Hello everyone! Just as promised, I am back with a second chapter in less than a week! After my long absence, you deserve no less for sticking with me this whole time. Thank you as always to my super betas, Owsla and xXRoweenaJAgustineXx, for I couldn't do this without their amazing advice and support. Make sure to give them some love and check out their stories. Also, thank you my lovely readers for continuing to read, follow, and favorite this work. Your support is so vital to me. HUGE THANK YOU AND A HUG TO EVERYONE WHO LEFT A REVIEW!:-D 10 REVIEWS, IT MADE ME SO HAPPY! As you can see, I do have a big craving for reviews. They are super important to me, so I can keep a pulse on how much and what you all are enjoying about this story, and what I can do better. Guesses, criticism, opinions, reactions, I welcome it all. It just means a lot to hear from you, so if you have the time, I would really appreciate it if you left a review. They give me encouragement, and if I get enougn, I might be able to get a third chapter out by the end of April. With that, thank you all so much for reading, and enjoy the new chapter.:-)

Chapter 20: Stables and Sallies

Robb ran a hand through his already messy hair as he sorted through various tax scrolls and trade ledgers to calculate the keep's total income. He'd already been at the task for days, and still had only gotten half way through it all! He couldn't even think of the last time he'd spent a decent amount of time in the tiltyard, sword in hand, his blood singing in his veins as he lunged and pivoted in an attempt to best his opponent.

A task so crucial and lengthy as his required more than one man to attend it. Robb knew this, and so the reason why his father had tasked him alone to do it, seemed a punishment. It seemed as though his lord father had been keeping him prisoner in his solar for weeks, assigning him one tedious task after another. Robb probably knew more about the history of farms borders around Winterfell than Maester Luwin did! And when he wasn't buried in paperwork, his father had sent him to the armory to maintain the weapons, under Jory or Roderick's watchful eyes of course. When not doing that, he'd been in the Maester's Tower, listening to Maester Luwin instruct him for the hundredth time on the duties expected of him when he one day became Lord of Winterfell. Robb was a man grown, and married, and yet his father was treating him like a young boy. Frustrated, he sighed loudly and held his head in his hands.

"Is there something wrong, son?" Ned called. Robb pursed his lips as he turned in his chair to meet his father's stirct grey gaze. The elder man frowned at him sternly from his desk across the room.

Heaving in a deep breath to gather his courage, Robb pushed himself up from his seat and walked over to his father. "Have you finished finding our income for this moon? Your mother will need them for the household budgets," Ned inquired, crossing his arms as he faced his son.

Robb scratched his head uncomfortably. "I'm about half way done," he replied, his voice withdrawn and miserable, but Lord Stark chose to ignore the fact that his son wanted to be anywhere but here.

"Well, let me know when you're through," Ned replied, turning back to some letter on his desk.

"Father," Robb swallowed as his sire glanced at him wih a raised brow. "I've been in books since this morning. I was wondering if I could turn my attentions elsewhere for awhile?"

Eddard set his letter down, his eyes trained on his eldest son and heir. "Your mother needs the income so she can manage the budgets for the wedding," Ned told him. "I know this paperwork is not the most exciting, Robb, but it's important that you learn how to do it in order to properly run our lands." His voice was stern, leaving no room for another word.

"I know," Robb nodded, "And I promise to get straight back to work. But," he sighed, "I wanted to go see Hazelyn. I haven't seen her since supper last night, and even then we barely got to speak."

"You have work to do right now," Ned said curtly. "You'll see her this evening at supper, I'm sure." He tried to turn back to his desk again.

"I've barley seen her days!" Robb protested, a bout of temper getting the better of him. It was true. Of the time he'd been married to Hazelyn, he'd only seen her a little less than half of it. He missed her, and it infuriated him that he should. He was her husband, and she his wife, it defied the laws of gods and men that his parents should restrict them from each other. "I've barely left your solar for weeks!"

Yet as soon as the words left his mouth, Robb wished he'd kept his temper in check. The eyes of his father, cold and stern as a steel blade, turned back to him. He recognized the anger on his sire's face, as he'd been on the receiving end of it quite often these days. It was borne of disappointment. Robb had defied him and dishonored him, and there was no balm for that wound. Even time may not fully heal it. "And that's for the best," Ned replied quietly. "Until the wedding takes place, we can't risk you two being seen together."

"She's already my wife," Robb argued mildly, still wanting to argue, but not guiltless enough to be passionate. "And regardless, there's no scandal in us simply being seen together." Being with his wife was the most natural thing in the world. They loved each other, and surely now that they were "betrothed" it would suit the lie if he and Hazelyn appeared to enjoy each other's company. It would encourage the idea that they had been friendly before their parents arranged a match. It would be less strange than if he should suddenly adore his wife so soon after their abrupt marriage.

