Replies to reviews:

DarylDixon'sLover [chapter 54]: It won't get that far ;)

BigWilly526 [chapter 54]: Sadly, true. At this point, ideas were mainly for the sequel so chapter 54 is more or less a filler, a long one, chapter. We just needed a heavy blow against the Starks.

Wright [chapter 54]: They will acknowledge their deaths in a scene coming up. Ygritte is torn in her decision, she loves Jon dearly and she needs some time to think about the next steps. She won't get that far ;) And true! But for Gendry, it feels like he has lost that maternal link all over again and he doesn't know how to process it but the wake-up call from Jon should have an effect. I certainly don't care about Cersei. I love the actress but the character can burn in hell lol. Lyanna has lost so much, people seem to forget that she's a child at the end of the day, I thought showing her slight weakness to Jorah was needed. Ned and Mya were of end game material even though we haven't had a look into their relationship, haha. It also makes sense since Dorne and Storm's End are pretty close so she won't feel alone if she got with Ned. Ned and Sansa were never going to be a thing and I think having it confirmed that he and Jon are cousins, she sees Ned in a different light - like a best friend/cousin and he sees that in her too. Sadly no, he is just nothingness. I'm in tears even thinking about how there could be a twist but unlike his brothers, Rickon doesn't have a body to come back to. There's nothing the 3ER nor Lord of Light can do for him. Going to miss our Little Lord - innocent and adorable.

daspeedforce [chapter 54]: True but she hoped her love for him since they were 15-17, forgot which age lol, would prove strong. At first, she was happy at Winterfell, liking that she could train the next generation of female fighters but after her traumatic ordeal with Euron and Theon, she feels like she failed Jon so she isn't made out to be his wife. She needs someone to see it from her view and in this chapter, we will see if they do. Baby Benjen and Lydia must stay at Winterfell regardless as new threats can arise so no, she won't be able to take them beyond the Wall as that is the Crown Prince and Winterfell's Princess. They need proper protection.

Anime Princess [chapter 54]: Unlike Ned, Ygritte tells Jon she is taking the twins. Glad you spotted the symmetry! As it has happened before, this time the Starks will know how to deal with it better. Ygritte will never go as far as kidnapping her own children from their father who could protect them far more better than she could. Especially as he has the power to call upon Houses to look for her. It won't get that far with the hostility though but there is an unposted chapter called 'what if' which makes their marriage slightly more hostile over her recent confession. But I've scrapped that, we already have a few hurt relationships, we don't need more. Ygritte was fine with being Queen and she enjoyed the lifestyle but after recent events with Euron and Theon, she feels guilt that Theon died for her and then she couldn't protect Winterfell. To her, she isn't being selfish for wanting her husband to put her and their children first as opposed to his siblings and the Seven Kingdoms but even though she has accepted that fact, she is selfish for wanting to leave in the first place even if for a month or so. Exactly, she would break his heart. He hasn't had the best of relationships with his children, having missed out on a lot of their lives before and after they were born (he returned from visiting Dany with Robb when they were three months old and with recent events, with them turning one very soon) so he will feel upset that she is taking them for a while where he doesn't get to see them grow.

Greyandmint [chapter 54]: You will see what happens next below :)

*I have no idea about coronations and how they work and I'm not about to binge watch GoT again with all this studying I have to do so, you'll have to make do with the vagueness. Enjoy!*

Hope you enjoy the final chapter! It's been a long journey made within just over three months and I've had fun! The sequel probably won't be up until next week because things at university right now are hectic as hell. Thank you all for the support and the advice and the chapters you contributed in. Now without further ado, here is where the Kings in the North say goodbye for the Kings of Winter to say hello.


Through the halls of the castle, screams of labour were heard. Inside the chambers, they came from, Grand Maester Lorin and handmaidens encouraged Talisa.

In all honesty, she was terrified. She never got this far with the first pregnancy, that had been taken away from her. Now, she wasn't allowed to have Robb with her. Or was she?

But he was the King. Were Kings allowed to bear witness to childbirth? She couldn't remember or she didn't know.

"I want my husband," she said to Lorin. "You're a man and you are here!"

"He is allowed to be in here," Lorin confirmed. "He's the King."

"Then, why isn't he in here?" Talisa moaned.

Lorin's lips curled into a small smile. "He is very frantic outside. I'm afraid he is in no position to calm you through this."

"Tell him to get over it and get me through this," she snapped.

The Grand Maester let out a laugh, instructing a handmaiden to inform one of the Princesses to tell their brother to get over his emotions. The Volantian Queen needed her husband.

"So, are we expecting a little prince or a princess?" Lorin asked her. "What did Prince Bran say?"

Talisa let out a faint smile, the sweat dripping down from her forehead as she replied, "A prince. We have a name very fitting for him."

"Very well, my Queen. You will need to start pushing soon."

"I can't, not without Robb."

"Don't worry, His Grace will be here before you do," Lorin promised her. "Let all your fears leave your mind, you are strong."

Talisa nodded. "I am strong," she said. "I can do this."

After a while, Robb finally entered, taking his place by her side on the bed. He kissed her head and took a cloth from one of the handmaidens, beginning to wipe the sweat from his wife's head.

"Sorry, I took a while," he said into her ear.

"The next time you do, I won't be so forgiving," his wife replied lightly. "They said you were frantic outside."

"Jon set me right," he told her. "Although he missed his own children's births, he didn't want me to miss our own child's birth. I'm calm now, don't you worry and soon we will have our son in our arms."

Talisa leant up and kissed him. "I think I need to push," she whispered. "I feel him coming."

Lorin looked up, nodding. "It's time."

...

Ygritte let herself into Sansa's chambers where Arya was sat on the ground playing with the twins and Little Cat. Sansa occupied herself by stitching a dress of some kind.

"This is where you ladies disappeared off to, whilst our goodsister screams the castle down," Ygritte said earning a laugh from Arya. Even Sansa cracked a smile.

She took a seat on the ground, handing a toy over to Lydia with a bright smile.

"Jon told us," Sansa suddenly said, halting her stitching. "About you wanting to go."

Ygritte sighed heavily. "I just need some time. I'll be back."

"You'd let him miss his children's first nameday?" Sansa retorted. "You can't be selfish, Ygritte."

Arya nodded. "I understand where you're coming from but you are a queen. Your husband and his brother rule over the Seven Kingdoms. You can't just decide to up and leave."

"Glad to know what you both think about that," Ygritte mumbled.

"It's how things happen over the Wall," Arya said. "A woman leaves her home to go and marry some rich noble across the realms. A wife gives up her life for her husband. Sad but true and when Gendry forgives me and stops being an arse, we will go to the Stormlands with our babe. I will leave the home I've known all my life, done it before."

"Hmm," Ygritte replied. "You're right."

"We are," Sansa said. "I'm sorry you feel this way but Jon needs you more now than ever."

Ygritte didn't reply, taking to bringing her children closer to her frame. She kissed both of their heads and smiled when they giggled at her in response. She couldn't believe how big they had got and now they will be one in less than two weeks.

"Deal with it, Ygritte. You love Jon so banish all thoughts of leaving," Arya told her. "You belong in Winterfell."

"Winterfell is your home and we're your family," Sansa added. "Now, do you think Lydia will love this as a nameday present?" She asked, lifting up the dress she was stitching.

Ygritte beamed. "It's beautiful. The furs are really fitting for her."

Sansa smiled, standing up to join them on the floor. "I took some inspiration from the Free Folk around. Just so she doesn't lose her connection to her maternal side."

"Thank you. I will think long and hard about this," the older woman replied. "You both are right - I am the problem, not Jon. I just need to think about where we stand."

"Good. I will get started on a matching item of clothing for Baby Benjen and-" Sansa was cut off by Arya.

"I believe our new nephew has arrived," Arya said, noticing the lack of screams of labour and in its place, loud wailing.

"You know what that means?" Sansa asked the little children. "You have a new cousin!"

...

Outside in the courtyard, the Knights of the Wintersguard - old and new alike - stood in a circle, their swords directed to the fire raging before them in the pit.

"Today we stand here to remember our fallen Knights. Ser Poderick Payne, Ser Warrick Danehood and Prince Rickon Stark," Brienne called out. "Ser Poderick used to be my squire, he was a very good squire and under my guidance, a very good Knight."

Jaime nodded. "He was. A brave man to the end and he learnt a lot which built him for the better."

