Yes, it's very nice thank you. I'm grateful for your generous hospitality" replied Dalton. Grabbing a sausage, I began to cut it up into bite size pieces. I hope this dinner doesn't get too boring or painful. Mother's just the type of person to pry a little too deep for most people's liking, and I hope she doesn't embarrass Lord Dalton in front of the rest of my family.
"Lord Dalton…" spoke Brandon from across the table "what is it that you do exactly? Run errands for the King?" he asked while chewing on a piece of beef. Kicking him under the table, Brandon flinched before giving me a firm glare and I did as well – that was rude of him and he knew it.
"Among other things…I manage the Kings affairs whether they be personal or political" replied Dalton, not at all ashamed or intimidated. Taking a mouthful of his wine, Brandon didn't reply but instead nodded his head in understanding. He didn't say anything after that.
"Not for long I'm sure" said father "I hear the King offered you a higher position as one of his advisors in court" almost chocking on a vegetable, I tried to conceal my sudden state of shock. When did this happen? It would have been after we left.
"Yes, your right. He has offered me a higher position. I feel he doesn't want me leaving Kingslanding in favour of returning home" Dalton didn't look at me.
"Are you going to accept the offer?" mother asked, eager to know whether or not her daughter would be instead living in the luxury of Kingslanding – which might I add, is even further away than Maidenpool.
"At the moment I'm just considering it…but I think it would be too great of an offer to turn down" sipping on my wine, I processed Daltons every word and what it would mean for me if he were to accept. I wouldn't really get a say in the matter, and if I were to go to Kingslanding I'd be in a dangerous place and in the reach of the very person I should avoid.
I'm not at all ready to see Rhaegar again – or at all for that matter.
"Are you alright?" snapping from my thoughts I realised it was Dalton who was asking the question. He looked worried as I had yet to say anything and I was staring off into the distance.
"Yes" I said while putting back my wine cup, which was now empty "congratulations" I smiled; trying to keep up my façade.
Giving me a ghost of a smile, I could tell Dalton wasn't convinced at my answer and I could tell everyone was confused about my odd reaction. It was supposed to be good news that he received a promotion from the King himself, and I should be happy that if he were to agree, I'd be going to stay in Kingslanding and be among the ladies of court – but unfortunately that wasn't how I felt.
Sitting quietly I kept to myself for the rest of the dinner and only spoke when I needed to, and even then it wasn't much. Once it was all over, Dalton had waited back to talk with my father some more and I was glad that I could go straight to my room without being disturbed. Sitting at my vanity, I stared at my reflection in the large oval shaped mirror. My face was flush and my body was becoming too hot.
Grabbing the bottle of medicine, I took the half a spoon as directed. It still tasted as vile as I remembered. Waiting for Fillis, she didn't take long before coming to help me out of my dress. After rolling off my stocking and stepping into my night gown, she asked "How was your dinner my lady?"
"…I don't want to talk about it" not saying another word, Fillis took the pins from my hair including the one Dalton had given me. I thought it might make him happy to see me wearing it "you may leave" nodding, Fillis bowed before swiftly exiting my room. I just want to be by myself.
Brushing my brown locks until they were smooth, I sighed before dropping the brush back onto the vanity and putting my head into my hands. I was angry for some reason, but it wasn't because of Dalton. It was just at the whole world. Just when I think everything was going well – just when I think I'm finally going to be happy, it all starts crumbling down around me. I don't know what to do anymore.
Sniffling, I could feel the familiar sting of tears form behind my eyes. Now I'm crying for now good reason. I look like a complete mess. Brushing away the stray tears that had fallen, I continued to stare at my reflection until it dawned on me – the reason as to why this was all wrong. The person who was responsible for ruining my moment of happiness, it was Rhaegar. What he had said in the woods the day before I left back to Winterfell, it makes sense. He said I wouldn't be able to stay away for long. This so called promotion, this is his doing I know it – this is all his fault.