"No," Ned sighed irritably, shaking his head slowly. "Only our family knows you wed her. We have to treat this situation with caution so we don't give Lord Bolton further cause for offense," he stated calmly. "If people find out that you've wedded and bedded Lady Bolton in some corner, Lord Bolton will be the first person at our throats, just to save face."

"What was the point of defending my marriage to him then if I have to pretend it didn't even happen!?" Robb scowled in frustration. All he'd asked was to see Hazelyn. That was all he wanted: to be with her. He was certain this separation wasn't easy for her either, especially when most viewed her as a stranger now. If he could only go to her now... "Father your Lord Bolton's liege lord. Why should you have to answer to him when he swore oaths to you?" It was a feeble protest, even though his voice was strong. Robb knew why his father had to accommodate Lord Bolton, he'd been taught these lessons all his life, and he'd gone against every lesson for love. For Hazel.

Ned glared sharply at his son and stood. Robb took a step back as he saw a passionate anger well up onto his father's face. "Aye, son, Lord Bolton has sworn oaths to me, but if I do not answer to my banner men, and deal with them fairly, they will not honor those oaths. You cannot command loyalty without respect." Robb stared at his feet like a scolded lad. "Lord Bolton is a very powerful and proud man, and is not be dealt with lightly. Given the bloodied history of our families, I would have expected you to have more discernment and self-control in the first place."

Robb flinched internally, but kept his face stoic to hide his wavering resolve. "I just wanted to protect Hazelyn." He met his father's eyes again, renewed with determination. "I love her, and she loves me. Her father was hurting her, and you've always taught me to defend people in need," he reasoned earnestly. "How can any honorable man not strive to protect the woman he loves?"

"You still could have done that had you come to me in the first place and asked for help," Ned reprimanded him, a grim expression on his face and hardness in his eyes. "But instead, you rushed into this situation recklessly, like a foolish boy, without one thought for the countless others you could affect."

His face filled with pain as he continued, "Almost twenty years ago, your Uncle Brandon also acted reckless, trying to defend a woman he loved. He rode to King's Landing without a word to our father, and threatened Rhaegar Targaryen, in order to retrieve our sister. He had the best intentions, but his recklessness brought on his death and that of our Father. His rash decision led to a war that caused the deaths of thousands that might have been spared had he been more patient."

Robb stared at his father wide eyed. Eddard Stark rarely talked of his dead brother, father, sister, or the rebellion. Feeling a mix of guilt and confusion, Robb frowned and dipped his head. "But no one was hurt by me wedding Hazelyn." Nothing but her father's pride, but Robb hoped it hurt him the rest of his wretched life.

"Yet someone could have been," Ned stressed. His angry tone faded into urgency. "I took a huge risk, alienating Roose Bolton as I did, but I could not let his wrath fall down you...Or Hazelyn..." He stared at his son intensely. "You need to understand, you took more from him then his daughter. Hazelyn was his only surviving, legitimate child, his heir apparent. You've stolen the future of his house, and his ability to direct it. He could have rallied his men to arms over that."

Robb crossed his arms defensively. "If he rebelled against House Stark, we would put an end to it within a week's time."

"Aye, our armies could subdue him easily enough," Ned narrowed his eyes, "but how many soldiers and innocent small folk would've had to die before then?"

"I-I..." Robb trailed off as his cheeks flamed in shame. Gods, what had he been thinking? He had not thought of the casualties of a conflict with the Boltons, at least none beyond Hazelyn and his family. But, by all the gods, in his heart, he could not bring himself to regret wedding Hazel, not even in the way he did. If they'd brought her true identity to light, his father would have marched her back to the Dreadfort in a heartbeat, and there was no guarantee Lord Bolton would agree to a match between Robb and his daughter. He knew, given the choice-to gamble his future with Hazelyn as his wife-he'd choose the clandestine marriage in the godswood every time. It twisted his gut with guilt, for what kind of lord would that make him?

"Robb," Ned placed a heavy hand on his son's shoulder. "You're more than just my oldest son. You're my heir, and will one day be Warden of the North, with thousands looking to you for protection. Being a lord is like being a father, but you have thousands of children, and you should worry for all of them. The farmers in fields will be yours to protect, the charwomen scrubbing the floors will be yours to protect, the soldiers you order into battle will be yours to protect. That is why you must be cautious."

The faces of every servant Robb had passed in the keep that morning, soldiers he knew, and people from Winter Town filled his head. His temples began to throb, he felt so overwhelmed. "How do you handle it all thinking like that?"