His betrothed smiled gratefully at his way before continuing with, "Indeed he was. Ser Warrick... well, Ser Tormund do you mind?"

"Not at all," Tormund replied, heaviness in his voice. "Danehood and I lived beyond the Wall for many years. A man to be trusted, he never asked second questions and did as told. He had the heart and strength of a mammoth - I swore he could warg. Cunt never did reveal if he could." The man smiled sadly. "He was a good lad. That's all."

"Thank you," Brienne gave him a smile. "And finally, last but not forgotten... Prince Rickon Stark."

"May I say a few words?" Jaime asked.

Brienne nodded. "Of course."

"I didn't know Prince Rickon well enough as I knew his siblings," Jaime began. "But he was the youngest Kingsguard appointed in History and words gets by fairly quickly. It was hard to ignore the fact that a boy not even thirteen could fight. I apologise, a man. He was braver than I could ever be at his age."

"Thank you for your words," Brienne told him, a hand on his arm to comfort her as opposed to him. "He looked up to many people but his brothers said he learnt his strength from me. I could never imagine having anyone look up to me after years of..." She shook her head, it wasn't about her. "Rickon was sweet and pure for this world but he was very skilled. He was the Valiant Wolf."

"The Valiant Wolf," the others chorused, raising their swords. "Shall he live on after death."

The flames of the fire roared and Brienne's eyes cast down towards it. They sprung with unshed tears but she let out a small smile. At least the boy was reunited with his parents and other deceased relatives. He was a lost soul who had been found.

He found his purpose, he found his older siblings, he found love even. But with death, he found peace.

"May you have peace after death," Brienne mouthed to the flames, her hand being squeezed by Jaime's. "Sleep well, Little Lord."

She swore she heard the sound of a howl. And it wasn't from the four direwolves at the castle. It was from the skies.

Brienne didn't bother stopping nor wipe the tears which now flowed down her cheeks.

He heard their farewells.

...

He was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The Mother from the Faith of the Seven had allowed her to have another chance to be a mother and now that her precious son was here, Talisa couldn't keep her eyes off him.

He was smaller than most babes but he made up for it with his beautiful, ginger locks which stole the hearts of the wetnurses and handmaidens. Most of all, the heart of his father. His father who Talisa had finally managed to get him to take a bath after the stressful day they had.

She had begun labour since the morn, finally giving birth by the afternoon. Now, it was the eve and not once did she leave her son's side. She couldn't bring herself to, not even for a minute.

Sansa had come and gone, expressing the same emotions when she gave birth to Little Cat. She too had not wanted the little Princess to leave her side after she was born.

Arya had also visited, cooing over the new babe before endless tears erupted from her eyes. She was upset, emotional and she hated feeling that way. Talisa had told her it was because of the pregnancy - her emotions would be all over the place. She also told the younger woman that Gendry would soon see through his silly ways and return to her.

After Arya had gone, Talisa was back to being alone with her new babe. She had dismissed the wetnurses for a few hours, hoping to spend the time to bond with her babe. This time, she won't have anyone take him away from her.

A knock on the door drew her eyes from her son briefly. Very briefly though as she called out for the person to enter.

It was Ygritte.

The Wildling stalked over to her, looking over the Volantian to see the babe fast asleep, a smile on his face.

"He's handsome," Ygritte told her goodsister.

"Thank you. He and Baby Benjen have similar features. They're both Stark through and through," Talisa replied, one of her fingers tracing her son's cheek. "We decided on Edwyle, from what Bran told us when he took Jon to his vision."

"It suits him very well," Ygritte said. "I am guessing Stark ancestors bore the name?"

Talisa beamed. "Indeed. It is very fitting for a future King as well. Prince Edwyle, First Son of King Robb First of His Name."

Ygritte sighed and left Talisa's side to sit down on the chair. She looked at the wine on the table, contemplating whether she should take a sip or not.

"I heard about your plans to leave," Talisa brought up. "Jon didn't seem happy when he came to express his congratulations earlier. Robb had to claw the information out of him."

"Doesn't anybody understand that I will return? You're making it seem as if I'm going beyond the Wall forever," Ygritte replied, suddenly feeling a sprout of anger coursing through her body. "I just want to go home and feel me again before I return. Then, I can be able to be a better Queen for Jon and a better mother. Free Folk meant being free, hence, the name."

Talisa frowned. "I'm sorry for bringing it up but I must ask, why must you take the babes? Their nameday is in two weeks and they really should celebrate that at their home, Winterfell."

"Then I won't take them!" Ygritte cried out. "I'm their mother, why is everyone acting as if he as their father must only have a say?"

"He's one of the Kings of the Seven Kingdoms," Talisa gently explained. "Of course his words matter more than yours."

Tears sprung to Ygritte's eyes. "I thought you of all people would have understood."

"I've known Robb just as long as you've known Jon," Talisa said. "I had time to already be a Queen and leave Volantis. We have to give up part of ourselves for the greater good."

"There's a difference though. Most would rather another Southern Queen or even one from the North but not the North where I come from. They'd take a Volantian over a Wildling. I need every doubt that I have right now in my head gone so doing this will mayhaps even save my marriage."

"Have you told Jon that?"

Ygritte nodded. "I have in other words. He doesn't understand though. I don't think he will either. I'm not going to do what his father did, I will never do that to him."

Talisa left her sleeping babe's side to sit down beside Ygritte, taking the other woman's hand and squeezing it.

"A woman, disregarding whether they are a queen or not, must sacrifice for her husband," Talisa said.

"I know that."

"Even if it means pushing your feelings to the very bottom, never to be retrieved again."

"But won't I grow to resent my husband? As Cersei resented Robert. Sansa told me about them." Ygritte frowned.

Talisa nodded. "I won't lie, that does happen should your husband give you a reason to resent him. Taking up a lover, saying another woman's name in your marital bed, being abused by him... Jon is a good man, and I don't see him doing any of those horrible things to you so you won't grow to resent him. You may resent this castle but not him. If your love is strong enough, you will leave your Wildling life for good. Are you prepared to give that part of you up for Jon?"

The tears that laid unshed in Ygritte's eyes finally slipped down her cheeks and she nodded mutely, Talisa's grip tightening on her hand in comfort.

"Well, Sansa has already been teaching me how to speak like a Southern Lady," she replied quietly.

"Now it's time to act like a Queen."

Their conversation was disturbed by Tormund who let himself into the new babe's chambers.

"My Queens, forgive me for the intrusion. His Grace, King Robb requested that I personally stood guard in the new Prince's chambers. Lady Brienne takes Princess Catelyn's bedchambers and Lord Reed, the twins'," he announced.

Both Queens frowned. "Why?" They asked.

"The Kings are increasing watch on the children. Lady Ashara may still have conspirators even after the Lannister woman's death," he explained.

"They're not taking any chances," Talisa realised. "Of course."

"So," Tormund said, standing by the door. "What were yer ladies talkin' about?"

Talisa looked down at her and Ygritte's entwined hands, giving the woman a questioning glance before the Wildling nodded.

"He already has heard the brunt of most of my doubts," she told the Volantian. "It's nothin' new to him."

Talisa nodded, turning to Tormund. "Her Grace, Queen Ygritte has decided to stay and be a Queen. She's leaving her Wildling ways behind, Ser Tormund - I mean no offence. I'm sure the Wildling ways are very lovely-"

"Ah! No offence was taken, my Queen," Tormund replied. "Well, I don't blame yer, Ygritte. You are a Queen now. One of the Southerners-"

"Northerners," both women corrected, making them laugh.

"Well, you're South of the Wall," Tormund said. "Might as well act like one, it is safer for you." His face then became serious. "I too have sacrificed my home to serve our Kings. I believe Jon and King Robb can truly make a better place for us to live in - united as one. Peacefully... If that means serving them in this castle called Winterfell, I will. Over and over again. And anyway, I get to have a warm bed in a nice bedchamber with a lovely view outside. Do you have a lovely view, Ygritte?"

Ygritte laughed, nodding. "I do. Very different to beyond the Wall but it is quite beautiful, Tormund," she admitted. "And yes, the beds are warm. This castle was built atop hot springs, I've heard!"

"Then why are yer so desperate to leave back beyond that bloody Wall? It's warmer and safer here," Tormund told her.

"Stop complaining, I've already decided to stay!" Ygritte cried out. "Or else, I'll slit your throat."

