The king's upcoming visit was all anyone spoke about for the next few weeks. All of Winterfell was thrilled that such an event was happening and they were all ready to show the regal nobility of the North. Beth Cassel and Jeyne Poole were as excited as Sansa about the possibility of a betrothal to the crown prince. The girls had been giggling and planning out a grand future for their lady and Sansa had been indulgent. But, while she was thrilled at the prospect of ruling the seven kingdoms as a gracious queen, she was apprehensive of the idea of marrying a stranger. What would the prince be like? Would he be the gallant knight of her storybooks? Would he be kind and gentle? Or would he be a spoiled, indulgent boy, who may grow into an impatient, cruel man? She was worried but was determined not to let her fears color her first interactions with the royal family.
Ever since that day that Sansa had been told of her possible future, her mother and father both had stepped in to take over some of her lessons. Septa Mordane had seemed quite chastised the next time Sansa had seen her and had apologized for her harsh words. Sansa had taken an odd enjoyment by insisting that Mordane had apologized to Arya as well. The look on the septa's face when she had tendered her apology had been sour, but Sansa had been happy. Ever since she and her sister had gotten closer, Sansa had been ashamed of her previous actions. She had made it clear to all now that there would be no pleasing the Lady Sansa by treating Lady Arya wrongly. Beth and Jeyne had needed a quick, firm correction, but they had fallen in line eventually. Jeyne still wasn't very kind to Arya, but Beth had found a common connection with the younger Stark daughter.
But now Sansa had been removed from her normal lessons. Her mother now oversaw the majority of her training. Sansa followed her around as she fulfilled her duties as Lady of Winterfell. She saw how her mother took the time to learn all the names of the servants in the keep as well as the townspeople. She witnessed herself how much it endeared her mother, who had come to Winterfell as a southron stranger, to the North and it's people. Sansa hoped that she would be able to emulate that behavior as queen. And twice a week, Sansa would now join Lord Eddard and Robb in his solar to discuss matters of the land. Robb had originally been a bit sour welcoming her into his private time with his father, learning how to be a proper lord, but had since lightened up and accepted Sansa's place. If she were to truly be the queen of the seven kingdoms, she would need to know how to rule.
But this afternoon was one where both she and her older brother were free to do as they will. Both of their parents were occupied with preparations for the upcoming royal visit, and all the children were allowed time off to spend together. They sought refuge in the Godswood, taking the time to get to know the newest additions to the Stark family. The wolf pups were scampering around the fallen leaves and light snowdrifts while the Stark siblings taught them little tricks. Sansa was thrilled that her sweet little grey pup, Lady, had been the first to hold out her little paw to shake on command. Already so proper and obedient!
Now, Sansa reclined on the dry root and closed her eyes, relishing in the sliver of sunlight that hit her face. She could feel the heat from the sun and the warm bundle of fur in her lap, despite the snow beneath her. She allowed her fingers to brush through the pup's fur as it lazily napped on her. The boys were below and Jon was staring into the reflection in the pools below with a dissatisfied frown.
"Why is your mother so dead set on us getting all pretty for the king?" he grumbled, raising a hand to touch his cherished black curls. Sansa and Arya both chuckled, knowing that it would obviously be Jon who was the most upset that all the boys were to be shorn. Everyone was getting ready for the visit. Sansa had sewn herself and Arya new gowns for the welcome banquet.
"It's for the queen, I bet," Theon chimed in. "I hear she's a sleek bit of mink." His boyish grin split his face and Sansa rolled her eyes, returning her attention to the sunlight.
Even with her eyes closed, she could hear the anger in Robb's voice. "I hear the prince is a right royal prick." She opened her eyes and met his gaze. He looked away guiltily, "Sorry, Sansa."
But Theon did not pick up on the guilt. "Think of all those southern girls he gets to stab with his right royal prick!" Robb shot him a look, but before he could snap at the squid, there was a great splash. Sansa and Arya both shrieked, escaping the flood of warm water that splashed over the roots of the weirwood tree.
"Snow!" Theon gasped accusatorily as he breached the surface of the warm pool, sputtering in shock. The girls and younger Stark boys squealed in laughter as Robb looked on with a smug grin. He reached out a hand and helped the Ironborn out of the pool, though he was still soaked to the bone.
"Serves you right," Robb laughed, slapping Jon on the back proudly. "Ser Jon, always defending our sister's honor!" Sansa laughed, and threw her cape to help the dripping Theon.
As they walked back to the keep, Sansa found herself walking beside her brother. Robb had insisted she take his cape instead to warn against the chill that was creeping in as the sun was sinking in the sky.
"Did you really hear that, Robb?" she whispered, not wanting to attract the attention of her other siblings as they chased the pups ahead of them. When he turned to her and raised an eyebrow in question, she clarified. "About the prince? Being a..." she trailed off, not quite wanting to utter the direct quote.
Robb groaned. "I'm sorry, Sansa. I didn't mean to say that in front of you-"
"No!" she interrupted. "I want to know! I've heard nothing about any of them. What do you know?"
"I've only heard rumors, Sansa. Only that he's been spoiled by the queen. That he looks just like her and she's given him everything that he's ever wanted. That he's her little darling and can do no wrong. That he doesn't take much after the king. That he's Lannister, through and through. That's all."
Sansa twisted her lips, trying to process that information. She hated this feeling of not knowing who it was that she might be promised to. They continued to walk and they soon reached the keep. Sansa gave Robb his cloak back with a kiss on the cheek in thanks before she collected Lady up in her arms and headed off to bed.