Ned squeezed his son's shoulder as a weary smile crossed his face. "I rise with fear in the morning and go to bed with fear in the night."

But you're the bravest man I know, Robb thought as he raised a brow in confusion. "How can a man be brave if he's afraid all the time?"

"That's the only time a man can be brave," Ned squeezed his son's shoulder again. For a moment, neither man said a word, a gaze of keen understanding passing between them. "I think you've spent enough time in here for now," Ned finally stated, withdrawing his grip.

"Really?" Robb asked, his face slack with shock.

"Aye," Ned nodded as he sat down again at his desk and began to sort through some papers. "I want you to take the afternoon to reflect on my words, and we can work a bit more after supper."

"Thank you," Robb nodded, still not quite believing his father was letting him go.

"I want you to truly think about what I said," Ned reminded him sternly. Robb nodded and then Ned smiled slightly. "Alright then lad, go, and I'll see you at supper."

Eagerly, Robb departed his father's study and made quickly for the stables. He had a new vigor in his stride as he savored his newly found freedom. As he stepped out into the courtyard, he breathed in the fresh air and soaked in the warmth of the early afternoon sun. The sky was blue and a slight breeze stirred the air. The weather was perfect for a long, hard ride, and it just what he needed to release his pent up energy and to focus on his father's teaching. Entering the stable, he fetched a saddle and headed towards the stalls.

His eyes swilveled left and right as he walked down the isle, scanning for one of the steeds he liked to ride. Suddenly, he paused and listened when an unusual sound caught his ear. A gentle voice hummed some sad tune softly and horribly off key.

Cringing, Robb followed the noise to the stall that housed the black mare that Arya had been learning to ride. Peering through the gateway, a grin crept up on his face. Inside stood a short young woman with long dark hair, brushing the mare's sleek black coat. Setting his saddle down on the ground, Robb quietly crept into the stall and leaned on the door frame.

"In the old stories, aren't all the lovely young maidens supposed sing beautifully?" He chuckled, playfully mocking the girl's utter lack of talent.

Hazelyn glanced over her shoulder, her mouth open in suprise and cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Robb laughed quietly, making her grey eyes narrow. She focused back on her horse and shook her head. "Well, my lord, perhaps I would have a beautiful voice if I were still a maiden, but alas, some rough brute came along and stole me away." She glanced at him and smirked. "... And now I'm far from being a pure I'm afraid."

Robb tried to mask his mirth as he slowly stepped towards her. "I can't let such a vile offense against you stand, my lady. Tell me the name of the brute, and I'll hunt him down to restore your honor."

Hazelyn turned towards him and crossed her arms, brush still in hand, raising a playful brow. "And what price must I pay for such a valiant service, good ser?"

"I don't know," Robb smirked, stepping close to her. He placed one hand on her hip while the other lightly gripped her chin. "I'm sure I could think of something," he quipped as he tilted her face up.

Hazelyn grinned as she dropped the brush and brought her arms up around his shoulders. "I think that seems like a fair offer," she murmured.

Chuckling, Robb dipped his head to bring his lips to hers. He let out a groan as he felt her mouth open and her hands moved to his chest. He closed his eyes and shifted his hand down lower to pull her firmly against him, pride rising in him as she let out a little hum of satisfaction. He started to feel uncomfortably warm and his breaches suddenly grew tighter as their teeth and tongues clashed. Gods, it seemed an eternity had passed since he'd kissed her like this, even though it'd only been a few weeks. It wasn't until Hazelyn let out a startled moan that he realized he'd walked her back against the wall of the stall. Just as he pulled his lips from hers to see if she minded, a loud snort filled the stable, and a black snout bumped against his head.

Dazed, Robb frowned over at the black mare. The horse almost seemed annoyed at him for taking its caregiver's attentions. Hazelyn let out an exasperated sigh, and much to Robb's chagrin, pulled out of his embrace. He flexed his hands at his sides, feeling an ache of loss as he watched her walk around to the horse's front.

"Branwen," Hazelyn said in a low voice. She gently pulled the horse's snout down so she could look into its dark eyes. Frowning, she pressed on its nose and grumbled, "No." She seemed to be speaking in another language as she silently held the horse's gaze with her own. Robb watched her handle the animal as well as a stablemaster. She finally released the mare after she lowered her head, snorted, and flicked her ears. Grinning, Hazelyn rubbed the animal's snout, her eyes warm as they regarded her faithful companion. "That's my sweet girl. Now don't cause anymore trouble." Turning away, Hazelyn shook her head and returned to Robb.

Quickly, he encircled her waist in a loose embrace. He smiled contentedly as she leaned into him. "You have quite a way with horses," he commented.