Tormund smirked. "With what-"

His words were cut off by a blade at his neck and Talisa gasping in surprise. She wondered how the woman moved so quickly from the bed to the Wildling man.

"Seven Hells," the Volantian breathed out.

Ygritte laughed, putting her knife away in a concealed place in her skirts. "I've been learning from Arya. Just as she has learned from me."

"Well then, forgive me, my Queen," Tormund said, grinning. "Forgive me indeed."

...

Two weeks later, everybody found themselves busy with preparing the celebrations and feasts for Baby Benjen and Lydia's first nameday. All except Ygritte who stood in front of Rickon's shrine.

"Little Lord," she greeted. "It's your niece and nephew's first nameday. They miss you - we all do."

Something in her expected an answer but she knew she wouldn't get one. He was her brother just as much as he was the Starks'. If not by blood, through marriage and she cared for him. Taught him how to use a bow and arrow. She had hoped he'd do the same for her children.

"It hurts that you're not here. I can't call you Little Lord, I can't teach you how to hunt and use your bow and arrow I got you for your twelfth nameday... These past weeks have been hard, I would admit that. You can probably hear that I speak differently, more proper. Like a Southerner. Only a little though. I am a Queen in training, the smallfolk like to tease me. Sansa's doing a good job with helping me..."

She trailed off, sighing heavily. She shook her head and began to walk towards the exit. She didn't think she was allowed to be there anyway. The crypts were meant for the Starks through blood only.

When she stepped out, she saw Jon and Robb speaking jovially as they watched the servants prepare for the first tourney they were hosting which would take place on their Coronation Day. Apparently, it took ages to create one.

With a champion with child, Brienne was Winterfell's only contender and Ygritte pursed her lips in thought. She hadn't heard that kings and queens couldn't compete in the tourneys.

"Your Graces," she called out, running over to them with her hands picking her skirts up. When she reached them, she dropped her skirts and released her breath. "I'd like to put my name in for your second female champion. I'm just as good as Arya, mayhaps even better than her."

Robb began to laugh. "Better than Arya?" He asked. "Are you-"

He was cut off by Ygritte who had her dagger aimed at his heart.

"I've done this many times with men who doubt me," she said. "Not that I'd cause any harm to you..." She grinned, watching the guards who drew their weapons at her. She concealed her dagger again. "I can ride a horse, engage in combat with a sword, I obviously know archery. I can learn how to do the axe-throwing, Lady Brienne said she would teach me and-"

"You can't, you're a Queen," Jon told her. "Princes can compete but not the Queen." He then went on to explain, "Tournies are associated with knighthood. Mayhaps Rickon would have entered."

"Arya-"

Robb winced. "Arya's a very skilled fighter and well, it was her idea. It would have been horrible if we denied her what she wanted. It's an Andal thing, Ygritte."

Ygritte rolled her eyes. "Well, you can change the rules."

"Tournies have happened for many years, it would be strange to change the rules. Although it would be a first to have a princess compete... However, Arya isn't competing. I can't believe our father thought they were frivolous, pointless mock fighting."

Jon hummed under his breath. "Well, they are."

"It must be my Southern side shining through then," Robb replied, laughing. "What can I say? Arya had me convinced."

"Then, what will I do?" Ygritte asked the men.

"You will observe the events with Talisa by our sides," Jon replied. "I'm sorry."

Ygritte nodded but Jon could tell that she was annoyed, especially when she gave him a polite but false smile. She simply curtseyed as Sansa had taught her to do much to their amusement.

"I hope the preparations for our children's nameday are going well," she said. "Seems as if the tourney is taking precedence?" She liked the new word Sansa had told her, made her seem precedent. Was that how she could use it?

"Oh, the nameday preparations? They're going smoothly," Robb dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry, all you have to do is turn up and smile. Or will you run away before then?"

She glared at him but before she could say something, she bit her tongue. The wolves were blunt, she would give them that. But she was still here, wasn't she? Why were they still reminding her and punishing her for wanting to be herself for a short while?

"Excuse me," she said quietly, walking off. She couldn't deny, she felt like running away.

But not to the Wall and beyond, but to the cave where she spent her first night with Jon. Which was well, beyond the Wall... So, yes she wanted to go beyond the Wall.

She hadn't thought about the cave in a long time. But she could remember how he made her felt, the taste of his lips, the feel of his touch and the water they'd been inside.

She turned around to see that they had returned to talking and laughing as if they hadn't just spoken with her mere minutes before.

She couldn't blame them, she wished she could forget herself about everything that had happened the past year.

But she couldn't because the North remembered. Not only that, her marriage had definitely changed.

...

"Daenerys?" Missandei breathed out, her eyes wide with wonder and awe as they laid on the item held by the Dragon Mother.

Even Daenerys was shocked. Shocked to the core as she inspected it to make sure it was real and not make-believe. She could not handle make-believe.

"Something in me was pulled back underneath the castle," she said to Missandei. "Dreams. They led me here."

She rose the lone dragon egg up into the light to inspect it more. It was blue in colour, almost like ice. It was beautiful and tears leaked from her eyes.

"Do you know what it would be? Girl, boy?" Missandei asked.

Daenerys shook her head. "I have no way of knowing until it hatches," she replied, her eyes not leaving the egg. "Tell the men to mine the white dragonglass which it was taken from. I've never seen anything quite like it. I will have to travel to Winterfell sooner so I can have Prince Gendry forge me some gifts for the Kings with it."

"White dragonglass armour?" Missandei suggested. "I'm sure they would adore them."

The Mother of Dragons beamed, sniffling as she nodded. "They will hopefully. Mayhaps, this egg would have hatched so that I can show them the new dragon. Prepare Drogon and Rhaegal as well."

"Of course," Missandei said, about to leave the chambers. "What happens when you have all three dragons?"

"I don't know," Daenerys replied. "Have them chained to the rocks so they can't wander and burn people."

"He will never replace Viserion, you know?" Missandei told her softly. "If that's what you're also thinking about."

Daenerys nodded. "I know. But it feels like home again, with three dragons around me."

"Home feels perfect, Dany," Missandei said. "It feels very perfect."

...

The twin's first nameday was a huge event. The babes had received many gifts which had been checked over before given to the gift pile. No one was taking any chances.

Sansa couldn't deny the uncomfortable atmosphere as she laid on the ground with the babes playing with each other.

First, the nameday babes' parents were arguing about one thing or another so everyone was nervous to speak to them about anything other than Baby Benjen and Lydia in case another argument started.

Secondly, Rickon's lack of presence was definitely felt. Sansa knew the babes didn't understand the meaning of death nor why their favourite uncle no longer came to visit them. She couldn't help but feel saddened about that.

Rickon had been excited about Little Cat's first nameday and then the twins'. He adored the babes and if he could, he would have spent all day with his nieces and nephews - new, future and current.

A tear slipped down Sansa's cheek; Rickon would never meet little Prince Edwyle nor any children any of his siblings had in the future.

"This is supposed to be a happy day; dry the tears Sansa," Arya said, looking up to see Jon and Ygritte speaking to each other under their breaths as they smiled politely at guests as Ned stood by, checking every gift given to them. "Well, sort of a happy day."

"How is it happy if Rickon's not here and Jon and Ygritte can't keep their personal matters as such?" Sansa asked.

"I don't know but we owe it to Baby Benjen and Lydia to make this the best first nameday for them," the assassin replied.

Sansa turned to her niece and nephew, noticing that Mya had joined them and played with Little Cat with Edwyle in her arm. "You are right. We should do the gifts now. That makes people happy."

Each sister picked up a twin and headed over to Jon, Ygritte and Ned. Ned seemed to be relieved that they had come as he had taken the brunt of the snide remarks the couple were making under every fake smile.

"Time for gifts already?" Ned feigned sadness. "I was getting to know the Lords and Ladies that His Grace kindly introduced me to. I never knew how many Dornish nobles wanted me to foster their sons - me, the Sword of the Morning! Sadly, Starfall is one of those unreachable places and ravens rarely found their way there. Huh, I must check how that fares lately."

"Stop talking," Arya said, rolling her eyes. "The twins want their gifts and their parents."

Each parent took their child from Sansa and Arya and led them towards the gift table. As soon as the little children saw the gifts for them, their eyes sparkled.

"Forgive me, I did not have time to get the children any gifts but would you mind having Dornish Wine stored for their first taste?" Ned asked.

