TLR

Kailyah stepped into the Godswood as the sun broke over the forest, her breath stopping in her chest. Power flooded the clearing, the bloodred leaves of the Weirwood tree shivering slightly, though there was no wind. The air itself had gone still.

"Hello, little Raven." Kailyahs head turned slowly, feeling like she was moving through water. There was a lag to everything around her, the only thing moving as it should being the onyx feathered Raven as it flew down, settling on her bare shoulder, its sharp talons digging in slightly.

"I've been looking for you."

"I am not a being that comes when called. I am constant. I am everywhere."

"Except with me."

"I am always with you, my child."

"I've been calling you, begging for help."

"I have given you all you need."

"You've given me the future and told me to fix it. I don't know how to stop a war."

"Wars come and go. They are always, as always as life and birth and death."

"I don't know how to change things."

"Your very existence has changed much. You will change more."

"How?"

"Every choice you make shapes the future."

"Should I let Bran fall?"

"Is that what you wish?"

"Does he need to fall to be your heir?"

"You are the heir."

"But he was the Three Eyed Raven, last time."

"He was a vassal. I am knowledge, I am infinite. My disciples will seek the truth, and I will lead them to it."

"But what about Bran? What will happen to him?"

"That is for you to decide, my child. Will he serve you better as a boy or as a cripple?"

"His visions, his Warging. Aren't they important?"

"He is a Stark, he is blood of the first men. Being without me will not change that." Kailyah frowned slightly, and the Raven fluttered his wings. "I came to warn you, my child."

"Warn me?"

"I will bring you knowledge once more, my child. There are obstacles in your path, things you must know. I will come to you when you sleep."

"Has something changed?"

"Change is constant. You will see. I will be with you, little Raven. As always." There was a flutter, a flap of wings, and when Kailyah blinked, the Raven was gone, and the world was as it was before.

"Do you worship the old gods, princess?" Kailyah jumped slightly from where she stood, turning away from the white face carved into the old tree. The Princess was a vision in the godswood, snow white skin in a crimson dress that matched the blood red leaves of the godswood. Ned stood behind her in his dark leathers and furs to fight the chill in the crisp northern air.

"I was raised to worship The Seven. I can not deny that there is something… powerful here though."

"The old gods are powerful indeed, if forgotten by many."

"I can't imagine how, in a place like this. It is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"We have a small godswood in the capitol, but it's not the same."

"Do you visit it often?"

"No, most don't even know about it. And it doesn't have- what do you call it? A heart tree? Weirwood? I found it when I was exploring, it was a good place to hide from my guards."

"You hid from your guards?"

"I still do. I do not enjoy having someone trail after me day and night. I abandoned Ser Ivan by the stables today." Kailyahs lips quirked up and Ned chuckled.

"Will your family come looking for you?"

"I've been slipping my guards since I was five, they've gotten used to it by now. I don't know why Father still bothers."

"Fathers worry."

"He doesn't. Mother does." Kailyah chucked, before pausing as something cold and wet touched her cheek. She touched it, curious, and watched a fluffy white snowflake dissolve into water on her fingertips.

"It's summer." Kailyah murmured, eyebrows furrowing.

"It's just a summer flurry. The snow will melt as it hits the ground, it won't last long." Ned chuckled.

"It's beautiful." The Princess decided, smiling at him. "I've never seen snow before."

"You will see quite a bit, should you stay a while." Ned said, watching her carefully. Kailyah hummed, staring upwards as the snowflakes swirled to the ground, catching on her raven hair and crimson gown.

"I wouldn't mind, seeing more of it."

TLR

"Sister!" Jasper beamed at her as she walked into the training yard, while the men around him scrambled to bow. "I was wondering if you were going to join us."

"I wasn't going to miss this. Joffrey hasn't had a new opponent in ages." Kailyah smiled, coming to stand next to her twin and bowing her head at the men gathered around Robb. "My lords."

"Good morning, princess." Robb greeted.

"Please, call me Kailyah." The raven haired girl offered, before turning back to watch her brother spar with Brandon. He was holding his own, and they seemed like they'd been at it for a while. Joffrey was cocky with a sword, as all young boys were, but he spent far more time practicing with his crossbow than the sword, and struggled with remembering the proper forms and footwork. Despite that, he'd spent enough time with Jasper that he could manage. Bran was good, especially considering he was three years younger than Joffrey. His technique was good, and he parried Joffery's blows, but when he attacked, he was using the same three moves over and over again, likely the only drills he'd been taught so far. His form while he did them was near perfect, unlike Joff's, who was throwing in attack's he'd picked up from Jasper or Jaime, but not taught to do them properly yet. "How's he doing?"

"Well enough." Jasper shrugged, watching Joff carefully. "He needs to practice more, his footworks sloppy, and Brandon's going to notice sooner or later."