"My mother was a Ryswell," Hazelyn shrugged. "Horses are simply a way of life for them." She frowned sadly as a far-away look entered her eyes. "She used to spend all her time in the stables when she was my age and had Domeric and I in saddles before we could barely walk." She sighed wistfully and glanced over at the black mare. "Grandfather gave me Branwen on my eighth name day."

Robb scrunched his brow in confusion. "But father bought her for Arya."

"Aye, because I sold her to him," Hazelyn sighed. "A few weeks after I arrived in Winter Town, I needed extra coin." Her her mouth turned up slightly, and Robb could see by the light in her eyes how happy she was. "But Arya came to talk to me this morning and returned Branwen as a wedding present."

"Really?" Robb smiled at the thoughtfulness of his little sister. At least some of his family was warming up to his wife again.

"Well, as long as I teach her to ride like a Ryswell," Hazelyn rolled her eyes, "... And to carve like a Bolton."

Robb shook his head amusedly. Arya always had had a knack for making deals. She'd made them often enough with him and Jon to let her stay in tiltyard.

"So how'd you manage to away from your father?" Hazelyn smoothed hands over Robb's jerkin.

Sighing, he looked at the ground. "He released me for the afternoon. We had a talk and he wanted me to reflect on it."

"Is everything alright?" Hazelyn gazed up at him in concern.

"It came to a head," Robb admitted, "But I think things are starting to get better between us." Their argument had ended on a positive note he thought, and his father had given him some freedom back finally.

"What happened?"

Robb glanced away as he replied. "Father said I was reckless, like my Uncle Brandon was, and that I might've started a war by marrying you. He never talks about his brother, or the rebellion. He wasn't angry in the end, but I think he now doubts that I'll be able to lead the North one day." Robb cringed, pained by the fact that his father might not believe in him anymore. Growing up, he'd often felt the pressure of his parent's hopes and the weight of their expectations. As his father's heir, he had always felt the need to excel at everything. He'd had to prove to his parents that they would leave their legacy in good hands and to himself and everyone else that he'd be a worthy and capable successor to his father. And now he couldn't help but believe that he'd ruined everything.

Hazelyn frowned deeply at Robb. "No, he doesn't," she murmured gently, placing a hand on his cheek. "I've never seen a man more proud of his son than your father is of you. You already said things have gotten better between you and they'll continue to improve. Both your parents adore you, and their anger will pass soon enough."

Robb smiled briefly and gripped his wife's hand, squeezing it in gratitude. She was right. His father was already starting trust him again, though his mother was different issue altogether. His mouth dropped into a frown. He hadn't spoken to her since the morning after his marriage. He could not seek her out while she still looked at Hazelyn with hatred, not while her words against his beloved still rung in his ears. But then, maybe his wife's mention of both his parents meant his mother had started to warm back up to her as his father had him.

"Have you and my mother made amends then?" He asked with the slightest bit of hope in his voice.

Hazelyn's face froze and he felt her muscles tense. Biting her lip, she refused to make eye contact with him. "What did she do?" Robb asked grimly.

"Nothing..." Hazelyn answered quietly. She always tried to avoid topics that troubled her.

"What did she do?" Robb asked again, his thumb rubbing softly on the skin of her hand.

Hazelyn hesitated before carefully stating, "She just didn't need my assistance when I offered to help with the wedding arrangements, so she sent me to help Maester Luwin instead." Her eyes were soft when they met his, placating and sweet, and he could sense she wanted him not to be angry.

Nevertheless, Robb clenched his teeth as a new wave of fury rose in his chest. "Robb," Hazelyn soothed. She framed his face in her hands andfirced him to look at her. "Don't get upset over this. It's going to take time for her and everyone else to adjust to me."

"Why are you defending her?" Robb snapped in frustration. Hazelyn should be angrier than him. Yes, she had lied to his family, but she had simply been trying to protect herself. She hadn't hurt anyone, she was not some vile criminal deserving of their contempt. She was Hazelyn Stark, formerly Bolton, his wife and lady, and a wonderful woman. She deserved to be treated as such.

Hazelyn looked up at him with a wary smile and pain in her eyes. "I caused a mess for your family with my foolish actions, one that could have hurt a lot of people. I don't want my mistakes to mar your love for her."

Robb scowled. "But what my mother said about you and..."

"It doesn't matter," Hazelyn cut him off with a serious tone. "She'll eventually have to accept me, one day. After all, I'm not going anywhere. But don't berate her, you'll only make it worse for both of us." Robb remained silent, a sigh escaping him as he took in her words. Resolve filled her face. "You should talk-"

"No," Robb stopped her, giving a stubborn shake of his head. He pulled away from Hazelyn and faced the wall. Frowning, he recalled what his mother had said the morning after he'd gotten married. He could look past the insults thrown at his wife, even the dismissal of the Old Gods, as monetary anger, but there was one comment that he could not forgive his mother without a sincere apology.