"That is in poor taste, Ned," Jon said with a smile. "But I won't reject the offer."

"It's not your nameday, Your Grace," Ned replied, a mischevious glint in his eyes. "Might as well start hunting for the best gift which will beat all the other ones. Oh, and Arya got them knives. Something you definitely shouldn't approve!"

Jon gasped as Ygritte grinned widely.

"Now that is a proper first nameday gift. Thank you, Arya," Ygritte said.

Arya laughed. "You're welcome, Ygritte." And to her brother, "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies, Your Grace."

"You will be happy to know," Sansa quickly cut in, laughing. "I did not get my nephew and niece wine or weapons but simply new clothing. They have the direwolf sigil in white as well as Wildling furs to represent both their parents who should be united and not fighting."

Jon gave his wife an apologetic smile which she returned with a roll of her eyes. Sansa was right. Not always but sometimes she spoke the truth. When she wasn't annoying.

"Ygritte, Benjen and Lydia are both Stark and Wildling. Even though you've given up your ways for them, that doesn't mean they should lose touch of who their mother is," Sansa said before she turned to Jon. "I think you should prepare a visit beyond the Wall, show the twins the other side of their parentage."

Arya agreed. "I'd give anything for Gendry to forgive me before our babe comes - they are both stag and wolf blood and at least you both believe in the Old Gods. Bring them up together, they need you both at your best."

"I once told Arya that I was envious of your love," Sansa continued. "I said your love was beautiful. I told Ygritte it was like fire and ice - she is hot and you are cold. Don't throw that away because of your manipulation over her or your insecurities about being a queen."

"Who said anything about manipulating-" Jon was cut off by his sisters giving him a stern look.

"We're Starks - it's what we do even if it isn't our intent to do so," Arya told him. "Anyway, I'm sure the twins are wanting to open their gifts."

She hung back with Ned and Sansa as the three of them watched the family of four open gifts for the twins. They turned to Ned who blushed when Jon held up a bottle of Dornish Wine.

"Pray tell, how did that get there?!" Ned gasped, feigning innocence. "I have no idea-"

"Oh, shut up Ned!" Arya and Sansa cried out, making him laugh.

"You got me. It was for their parents anyway," he replied, winking at the sisters. "Now, who will join me in a drinking competition with King Robb?"

Both sisters couldn't help but smile.

...

Another fortnight passed and it was now the dawn of the Coronation Day. The Kings had decided to leave the official ceremony until the eve so that the first tourney they hosted was set in the morn.

"Do you have another female contender?" Arya asked her brothers as she entered their solar without knocking. "I can still compete-"

"No," Jon cut her off. "You're with child, you'll be mad to even think about putting your child in harm's way."

Robb nodded in agreement. "We do have another contender in mind so don't worry. Has Gendry spoken to you?"

Arya shook her head sadly, taking a seat at the table. "He's been busy."

"Too busy to talk to his wife?" Jon asked, wondering why his words hadn't got into the stag's head. "Well, then it's his loss. Have you heard that his sister and Ned are to be wed?"

She nodded. "Mya came to ask me for permission to accept Ned's proposal. I don't know why though."

Robb smirked. "She must have thought you and he had something. But it was Sansa he was closer to."

"Or it must have been just a courtesy," Arya snapped, rolling her eyes. "What is it with everyone putting Sansa or me with him? Yes, he's handsome but he is annoying and gets on my nerves. He's an arsehole."

"That's my cousin you're talking about," Jon jested which made her roll her eyes again. "But seriously, you and Gendry must work things out. If not for you both but for your child. Your child is the future heir to Storm's End."

"I know," Arya replied quietly. "I'll try harder but it's not me who is being so stubborn!"

"It will all work out," Robb told her just as the Kings' new squire, Devan Seaworth knocked on the open door. "Yes, Devan?"

Devan quickly bowed, his eyes set on Jon. "Lady Ashara wishes to speak with you, Your Grace."

Jon sighed heavily. It was hard keeping the miraculous 'resurrection' of the Lady Ashara Dayne of Starfall a secret and many Lords and Ladies had been shocked to find out that she was alive and Jon's mother. Others boasted that they knew that Eddard Stark wasn't as honourable as they kept saying he was. Quiet Wolf? Eddard was no quiet wolf, they had jested.

"About what?" Jon asked, not too willing to get up.

"She says it is between her and her son, Your Grace. I don't know, she simply requested that I call upon you," said Devan.

Jon finally relented. "Thank you, Devan. You are dismissed, go and find your parents and brothers. You may have the rest of the day off with pay."

Devan was surprised. He'd never had a day off when he was a squire for Stannis. Much less with pay. He bowed to the brothers and then their sister before hurrying off to find his family.

"That was nice of you," Arya teased her brother. "He looked like he was about to shit his breeches."

"What can I say?" Jon asked, sharing a smile with Robb. "It's a happy day."

Soon, he was sat in front of his mother, wondering why the woman wished to speak with him.

He hadn't visited her once since he ordered for her to live but be imprisoned but that was because he was scared and with his marital woes and children to think about, he couldn't make time for the turncloak before him.

"You called and I came," he said. "What do you want?"

Ashara slowly sipped the wine before her, swirling it with her tongue in her mouth before replying, "You have questions and I have the answers, my son. Ask me anything because this may be the last chance you get."

Jon paused, wondering what the undertone to her words meant. From what he knew already, she was a cryptic woman. There was always another meaning to every word she spoke.

"Why did you side with Cersei to conspire to kill my siblings?" Jon asked firstly.

Ashara gave him an incredulous look. "One night, I left my little boy in his cot. The next morning, he was gone. Years later, I hear he has not one but three brothers and two sisters with whom he is with every single day of his life until he took the Black. Let me ask you something. If your wife took your children beyond the Wall - never to be seen again for decades - would you not want to punish the person who did that, gave them a better life that you didn't even have the chance to?"

"My wife would never take my children away from me," Jon replied easily. "And aye, I would want to hurt her but not the children she has that are not mine. I don't need to entertain your question because my wife is not my father."

"I was hurt, Jon... Eddard killed my big brother, the only brother I had. We already were orphans and with Arthur's death, nothing was the same. I had prepared myself to bring you and your sister, Elia, up myself when you were still in me. I had plans to have you fostered with the Martells. You were going to be the Sword of the Morning. Your future with me was bright. Like dawn."

Jon stilled, his eyes searching hers. He did wonder how his life would be if he was raised by his mother. Being fostered by Prince Doran or Prince Oberyn was not a bad idea either since the Daynes and Martells were good friends as Ashara was Elia Martell's dear friend and handmaiden. He would have been brought up with Ned, they did share the same wetnurse, Willa. Ned wasn't so bad either.

"I would have had your Aunt Allyria by my side, she would have sung you songs and we would have been happy with Ned with us," she said. "Then, I lost Baby Elia and you were taken... I only saught the one thing keeping me alive - revenge and I don't regret it."

"Then why threaten the lives of your grandchildren and their cousin?" Jon asked her.

Ashara sighed heavily. "Collateral damage," she said, earning a horrified glance. But then she smiled wryly. "I jest. I knew they weren't going to be there. I'm not that heartless, my boy."

"I'm not your boy or your son," Jon said quietly.

"You truly are the Quiet Wolf's son," Ashara said solemnly. "Even your mannerisms - you mimic him to a point. It scares me as I genuinely thought you were him and I was seeing the ghost of the man I once fell in love with."

"I'm not my father," Jon snapped. "Everything I knew to be true about him turned out to be false. He took me and he was wrong. You returned, gave me a false name and plotted to have the only family I know killed. Both of you lost the right to call me your child. I am a man grown, I've gone long enough without a parent to know I will never act the way you both did when it comes to my daughter and my son."

Ashara shook her head. "I am your mother, you get many things from me and you just don't realise it. Yes, your father never had darkness around him because you got that from me. People are scared to mutter the Dayne name, they think we're a mystery and they are right. The Swords of the Morning just make the darkness non-existent but I see it in your eyes, Jon. Those eyes are partly mine and they hold so much hate and pain and grief-"

"Stop."

"And they just want to destroy all that's around them," she continued on. "Yes, Cersei is gone but that doesn't mean that anyone who dares challenges the Stark name won't have their heads sliced from their necks. You lie and you manipulate and soon everyone will see this Winter Throne for what it really is. The Starks' playing grounds for more blood, more submission and-"

Jon stood up, the chair making a horrible scratching noise as it was forcibly pushed back.

