Daenerys continued to work earnestly while spending time with her family. For starring, she left some politicians angry and envious, for her ideas and the privileged position she had with Eddard Stark, the president relied heavily on the advice of the daughter-in-law. She would not calm down if she could defend herself and respond to the discussions with her co-workers, which left them with even more anger at her. But Daenerys was not going to let it make her give up.

A letter came from Robb and Roslin inviting them once more to go to Winterfell. Daenerys didn't hesitate to accept, leaving her work under the care of Tyrion, who was now her good friend.

The whole Stark family reunited in their old home, with the exception of Eddard, since he was very busy with work.

Catelyn, Bran, and Rickon left him to meet the rest of the family. The boys were excited that they were about to enter the army. Lady Stark's heart was fearful again, especially since her two sons would leave for the Free Cities in Essos for a special mission. As much as it had been with Robb, Rickon and Bran had never been far, far less to take the risks of soldiers.

Sansa had the idea of a ball, so that her brothers could enjoy the family company and have some fun.

"Will we have many guests?" Daenerys asked her sister-in-law.

"Only the usual people," Sansa replied, "our main allies."

"And Arya and Gendry are coming?" Dany was excited to see another sister-in-law.

"They'll come, but they may be a little late because of her pregnancy," Sansa imagined.

Preparations continued in full swing as the children of the family talked to their younger uncles.

"Do you know anything about the army?" Jaeherys asked Bran "Well, you must know something so you cannot join the army without knowing anything about it."

"My father and uncle Jon told you what it is, isn't it Uncle Bran?" Walder said.

"Yeah," Bran laughed as he stroked his nephew's hair. "We're never going to know exactly what it's like until we're there, but we can imagine what it's going to be like. We will have to be brave and try hard."

"Father and Mother sometimes tell us a few things," Jaeherys said, "but just the funny stories your friends told when they lit the fire at night."

"It's the best kind of story a soldier can tell," Bran replied.

"I'd rather be an intendant than be a soldier," Walder declared, and his cousin began to argue with him.

Bran stopped paying attention when noticing that someone had arrived. Meera Reed was looking everywhere in search for him.

"Meera" Bran called and went to her "are you here for the ball? It's too early yet."

"No, I came to see you," she replied. "I want to tell you I'm not coming to the ball."

"No, but why?" He can not help but be annoyed. "I know you don't like this kind of event, but you're a Reed, and your father and brother will be there. Besides, if you feel uncomfortable, I'll keep you company."

"I have to confess that you convinced me," Meera had to say.

"You mean you're coming?" Bran tried.

"I'll still think about it," Meera promised.

She said goodbye to him, her heart a little tight. Bran and Meera had been close friends since childhood and knew each other very well, even developing a secret love for each other. And as much as Meera didn't like dances so much, she knew it was one of the last chances to see him before he left for Essos. Bran was afraid he would not be able to tell her before he left. He just hoped Meera would come to the Ball. That would be a good sign.

"Bran" Rickon has arrived and his brother has returned to reality "the boys are insisting to train sword fighting with them. Is everything okay, my brother?"

Bran shrugged. "I was just thinking about the ball."

"There's nothing to it," Rickon countered, "it's just another ball in Winterfell, with the same people, and we're dealing with it."

"Do you fear Lyanna Mormont will come to you again?" Bran folded his arms.

"She's just annoying," Rickon agreed, "but nothing I can't handle."

"I trust you." His brother wrapped an arm over his shoulder.

The boys watched the courtyard for a few seconds. How they would miss their home. But the ball was the perfect opportunity to enjoy the family company.