"I told her and Father that you might already be with child and she wanted to kill it. I will not make amends with her until she apologizes for that." His voice shook with anger. He turned around and settled his gaze on Hazelyn's stomach. When they'd knelt at the heart tree, he'd seen their children in his mind, pictured holding them in them in his arms as he brought them to Gods to be named, setting them on his knee and teaching them how to pray, just as his father had with him. After he'd made love to Hazelyn for the first time, he'd watched her sleeping figure, a delicate woman curled into his side. Even then, he'd been able to imagine her stomach swelling with their child.

He'd never given much thought to being a father before, just as he'd never given much thought to being a husband, because those parts of his future had never seemed real. But when he'd realized that he loved Hazelyn, those parts had become as real and important to him as his future role as a lord. Then his own mother, who'd only ever nurtured and protected him, had suggested killing his child, in order to free him from a marriage she didn't approve of. That, he just could not forgive.

His gaze moved up to Hazelyn's face when she covered her stomach and stepped back. Her eyes widened in surprise as they glanced downward, and then filled with fear. Swallowing hard, she insisted nervously, her voice trembling,"She surely didn't mean it, Robb, and there's no point in getting angry over an imaginary child."

Robb raised a brow in confusion. "Imaginary? But you could be with child already, and if you are-"

"I'm probably not," Hazelyn retorted sharply, a hard look in her eye. "Children are rarely conceived on the wedding night."

"But you could be," Robb frowned at his wife, perplexed by her reaction. "My parents were together for only one night before Father rode off to war, yet my mother fell pregnant with me."

"I'm not your mother," Hazelyn snapped, her glare turning cold and icy.

"Why are you getting so upset about this?" Robb questioned. "Would it be so bad if you were already pregnant?" He frowned deeply and took a step towards Hazelyn. It almost seemed like she didn't want the possibility to be true, like the idea of having his child distressed her.

"We-we just don't need to talk about that right now, when it's not a fact," Hazelyn dodged.

She was avoiding the topic, just like when she tried to hide her identity from him. Robb pursed his lips and shook his head in contradiction. "Yes, we do," he pressed, "Since-"

He couldn't get another word in because Hazelyn's mouth was suddenly smashed against his. She bit at his lip as her arms wrapped around his neck. His arms automatically wrapped around her in return, crushing her to him, all his words gone for the moment. Only when the need to breathe became paramount, did she pulled away, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. "Let's just forget all that right now," she whispered breathily. "Not waste what little time we have alone."

Robb pulled away a little more, his eyes flickering down to meet hers. His stomach dropped when he saw the desperation she was trying so hard to hide. "No, Hazel," he panted, yet his wife was not deterred as she shifted her lips down his jaw. Heat sparked low in his belly. He groaned when she nipped at the pulse point on his neck. "Hazel," he weakly protested, lightly gripping her shoulders.

She pulled back just slightly, blinking up at him innocently as she pressed her soft curves into him. "Can we please not talk about it now?" She pleaded quietly. Her fingers came up to trace along his cheek. "I haven't gotten to spend any time alone with you in weeks, and I've missed you." She seemed genuinely distressed as she begged, "Can we put off the worrying until after your parents stop watching us like hawks, and just enjoy this opportunity?"

Robb sighed. He didn't want to put off discussing such a serious topic, but the affection in Hazelyn's gaze made his chest pang. Whatever was troubling her seemed dire, but a liaison in the stable might not be the best place to talk about it. "Alright," he nodded reluctantly, already resolving that he would bring it up first time they were alone after that blasted fake ceremony.

His worry faded away as Hazelyn flashed him a brilliant grin. All thought started to fade away as she kissed him hard again and his body responded. As their lips moved furiously, his hand traced over her hip and her fingers worked their way into his hair. Gods, after he had her that first time, it'd been torture to go weeks barley laying a hand on her. He'd thought he would go insane.

Growling when one of his wife's thighs rubbed against his groin, Robb slid his hands down to her bottom and lifted her up against him. Hearing her moan as the angle of their heads shifted only increased his arousal. Propping her back against a wall, he managed to grip her thigh through her skirt and traced downward. Finally finding the hem of her dress, his fingers brushed against the bare skin of her calf. She sighed as he hooked her leg up over his waist. His heart sped up as he felt her soft skin on his and he pressed his hips into hers.

Suddenly, a voice shattered the mood. "Decide to give to the horses a show, Stark?"

Gasping for breath, the couple jerked apart as Theon howled with laughter. Cursing loudly, Robb spun around to face his best friend, a furious scowl on his face. "Seven hells, Theon!"