"You're wrong. I don't know whether you were always this horrible person because I can't believe a word you say - you lie - but I am not you. I am better than you and I won't repeat the sins you and my father committed," he told her. "I thought I could get you to change so we could have a future but I was too naive. Ned, Sansa, Arya and Bran warned me."

She shrugged. "They did. I have a feeling you're going to leave our conversation now." She sipped from her goblet.

Jon didn't even reply, he just walked out, slamming the door behind him. He had long since grown without the need for a mother figure in his life. He never had one, he didn't need one now.

He had to make things right with the one person who has been there through the hard times and the bad. He had to find his wife.

...

Sansa stood up and personally saw to the person knocking on her door. Opening it, she frowned before looking down and seeing Tyrion holding a glass jug of water.

She scowled.

"You're no fun," she told him, letting him inside and closing the door. "Did my brothers forbid you from giving me wine?"

Tyrion winced. "I apologise, my Princess-"

"What did I tell you?" Sansa asked him, joining him at her table. "It's just Sansa."

"Well, just Sansa," he teased her. "Why did you send for me?"

Sansa swallowed deeply, her fingers finding the finished dress she had made for her daughter for the coronation later on. Her fingers traced over the linings.

"I want to talk to you about the night we spent together," she said quietly. "I was drunk, mourning - I'm sorry I used you... I even promised myself and my brothers that I'd never lay with a man after..."

"After Ramsay abused you?" Tyrion asked just as quietly as her words. "I figured as much and if I'm honest, I never laid with any woman since we were married."

Sansa was surprised. More so that she even poured herself a goblet full of water and downed it. Her throat felt very dry.

"So, I was your first since Shae?" She asked him. "Oh."

A ghost of a smile took over her face but it quickly went away as she sat up straighter, flinging her hair from her face.

"We're still married. I spoke to Maester Samwell and Maester Lorin for advice. I even sent a raven to Maester Wolkan who has been acting as the head maester for Castle Black in Samwell's absence," she quickly said. "As we were married under the Seven and I was married to Ramsay under the Old Gods, the rules and different ways mean that I am technically still your wife. We'd need our marriage annulled by a High Septon."

"Seven Hells!" Tyrion cried out, wishing he did bring wine. "I hate to be a downer but there is no High Septon in the North and well, the Great Sept has been burnt down in King's Landing. We could try the Starry Sept-"

"I don't want our marriage annulled, Tyrion," Sansa said. "It makes sense - I have stability and that means my daughter also has that too. You're a good man and you're faithful to my House, to my family."

Tyrion blinked. "Well, I serve your brothers as my Kings but I surely can't allow for their dear sister to be my wife for all eternity. I care for you and Princess Catelyn but I won't prevent you for marrying for love."

"Who needs love when you can have good sex?" Sansa deadpanned which Tyrion was sure would have caused him to choke on air or spit out whatever liquid was in his mouth but his mouth failed him and he merely gaped.

"You jest."

"I won't deny, you're good in bed, I'll give you that," she told him. "I trust you, you're my friend."

"We must tell your brothers."

"After. They did say they're with me whatever I choose and when I'm ready. Our marriage may not be for love, Tyrion but... you make me feel safe. I promise to be a good wife to you - more willing than I was when I was fourteen-"

"You were a child!" Tyrion cried out. "You're talking madness, Sansa. Pardon my outburst but you were a child and right now, you're an untouchable woman."

Sansa raised her eyebrows. "I wasn't untouchable that night in the tent," she whispered.

"You're the... your brothers are the Kings. The Kings to whom I am their Master of Coin. Our relationship is too friendly-"

"As we are married," she cut him off. "Tyrion, it makes sense."

"Sansa..."

"Please, I need you."

In Bran's chambers, he submerged himself with the bath water. Closing his eyes, he felt the warmth and peace of the water.

Then he was pulled into a vision where he saw Sansa and Tyrion's lips meet in a soft but tentative kiss.

His sister's eyes were red and raw from tears and her hands shook as Tyrion calmed them.

"We don't have to, Sansa," Tyrion said gently, leaning his forehead against hers. "I won't do this."

"But I want you to, I need this. I need you." She sobbed.

So the Lannister obliged to her needs, letting himself be used so that she could dull the ache in her heart from losing Rickon.

Bran turned away but he found himself turning back and seeing something that surprised him.

His sister was glowing. A mixture of grey and golden light surrounded her as she laid under the covers with Tyrion's lips on hers.

"Oh gods," Bran breathed out, turning away again.

He could feel another presence in the tent and he turned around, away from the bed, to see a shining white light standing in front of the entrance.

"Who are you?" He asked.

The figure didn't speak but merely wielded a seven-pointed star prayer wheel. With one hand, the figure raised the prayer wheel towards Sansa and Tyrion.

"What are you doing?" Bran asked the figure. "Who are you?"

Then it dawned on him. He could see her clearly. As clear as day, even.

The Mother. The Mother who represented mercy, peace, fertility, and childbirth. Seldom referred to as "the strength of women".

"Do you intend to give both my sisters babes?" He asked, surprised at the deity's presence. "Isn't he infertile?"

The Mother nodded but never said one word to him, waving her prayer wheel around the bed. It felt like forever but the Mother finally finished her mission and disappeared.

The moment she went, Bran was brought back into his bath and emerged from the water with a loud gasp with water spilling out of his nose and ears.

"Bran!"

He turned to see Meera entering his chambers with fresh linens in her arms. She seemed to look surprised at the sudden gasp.

"I hadn't realised you were in there," she told him, placing the linens on the bed so she could get him something to wrap himself in.

"I'm having more visions lately," he said, stepping out of the bath as she covered his modesty. "They're not what I need to see but they are relevant."

"What did you see?" Meera asked him, leading him to the bed so she could give him his clothes. They were his formal wear and his crown laid on the table by some wine.

"I never thought I could see any of the gods in my visions," Bran began. "I saw the Mother from the Faith of the Seven. She was doing something to Sansa."

"The Mother... she represents mercy, peace, fertility, and childbirth," Meera said.

Bran nodded "Indeed. She must have made Tyrion fertile-"

"Tyrion?!" Meera cried out loudly. "Sansa and Tyrion-"

"Keep your voice down, Meera," Bran quickly said, checking the door of his bedchambers. Sansa's own was merely down the hall. "If Jon and Robb find out or even Arya..."

Meera sat down. "You're saying that the Mother made your sister pregnant with Tyrion Lannister's child? Aren't you Starks forbidden to even look upon a Lannister?" She teased lightly.

"It's none of our business anyway. Today is about my older brothers, not my sister," he replied. "Anyway, as my betrothed, I think you may need to wear a dress."

Meera scowled. "Do I have to?"

"You and Arya are truly alike," he said with a smile. "Yes, for the tourney and the coronation. You will be seated by my side during the events but you will be with the other Lords and Ladies at the coronation."

"Where can I find a dress then?"

"Sansa. Good luck and don't tell her I... I can't control my visions, you know that and I already hurt her once when I told her what I could see. I can't let her go through that pain again," he sighed.

Meera kissed him. "Don't worry, I won't say anything. Get dressed, I'll return after."

"Try and get something that matches with me - Sansa will help you."

"Oh, so we're one of those couples?" Meera grinned.

"Is that an issue?"

"Not at all," she replied. "Let's everyone know that this Prince is betrothed." She winked at him.

...

Upon seeing Jon heading down the hallway, Arya quickly stepped into his line of sight.

"I need to talk to you and Robb again."

Jon sighed. "Not now, I have to find Ygritte."

"She's with Talisa. Now, before you go I need to speak to you and Robb. Solar, now."

Jon was stunned but he found himself walking to the solar with Arya right on his tails. He was surprised that she could move quickly even being with child.

Along the way, Robb joined them and the three locked themselves in the solar.

"Well?" Robb asked. "I was getting fitted for-"

"If Gendry and I never... well, if he doesn't forgive me, I need you both to help me with my babe. I can trust you both and they would need you just as much as I need you. You both understand what it means to be a parent and well, I don't so... Promise me you will be there for them should anything happen." She trailed off.

"We can promise that," Robb told her. He remembered promising something along the lines to Sansa with Jon. They'd do anything for their little sisters.

"But you and Gendry will work things out. Soon, Cersei will be a distant memory and the three of you," Jon said, pointing to her stomach. "Will be home at Storm's End very soon."

Arya smiled wryly. "I wished I had the same hope as you both did. I'm glad I'll always have a home here at Winterfell."

"It's not over. Gendry will come around, we both can promise that." Robb assured her. "Now, you better get dressed. The tourney will start soon-"

"Have you found your second female contender? I know I asked already but it's nearly time-"

"We have," Jon cut their sister off. "I was just about to speak to her."

Arya's eyes widened. "Ygritte? Seven Hells, she'll be perfect! Great choice."

"When did we agree on this?" Robb frowned.

Jon turned to him. "We agreed when I realised that I should be encouraging my wife to stay to her true self. She's a Wildling at heart and I've been selfish. Marriage is about compromises."

"Huh," Arya said, surprised. "You're poetic and it sickens me." She feigned releasing her stomach contents.

"You're dismissed, Arya!" Robb laughed when he saw Jon scowling at her.

Arya bowed as best as she could, winking at her brothers cheekily before leaving. But she knew they would get the last laugh - she was wearing a bloody dress. At least she would live vicariously through Ygritte when the Wildling went to compete.

Just as Jon was about to leave, Daenerys appeared with Missandei and Grey Worm behind her, both holding ornate boxes with direwolf sigils.

"I'm glad I caught you both," she said, curtseying.

"There's no need for that," Jon told her. "You're our friend."

Dany gave them a bright smile. "Well, friends, I got you both something. I also need to show you something too."

She first showed them the blue dragon egg which she retrieved from the box that was held by Missandei.

"My new child," she presented to the Kings, holding it out towards them.

The Stark men gasped. Two sets of eyes were transfixed on the shiny egg.

"Congratulations," Jon breathed out.

"We really are sorry about Viserion," Robb added. "I'm glad you have another chance."

Dany blushed. "Thank you." She turned back to Missandei and placed the egg back in the box before turning to Grey Worm and opening the box he held.

She then lifted an armour suit made from white dragonglass and handed it to Robb first. After, she took the other one and gave it to Jon.

"The egg was found where the dragonglass was mined - it had formed white dragonglass which I had forged into armour for you both. The Kings of the Seven Kingdoms now own the only sets of white dragonglass armour," she told them.

"Dany, we can't thank you enough. You shouldn't have," Robb said, admiring the work.

"Gendry did this?" Jon asked her. He realised that this was probably why the stag was busy to talk to his wife - he had to make two sets of armour for her brothers.

She nodded happily. "With Ser Jorah's aid, yes. It has fine craftsmanship. It's like nothing I've ever seen before."

Jon gave her a bright smile. "Thank you. I would stay and talk some more but I really must find my wife."

"Don't let me keep you then," Dany replied.

Soon, Ygritte was getting prepared for the first event she was going to do. She and Jon had come to an agreement - she would only take part in archery, axe-throwing and horse-riding. Brienne would be allowed to also do the melee and jousting.

"Do you need help, Your Grace?" Brienne asked her, gesturing to Ygritte struggling to tie her boots up.

"Can't tie these shits up with my daggers piercing me at all angles," Ygritte said.

Brienne frowned. "You have concealed weapons?"

"I'm not allowed to?"

"No."

"Oh," Ygritte replied, taking thirty-five concealed knives and daggers from her clothing and placing them on the table.

"Why do you even have them? King Jon said you weren't to participate in the melee. Well, not that you're allowed to have secret weapons anyway," Brienne said.

Ygritte shrugged. "You can never be too safe. I'm the Queen, I'm sure some Ladies would love to kill me."

"They can't although men have been known to be killed in tourneys," Brienne admitted.

Ygritte smiled. "Exactly. May not know much about 'em but that I know. Sansa's friend, Malina, is my opponent in all the events I am taking part in."

"I don't know much about her fighting prowess but from what I saw at King's Landing, she is a decent fighter. Not as good as you though, Your Grace," Brienne said.

The Wildling laughed. "Don't be afraid to judge my fighting skills. Let's hurry, they'll start soon."

Back inside the castle, Arya headed upstairs to visit the mysterious Ashara Dayne. She didn't care for the woman but she was intrigued by her. The woman had infiltrated the Stark castle under a false identity for moonturns, feeding the enemy secrets.

She gave Ackerly a nod and entered the bedchambers, sitting down at the table as Ashara stood by the window.

"Hello, Arya," Ashara said, a voice almost a trance for Arya to hear.

"Ashara," Arya replied. "You're wondering why I'm here."

Ashara nodded. "Seeing as though you wanted to slit my throat." She turned around to face the Princess. "You're Jon's favourite."

Arya shrugged, sitting back. "We are close, yes. He has looked after me since I was a babe."

"What about Robb or Sansa?"

"Robb, yes. Sansa, in her own way. Jon and I... we look similar-"

"I've noticed. You can tell you're siblings," Ashara said.

Arya smiled. "He doesn't judge me and he gave me my first sword. The sword I intended to cut your throat with."

Ashara chuckled to herself, taking a seat in front of Arya. She studied the younger woman, how her eyes were the same eyes as Jon's and how they held the same darkness his eyes did. She then glanced down to her stomach.

"I'd say that you are about five moonturns or six? Your wedding night did your marriage justice," Ashara stated. "Or shall I say, it didn't?"

"I'm not here to talk about me or you. I'm here for Jon," Arya told her. "You've hurt my brother and anyone who hurts any of my brothers or sister will pay."

Ashara raised an eyebrow. "I love how your voice doesn't shake when you say that. You're confident, I'll give you that."

"What happened to you - what my father did - does not give you the reason to come after us."

Violet eyes stared intently into grey eyes. Both women didn't break eye contact and Ashara found herself smiling, standing up to head over to the window where two goblets and a pitcher of water were.

She poured the water into the goblets, slipping a drop of something from her tiny vial into the left goblet. Turning around, she faced Arya.

"Water? I found I was thirsty a lot when I was with child," she said, handing the left goblet to Arya. "Out of breath, tired..."

"The joys of being pregnant," Arya replied, sipping her water and placing the goblet down. "Do you care about Jon?"

Ashara sighed heavily. "There is no going back for us. I've accepted that."

"What about his sister - his other sister, I mean full-sister - Elia? Do you care about her?"

Ashara's violet eyes darkened and she swallowed deeply. "Don't say her name. Don't even refer to her-"

"You never got a chance to be a mother to her nor Jon. That must be hard, right? Then the first chance you were reunited with your cousin and your son, you're locked away like a dirty little secret," Arya said. "You can't stand the fact that my father was right in a way. You're sick and twisted and he couldn't let you poison my brother. My sweet, caring, strong brother who is more Stark than Dayne. Father was right, Ashara. Jon was better with us. He has not one but five loving siblings who'd kill for him - can you say the same for you?"

Ashara's heart dropped. "How dare you," she breathed out. "It was by your father's hand my brother, Arthur, died. It was your father who took my son, causing me to want to die. My sister took her own life because she believed that I was gone. So, no, I can't say the same that I have siblings who'd kill for me because your father has their blood on his hands!"

"Seemed to have struck something in you," Arya smirked. "Excuse me, I believe the tourney is about to start."

She stood up and headed towards the door but not before sending one last cocky smile Ashara's way.

"One way or another, I will kill you Ashara," she told the woman before finally leaving, her grey leather dress flowing behind her.

...

"Your two female champions are proving to be relentless," Paxter Redwyne said to the Kings as he was flanked by his aunts, Viola Redwyne and Bethany Rowan. "I am surprised you allowed one of the Queens to compete."

Talisa smiled to herself, watching as Ygritte laughed at something Brienne had said by their tent. The woman was more herself with each passing day after she'd agreed to leave her Wildling side behind.

"Well, the other Queen is a nurse should anything happen," Robb said proudly. He was proud of his wife and goodsister.

"Enjoy the rest of the events, Your Graces," Paxter said, bowing and taking his leave.

"May the odds be in your favour with your four champions," Bethany told them softly with a curtsey, following after Paxter.

Viola gave the brothers a small smile, curtseying. "I for one am glad for the Winter Throne's prevalence. Good riddance to Cersei and Twyin Lannister, those tyrants. Enjoy the events, Your Graces." Then, she left.

Jon watched as Arya appeared and took a seat on Ygritte's throne beside him. "Where have you been? You missed the melee."

"Who won?" She asked her brothers, disregarding Jon's question.