"Don't let me stop you! I love good entertainment, and she was trained in the brothel," Theon smirked as he glanced past Robb at Hazelyn, her dark hair wild and lips swollen. Robb opened his mouth to tell the ironborn to fuck off, but before he could speak, Hazelyn whipped out of the stall. A loud smack filled the air as she slapped his friend across the face.

"I am not a whore Theon Greyjoy," she hissed, "And it might be a better damn show then you've ever had, but only one man gets to see it." Robb briskly followed his wife out of the stall to prevent anything from escalating between Hazelyn and Theon. He tensed when Theon clutched his jaw, an angry look in his eye. He was about to say something when Hazelyn moved quickly again and planted her lips on his in brief kiss. Withdrawing just as swiftly, she said, "Maester Luwin needs my help this afternoon, so I'll see you at supper." Both men stared in shock as she then turned on heel and flounced away.

After she'd rounded the corner, Robb glanced at Theon. He glared at Robb, a large red mark on his cheek. "You married a real bitch, Stark," he growled.

Not able to contain himself, Robb let out a hearty laugh. For a second time, his wife had put Theon in his place. He shook his head and grinned, despite his friend's ire. "God's I love that woman."

"So why are we sneaking out?" Myna asked with a frown.

Hazelyn raised a brow as she slipped out of her silk gown. "You're the girl who used to always drag me down to the village tavern when I was trapped beneath the thumb of the most vicious prick in all of Westeros. Now you're cautious?"

"I'm always up for an adventure," Myna shrugged, "But the other noble families will start arriving any day for your "wedding". I just don't think Lady Stark would take kindly to her good daughter sneaking off into town," she cautioned as she offered her friend a rough spun dress.

"That's exactly why I want to go tonight, before soldiers start to fill up the inns and I have to sip tea with ladies from every Northern family," Hazelyn emphasized as she stepped into the garment and pulled her arms through the sleeves. "Can you do up the laces?" She turned away from Myna and swept her hair over her shoulder.

The days until the fake wedding had sped by after Hazelyn had started helping Maester Luwin and she was beginning to feel content again. With less than a week to go before the ceremony, it wouldn't be long until she truly took her place as Robb's wife. She also had Myna back, Arya and Bran seemed comfortable with her again, and some of the servants had grown used to her, their suspicions abated somewhat.

But, there was one person whom Hazelyn still wanted to settle things with personally. She'd not been able to make it down to Winter Town since her identity had come to light, and she wanted thank Ros properly for the friendship she'd shown her when she'd first arrived in the Stark lands. A noble woman being friends with a whore might seem ridiculous, and there were few things Hazelyn wanted less than to risk losing respect... But she did not wish for the Ros's good deeds to go unnoticed. Just as she would not forget injustice, she would neither forget great kindness. She didn't know when or if she'd ever get the chance to see Ros again, so she had to see her now.

Hazelyn grimaced as her breath was suddenly forced from her lungs in a woosh, her entire torso aching from the stiff bodice. "Myna, do you really have to pull the laces that tightly?"

"What?" The blonde maid asked with a bemused expression. "I didn't do them up any tighter than I normally do."

Hazelyn pursed her lips skeptically. It had been over a year since Myna had last tended to her. They were bound to have some readjusting pains. "Just loosen them some."

After Myna's quick fingers finished their task, Hazelyn dug to the bottom of her trunk and pulled out her old, simple cloak.

Myna squinted her brown eyes as Hazelyn draped the garment across her shoulders and pulled up the hood. "Alright, where are we going? Because you never use a cloak unless you really don't want to get caught."

"You best put yours on too. I can't have you catching a chill," Hazelyn mysteriously smiled at her friend.

"Or have people see my blonde hair," Myna shot back, her brow raised knowingly. Hazelyn chuckled in response.

It was surprisingly easy for two girls to slip out the castle gates when they appeared of no merit. The evening shadows had stretched out over the landscape by the time the pair entered the quiet streets of Winter Town. As they passed the tavern, Hazelyn remembered the night she'd been tossed out of her job. That evening she walked the same road towards the brothel, ready to become a whore rather than return to her father. It had also been the first night she met Robb. She smiled slightly. If only she'd known what that brief meeting would lead to.

"Are we going to the tavern, Zel!?" Myna exclaimed with excitement. Hazelyn bit her lip in amusement. The blonde maid had always been a little too fond of the nights they stole away to the village tavern with Darren.

Unlike her two friends, Myna could not only drink men twice her size under the table, but she could befriend them just as easily, thriving like a flower among all kinds of people. It was plain to anyone who went out with her for a night of fun, that Myna greatly enjoyed those outings.