"Lady Brienne," Jon replied. "The jousting for the men is about to begin."

Their male champions were Ser Jaime Lannister after much debate and Ser Tormund. Jaime was one of the realms' best fighters and the Starks weren't surprised when he easily beat his opponent even with one hand. They weren't surprised when Tormund won either.

The melee was next and Sansa had finally joined them, requesting that Lord Tyrion sit by her side. She knew that it would raise questions but she replied to her brothers' questioning gazes with a bright smile.

"I'm guessing the children are watching the puppet shows?" She asked Bran who blushed furiously when he turned to her.

"Yes," he said. "You remember Lady Meera."

Sansa laughed, reaching over him to pat Meera's hand. "How do you fare, my Lady?"

"Wonderful, my Princess," Meera replied. "Thank you for the dress."

"It matches with Bran," Sansa said, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Who won the female's melee?"

"Lady Brienne," Meera told her. "Seems like you and Arya were too busy seeing as you both missed Lady Brienne's win."

She was hushed by Bran patting her knee, a faint blush on his cheeks. She laughed to herself but was surprised that Sansa didn't catch on.

"Where was Arya?" Sansa asked curiously.

"None of your business," Arya called out to her. "Where were you?"

Sansa laughed. "None of your business."

Bran studied his sisters. They laughed and teased each other as Jon and Robb laughed at something Tyrion had told them. They no longer seemed to mind his close proximity to their sister.

He couldn't help but feel upset as they all ceased their conversations to watch Jaime Lannister get on his horse. He could feel the lack of presence in the shape of his younger brother, Rickon, eating at him.

Rickon would always be remembered and never forgotten. Bran was sure that Rickon would have been their first champion. He wasn't the best fighter but he was skilled. Like a true prince, Rickon preferred love over war, words over swords and peace over hate.

The young Prince had been trained by the greats and he even fought beside them but sometimes, he needed to be away from the war. He was their Little Lord.

"What are you thinking about?" Meera asked Bran, squeezing his hand as her father's own hand landed on her shoulder gently. She looked up and gave Howland a smile.

"Rickon," Bran admitted. "He would have been one of our champions. I don't think he would have won but he would have tried and that is all that counts."

Meera nodded. "Do you think he's here? Can you sense him?"

Bran smiled at her. "I feel him, our parents, dead family members everywhere. I even feel the presence of Torrhen Stark."

"It must be nice to feel them," Meera said softly. "I wish I could feel my mother and Jojen - the two people I'd love at our wedding."

"We need to set a date-"

"I could make a dress for you!" Sansa said, cutting into their conversation. "I'll take ideas from your people."

Meera blushed. "My people?"

"The Crannogmen," Sansa reiterated. "I like to work around the person - let them be who they are."

Meera stared at Sansa in surprise and slight gratitude. "Thank you. Although we are in the North, some still are hostile against us but with my marriage to Bran, they will see that we are just as North as the rest of you."

"Don't forget Wildlings," Jon said, failing to pretend that he wasn't listening in on their conversation too. "About the date - how about two weeks from now?"

"Gives us enough time to prepare for another tourney! Great idea, Jon!" Arya grinned.

Robb rolled his eyes. "Oh gods," he muttered. "This one was bloody expensive as it was."

"Mayhaps, I can help with that," Tyrion suggested.

"Don't you entertain the idea, Lord Tyrion!" Jon told him. "How about we continue watching the events?"

Talisa nodded. "I see that it is the women's archery. Her Grace, Queen Ygritte will surely show these women how it's done."

Her husband and Jon turned to her in thanks, she grinning back at them in reply as they all turned their attention to Ygritte preparing to shoot her targets.

Everyone except Jon waited on the edges of their seats, watching Ygritte's every move. She sent a small smile to Jon before releasing her first arrow into the centre of the target. She didn't even have to look to see whether or not she made the mark.

No one cheered prematurely as she prepared her next arrow. She closed one eye and licked the bottom of her lip before aiming at the next target and releasing her arrow.

Dead centre.

She quickly smiled but she didn't want to get ahead of herself for the last target. She could see Malina's wide eyes watching her every move as well as everyone else.

Time to show these Southerners what this Wildling Queen is made of.

She prepared the last arrow and aimed it at the last target. Taking a deep breath, her finger released the arrow and it flew.

She looked down, hearing the sound of the arrow hitting the target and soon the eruption of cheers sounded.

Laughing, she turned to see her family all standing up as well as every spectator. Dead centre once again.

"Now she is the best archer, I've ever seen!" She heard a Southern Lord call out.

"Where was she in the War of the Five Kings? Robb Stark surely would have won!" Another Lord but from the North said.

"I bet she can singlehandedly destroy a whole army with her arrows," Malina whispered to Brienne. "Well played, Your Grace," she told Ygritte.

Ygritte bowed. "Your turn, my Lady."

Malina smiled brightly, retrieving her bow and quiver from her squire as Ygritte handed Mya her own set.

"You have definitely won, my Queen," Mya said, helping Ygritte with her armour.

"I don't celebrate prematurely, Princess Mya," Ygritte replied. "I'm doing this for pleasure, not to win."

"It may even be that it's been made for you to win," Mya told her.

Ygritte frowned. "I like to play fair. I don't need a crown on my husband's head to show people what I'm made of. Should Lady Malina prove to be a suitable contender, she may win."

Mya beamed. "Now this is why you are King Jon's Queen. You care about other people-"

"Not always," Ygritte confessed. "Right, we should pay my opponent the respect she deserves by watching her."

The two women joined Brienne and watched as Malina shot three arrows just shy of the centre. Everyone cheered but it wasn't as loud as the applause Ygritte had.

The Queen personally went up to Malina and hugged her. "You did well," she said into the woman's ear.

Blushing, Malina nodded and curtseyed before the royal family and left to join the other female contenders.

Brienne did not get decent shots in archery but she did with the axe-throwing event. Ygritte had struggled slightly and her shots were off the centre of the targets each time. Malina had managed to get one in the centre of a target.

Jaime Lannister had won three events out of the three he could take part in as he couldn't do the archery nor axe-throwing. Tormund had won the axe-throwing, archery, melee and jousting but had lost the horse-riding. Jaime had made up for the one he lost.

Ygritte had won all her events except horse-riding and Brienne had won all except archery.

With all the fighting events over, the results were being tallied by Samwell Tarly and Grand Maester Lorin to declare the female winner and male winner. Sarella was helping them, holding the Winter Roses crown and circlet to give to the winners to pass onto whoever they wished.

As the results were being tallied, a stage performance was being shown. It was about the Battle of the Bastards and Jon couldn't help but roll his eyes much to his family's amusement.

"I'm beginning to wonder why I didn't put my name for the events," Ned said, pouting slightly when he saw the fun the contenders were having. "I'm not Arthur but I am good with two swords."

"Stop whining," Arya said, rolling her eyes. "You're sitting with the Kings, drinking the best wines, eating the best food..." She trailed off, feeling slightly breathless so she waved her hand to get her point across.

Ned smirked. "You're right. But I would have loved to show Jaime Lannister what I can do with a greatsword - with one hand behind my back."

"Oh, Ned!" Sansa breathed out, making him laugh. "Don't tease him!"

"He can't hear me from here."

Soon, the performance was cut short to crown the female winner first. Grand Maester Lorin cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention as Sarella stood beside him with the Crown of Winter Roses.

"I declare Lady Brienne of House Tarth, the female champion of the Seven Kingdoms," Lorin announced.

Brienne gasped in surprise and Ygritte hugged her.

"I knew I wouldn't win," the Queen whispered into the Lady Commander's ear. "Congratulations, you deserve it. Now go and crown your King of Love and Beauty."

Brienne laughed. "I believe it's King of Strength and Beauty. Your husband and his brother had it changed to suit a crowned male."

After a short conversation with Ygritte, Brienne joined Lorin and took the crown from Sarella.

She then turned around and crowned Jaime as the King of Strength and Beauty. It was no surprise to anyone as everyone applauded.

"Wench," Jaime said under his breath as the applause deafened them.

"Kingslayer," Brienne responded in kind, a smile on her lips.

"You've lost me the chance of winning," he replied.

She laughed. "You weren't that good."

Lorin cleared his throat, turning to see Sam standing beside him with the circlet.

"I declare Ser Tormund of House Gianstbane, the male champion of the Seven Kingdoms!" He announced.

Tormund roared with laughter, receiving handshakes from many contenders including the women. Ygritte gave his shoulder a playful smack.

"Who are you crowning the Queen of Love and Beauty?" She asked him.

"I would crown you," Tormund began to say. "But you're Snow's already and our Wildling Queen."

"Then who?"

In the royal seats, Ned pushed himself into the seat between the two Stark sisters. "If I competed, I'd crowned one of you the Queen of Love and Beauty. Arya, to annoy Waters and Sansa, to keep up the rumours that we're together."

Arya and Sansa shared a nod before both of them hit Ned on his arms.

"Ladies!" He cried out, making Robb and Jon laugh along with everyone else around them. "I-I mean Princesses. You both hit hard, ow."

Sansa looked up to see Tormund making his way over to her, the crown gripped in his hand. He turned to Tyrion and gave it to him.

"I heard your conversation. You should crown her for me," he told the Imp of Casterly Rock.

Sansa looked around at the faces of her siblings. There was no hiding it now and their curious glances made it impossible for her to keep quiet. Bran just looked uncomfortable and she deduced that his Greensight told him.

"Lord Tyrion and I are still married under the laws of the Faith of the Seven. Earlier, we decided to remain married if it is approved by you both of course," she said to her brothers.

Bran opened his mouth, so desperate to let the couple and his brothers know that very soon, a new babe will be in the family. He didn't know how to tell them without making them uncomfortable. He will bring it up with Sansa privately.

Robb was the first to break out of his shock. "If... that's what you want."

"You'll need to renew your vows," Jon added, making her relieved that both of them approved. "More for you both than everyone else. But are you certain?"

Sansa nodded. "I was fourteen when we first got married, a child. Tyrion never hurt me, he respected me and all these years later... apart from our family, there's no one else I trust more than I trust Tyrion. We will move to Casterly Rock with Little Cat."

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Arya asked this time, a nervous hand on her stomach.

Sansa let out a small chuckle. "Yes! I... love him." She turned to Tyrion and took his hand. "Well, husband, I've told them. Have you got anything to say?"

"Only that I intend to make you the happiest woman in the whole Seven Kingdoms," he said.

"Just remember, Lord Tyrion," Arya began. "Sansa is from a pack of wolves. We don't trust nor forgive so easily and should you hurt her, I will do the same to you as I did to your sister."

Tyrion gasped, quickly placing the crown on his wife's head and turning his attention away. He knew what she could do.

And everyone else did too with the way their lips curled into amused smiles.

The Starks were truly a wolf pack.

...

"Are you ready, brother?" Robb asked Jon as they stood before the doors of the Great Hall.

On the other side, their wives waited for them to walk them down the aisle. They would pass many Lords and Ladies of the Seven Kingdoms as well as their siblings and their partners.

"Rickon should have been here," Jon said quietly, receiving a sad nod.

"He is here. In spirit as are our late family members," Robb replied. "I know it is scary but this is a chance to make a better place for our children. We've loved and we've lost but what matters is that we still have our family to lean on."

Jon cleared his throat, giving Robb a firm nod. "I'm ready."

Brienne and Tormund opened the doors and Robb and Jon walked in, side by side.

They each lifted an arm and their wives responded by linking their own arms with theirs, continuing to walk down the aisle to Lorin and their new thrones.

Arya shared a smile with Sansa and they turned to look at Bran who was watching their older brothers with a proud smile on his face. They could tell he was itching to be by Meera's side. They didn't blame him, they missed their respective husbands.

The Assassin Princess looked to her side where Gendry stood beside Ned and Edric at the first row of spectators. His eyes met hers and he quickly looked away with a blush that slightly hurt her.

When they reached the end, Ygritte and Talisa left their sides and stood beside the rest of the Stark siblings. Both Kings knelt before Lorin in front of their thrones.

"This eve, we are all present to witness the crowning of Their Graces, King Robb and King Jon of House Stark..." Lorin began.

Both Jon and Robb tuned out his words. Jon couldn't stop thinking about whether he wanted this or not. It was truly official now, more real than ever. Robb couldn't stop thinking about whether they'd make good kings or not. The last time he tried, he hadn't been successful. There were times when he swore he heard the whispers of Cowardly King thrown about but he hoped he heard wrong.

Jon could feel the air becoming hotter and he wanted nothing more than to loosen the collar of his grey, leather suit. Why did Sansa have to make it so tight? Or was he just imagining the tightness?

Robb swallowed deeply, also feeling quite lightheaded. He glanced down at his matching grey suit and wondered how long Sansa had taken to make it. She was a quick stitcher, he'd give her that and she was far better than Arya ever was but their younger sister made up for that in her fighting skills.

Both brothers were snapped out of their reverie when Lorin picked up a Winter crown and walked towards Robb.

"I, Grand Maester Lorin Noare, crown you as King Robb of the Houses Stark and Tully the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

Lorin then placed the crown securely onto Robb's head and stepped back, a proud smile on the old man's face. He then took the other crown and stepped towards Jon.

"And I also crown you as King Jon of the Houses Stark and Dayne the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

He put the crown securely onto Jon's head and the raven-haired man shivered slightly. The feeling was strange but he welcomed it after his eyes met Robb's. They gave each other a subtle nod in assurance.

Lorin then turned to Talisa and she walked up to Robb and knelt beside him. She gave him a bright smile which he returned just as happily.

"May I also present Queen Talisa of Houses Maegyr and House Stark, wife of King Robb and..." Lorin trailed off, watching as Ygritte ceremoniously knelt beside Jon. "Queen Ygritte of House Stark, wife of King Jon." He lightly shrugged, he didn't think she had any last name but she was definitely a Stark now.

The four of them then stood and turned around as everyone applauded.

Then the chants began, "Young Wolf! White Wolf!" And some even called out for their Queens, much to the surprise of the Stark wives. "Volantian Queen! Wildling Queen!"

The applauds and chants increased when the brothers sat down on their thrones, the ice crystalising to signify the start of the Winter Reign. The Stark dynasty.

Forget the fire, it was all about the ice.

Arya beamed but her smile soon disappeared when she felt something drop from her nose. Touching it and bringing it to her line of sight, she saw that it was blood.

She looked up in shock and saw Ashara by the doors, a smile on her face as she pulled her hood up and walked away.

Arya tried to speak and she gripped onto Sansa's arm tightly, gaining her older sister's attention.

The red-haired sister screamed causing the rest of the Starks and even the people present to turn to the sisters.

"Arya!" Jon cried out, he and Robb getting up from their thrones.

"What happened?!" Robb yelled.

"Guard the doors!" Davos called out to the Wintersguards.

The blood was now spilling from her ears and she fell to the ground, gasping for air.

Her vision was leaving and she swore she could see her precious Gendry in front of her as she laid on the ground.

"Arya! Don't do this to me," she heard him say. Was it him who said that?

She swallowed, tasting the metallic taste of the blood down her throat as she turned in the direction of her brothers.

"Promise me. Jon, Robb, promise me," she struggled to get out. She then took Jon's hand or who she thought was Jon. She couldn't see him. "Ash..."

That was all he needed for the realisation to dawn on his face. He turned to Bran who was too stunned to do anything. Another sibling he'd failed to warn.

Jon arose and walked up to the Wintersguards who were shielding Arya from the prying eyes of their guests.

"Ashara Dayne," Jon said, his voice breaking as his eyes met Ned's determined ones. "I want her head."

"Forget them," Ned said, withdrawing Dawn. "I'll give it to you, cousin. She will pay for this, I promise." The man gave him a firm nod and walked away, Brienne letting him leave.

Jon looked back down at his sister whose eyes had closed, Gendry crying over her.

He should have let Arya kill Ashara.


Notes for this chapter:

(1) Prince Edwyle is born to Robb and Talisa.

(2) The twins have a first nameday where their parents argue before being chastised by Sansa and Arya.

(3) Jon and Ashara have a hostile conversation, leading to Ashara also having one with Arya which has damning consequences.

(4) Jon and Ygritte reunite with the Wildling Queen being able to compete in the tourney.

(5) Sansa and Tyrion decide to remain married and their marriage is accepted by her brothers.

(6) Jaime is crowned King of Strength and Beauty by Brienne and Sansa is crowned Queen of Love and Beauty by Tormund through Tyrion.

(7) Robb and Jon are crowned as Kings.

(8) Jon wants his mother killed for hurting Arya.

We've finally reached the end. Hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the sequel.