"No," the high born girl laughed. "Come on, it's just a bit further."

"Damn, and I was looking forward to you ordering a pint from that batty innkeeper and telling her that she fired a lady!" Myna quipped with a mischievous smirk.

Hazelyn rolled her eyes. "Aye! It'd be hilarious until Lady Catelyn found out I'd gone out drinking and blew my secret to all of Winter Town. She'd then murder me in my sleep." She tugged her hood down further over her face just for good measure. While she was enjoying this last rebellious outing with Myna, she would prefer not to get caught. Because if she did, her aunt and good mother would finally find something to agree on: their wrath towards her for ruining their carefully crafted plans.

Hazelyn very well knew that sneaking out at all and revealing her secret to just one more person was a risk, but she felt she owed her friend the truth. And not that she'd ever admit it, but she also wanted to feel one last rush of rebellious freedom before she had to become a proper lady wife in earnest. After her conversation with Robb in the stables, some strange and heavy feeling had come over her and she needed to relieve it.

"I already promised I'd defend you from that old she beast," Myna grinned as she kept pace with Hazelyn's brisk stride.

"Of course you would," Hazelyn retorted sarcastically, scrunching her nose before glancing back at the road. She smiled as they finally came upon the house she'd been looking for. It glimmered like a beacon in the darkness. Loud, lewd noises pouring out through it's walls, indicated business was quite good tonight. "Here we are!"

"We're going to a brothel?!" Myna blinked at Hazelyn. "I don't know what you're thinking of-" she then gasped suddenly, reaching for Hazelyn's hand and pulling her to an abrupt stop, looking hilariously horrified. "Are you going looking for bedroom tips" she whispered out, eyes so wide that it was difficult to tell if she were joking, or truly appalled.

Hazelyn's lips twitched and her brow furrowed slightly. "I told you that I worked in this brothel for a short time and that I made a friend here," she replied, feeling Myna's hand relax. "I wanted to see her, say hello perhaps for the last time."

"Oh thank the gods," Myna rushed out. "I don't know what I'd have done if you brought me out here for that," she mumbled, fiddling with her bear pendant uncomfortably.

Hazel rolled her eyes, tugging her friend forward towards the brothel.

"Oi, I'm not going in there!" Myna protested suddenly, jerking her hand from Hazelyn's.

Hazelyn sighed, stopping the two once again, a sudden guilt rising within her. She knew that despite all of Myna's bravado, teasing of lads, and usual boldness, places like this could be a sore spot, even though she did not wish to show it. She hid all her insecurities with jokes.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before hand. I knew that if you found out, you'd talk me out of it. But I think you'll really like Ros... She was a true friend to me when I needed it," Hazelyn gently said. Myna gave a tight smile, unease finally breaking through the joyful mask she'd had on just moments before. "Myna, if not for her, I wouldn't have gotten a serving job at Winterfell. She's far more than just a sally, and all the girls in there... They're actually very kind, they just fell on bad times, or they couldn't get into a trade, or lost their family...or their family discarded them like garbage," she murmured quietly.

Myna stared intently at Hazelyn for a long moment, fiddling with her bear necklace. She narrowed her brown eyes slightly before letting out a long breath. "Fine," she grumbled, "But we're not staying for long."

"Thank you," Hazelyn smiled and took her friend's hand again, giving it a firm squeeze before pulling her through the brothel door. Ignoring the calls and stares from waiting patrons, Hazelyn approached the desk and pulled her hood back slightly. "Hi Mary," she greeted quietly. "Is Ros entertaining?"

"Well well." The woman smiled brightly. "Your lucky night!" she exclaimed. "She's freed up."

As had become the usual routine whenever Hazelyn visited Ros, Mary took the girls to the small private parlor in the back.

Hazelyn let her hood fall from her head entirely when the door shut behind them, smiling as she spotted Ros at a tiny table by the hearth, sorting through coins and writing down numbers in a ledger. Her smile grew a bit more when she glanced back to see Myna's eyes widen in surprise. "Is she doing sums?" The blonde asked.

"A brothel is a business like any other, and someone has to keep track of the payments and expenses," Ros said in a matter-of-fact way as she glanced up and rose from her chair. She returned Hazelyn's bright smile as she walked over to greet her visitors, extending her arms to bring Hazelyn into a light embrace. "Hazel, luv! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me" she joked lightly.

"Never," Hazelyn laughed. Myna watched the whole display with a suspicious pout, a spark of jealously in her eye, her fingers still frantically playing with her necklace.

"And you've brought a friend," Ros studied Myna with intrigued green eyes, not at all put off by the younger woman's standoffish demeanor.

"Ros, this is my best friend, Myna," Hazelyn grabbed Myna's hand and squeezed it. "Myna, this is Ros," she nodded. Myna pursed her lips and stepped more into the room.

"It's a pleasure," Ros said warmly. She extended a hand to Myna, who after hesitating, took it in a brief shake. "Well, I have some ale if you girls would like to sit down," Ros gestured to a couple of worn chairs by the small hearth. Placing full cups in their hands, she sat across from the pair and studied Hazelyn with a surprisingly serious frown. "I'm actually glad you came Hazel, because I've been hearing the most outlandish rumors from the castle about a Botlon girl for the last few weeks. I was gettin' worried! So maybe you can shed some light on what really happened between Lord Robb, this lady, and you."

So shed light Hazelyn did. While she didn't tell her about Ramsay of course, Hazelyn told to Ros every other part of her story, Myna quietly listening. When Hazelyn had finally finished, Ros regarded her with only solemn scrutiny.

Hazelyn fidgeted nervously with her skirt as the red head's green eyes narrowed slightly and her full lips pursed. She knew she had damaged so many relationships with her lies, and wondered if Ros's name would be added to the list.

Slowly, the redhead nodded and spoke. "I knew there was something different about you, I just never wanted to prod about your past. I can't honestly say I'm surprised."

"I'm sorry I lied," Hazelyn said earnestly.

Ros simply frowned sympathetically. "I understand better than most the desire to leave a bad past behind, not wanting to look back."

"But how is that a good thing if you leave people who love you behind? That hurts them," Myna spoke up in harsh tone, though her eyes betrayed pain and even more jealousy.

Moving her gentle gaze to Myna, Ros responded sagely, "Sometimes you have to leave loved ones behind to protect them. But I'm glad Hazel was fortunate enough to have a friend with the loyalty to not let her go. That's a rare treasure that occurs only once a life time."

Glancing at Hazelyn, Ros raised her cup. "To loyal friends." Hazelyn grinned at Myna's astonished face. She could only recall a few times in their whole lives Myna had been rendered speechless. "To my loyal friend and sister," Hazelyn raised her cup toward Myna and nudged her.

Blinking slowly as she came out of her daze, a small smile formed on Myna 's lips. She then grasped her cup and touched it to Hazelyn's. "To loyal friends." All three woman drank and much to Hazelyn 's relief and joy, Myna loosened up and the evening turned to lighter topics.

"So now that I'm in on your little secret, how'd you enjoy your first romp in the sheets, with young Lord Robb no less?" Ros grinned wickedly at Hazelyn.

Flushing in embarrassment, Hazelyn stared at her feet as she murmured, "It wasn't too bad."

"Wasn't too bad!?" Myna barked out a laugh. Smirking, she leaned towards Ros and whispered loudly, "As someone forced to witness her bedding, I can say from the sounds she was making that she either enjoyed it much more than she claims, or someone let loose a barn animal into the bedroom."

Both women giggled as Hazelyn narrowed her eyes at the blonde. I'm going to kill her she thought darkly to herself. Finishing off her second cup of ale in one last swig, she yawned loudly. "Well, I think we best get back to the keep before Lady Stark hunts me down." She smiled at Ros sincerely. "Thank you, for understanding so much, and if you need anything in the future..."

"I'll just send a message with Theon," Ros quipped. The trio shared a hearty laugh at the Greyjoy's expense, bid final farewells, and then rose to leave. But as Hazelyn raised herself from her chair, a sudden spell of dizziness seized her senses. With her vision blurring, she would have stumbled to the floor had Myna not caught her.

"I didn't realize ya couldn't hold your cups very well, luv," Roe said in concern.

"But she isn't such a light weight normally," Myna frowned. "Usually gets through three cups before she starts to keel over. You alright, Zel?"

"Aye," Hazelyn breathed out, rubbing her forehead as she sighed in frustration. "I've just felt a bit off lately."

"How so?" Ros asked curiously.

Hazelyn bit her lip, shrugging. "I've just been sore and jumpy," she thrn wrinkled her nose in digust. "And gods, I can't stomach the stench of beef now either. I feel like my stomach is always churning, especially at daybreak." She'd considered asking for Luwin for something to help with nausea, but he'd probably just write it off as nerves for the ceremony coming up. "It's just nerves," she repeated aloud.

"Luv," Ros gazed at Hazelyn with concern. "I've seen this before and I think it might be more serious than that."

And cut! I wonder how that conversation ended...Thank you all so much for reading. You are beautiful people, so never change! Please leave a review if you can and hopefully I'll see you all in a few weeks! And we should get an appearance from some Northern and maybe Riverlands nobles next chapter, so if you want see someone in particular, let me know!;-)