"He prefers his crossbow, you know that."

"He's the opposite of Bran, then." Robb jumped in. "He's been trying to get his hands on a sword since his second name day, but trying to get him to practice with a bow is like pulling teeth."

"I understand that." Jasper chuckled, sharing a grin with Robb, before narrowing his eyes at his brother. "Too far, Joff-" His warning came too late, and Joff overextended, stabbing towards Bran's shoulder. Brandon was able to turn to avoid it, turning and smacking the flat of his training sword onto Joff's arm, making him drop his own sword. The Northernman broke into cheers, and Kailyah joined them, keeping an eye on her brother. "He needs practice." Jasper sighed, and Kailyah shrugged delicately.

"He does, but you and Jaime have been too busy to practice with him."

"The knights or the weapon's Maester can-"

"He doesn't respect them like he does you, he won't listen. He will for Ser Barriston, but he can't be with Joff all the time." Kailyah noticed Joffrey's face reddening as Robb and Theon lifted Brandon on their shoulders, parading him around the grounds, and his fists clenching around the hilt of his training sword. "Well done, boys!" She called, just loud enough that he would hear her over the cheers of the Northernmen. Joffrey turned at the sound of her voice, and his shoulders loosened when he found his siblings waiting for him. "You did well, Joff." Kailyah promised when he made his way over to them, his spine straight but an annoyed scowl painted across his face.

"I lost."

"You did well recognizing Brandon's patterns. We just need to work on technique." Jasper promised, squeezing his shoulder. "Get up early with me tomorrow, we'll work on it. You'll avenge yourself in no time."

"Alright." Joffrey agreed easily, though his mullish little frown didn't disappear, so Kailyah leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"Bran struggles with archery. Why don't you show them how good you are?" The thought put a smile back on his face, and by the time Brandon's brothers set him on his feet, Joffrey was there with a handshake and a respectful 'well fought.' The two boy's soon ran off towards the targets, and Jasper turned back to his twin as Robb and Theon rejoined them.

"Up for a spar, Kai?"

"Not today, but I may join you tomorrow. I'm waiting for Arya, I promised her an archery contest, but I'm afraid I may have got her in trouble. Your mother wanted to speak with her before she joined me." Robb chuckled, but Theon perked up slightly.

"You shoot, princess?" Theon asked.

"Kai was one of the best, until she got lazy." Jasper mocked, and his twin rolled her eyes, bumping her shoulder against his.

"I did not 'get lazy'. I used to shoot often, before I discovered and fell in love with throwing knives. I'm afraid I'm out of practice."

"Well if you'd like a warm up, I'd be happy to join you." Theon offered, a touch flirtatious, but there was an eagerness in his eyes that seemed genuine.

"Theon is one of the best archers in the North." Robb boasted, clapping his friend on Theon's shoulder proudly. The tips of Theon's ears flushed pink, but his spine straightened proudly.

"Then I'd be honored, Lord Theon."

"Please, princess, call me Theon." Theon offered her his arm, and Kailyah took it, walking with him after her brother and Bran.

"Then you must call me Kailyah." They talked idly until they reached the targets, arriving just in time to see Joffery release his arrow, hitting dead center on his target. He lit up, propping his crossbow on his shoulder and turning to watch Brandon string his bow, taking a slightly sloppy stance and aiming. His arrow flew, arching high and landing just inside the outermost circle. Theon winced, excusing himself quickly and rushing over to help the dejected boy, correcting his stance and encouraging to try again, while Kailyah sent her far-too-smug-to-be-socially-acceptable brother a look. He smoothed his face out as Theon stepped back and Bran released his arrow, congratulating the boy when it slammed into the target, just outside the middle ring. After giving the boy a few pointers, Theon returned to Kailyah's side, showing her where to get a bow and quiver of arrows.

"You're good with him." Kailyah commented as they claimed a couple targets a little ways away from the boys.

"He's a good lad." Theon smiled slightly, testing the tension on his wire.

"He looks up to you." Theon shook his head a bit and Kailyah smiled, keeping her tone sincere but nonchalant. "He does. I've seen Joff and Tommen look at Jasper the same way a thousand times."

"We're not- blood." Theon said awkwardly, glancing at her.

"That's the funny thing about kids. They don't give a rat's ass about blood." Theon choked on a laugh, and Kailyah joined him, shaking her head. "Please don't tell my mother I said that, she'd have a heart attack. I'd have to endure etiquette lessons all over again."

"A terrible fate, the way Arya tells it." Theon chortled. "I'll spare you that terrible fate, princess, if only to save my own skin. I can't imagine what your father will do if he thinks I've corrupted his daughter." His easy smile remained, but Kailyah could see a hint of fear. She wondered if anyone noticed how he felt, with the man who ordered the execution of his brothers, who could order his own any minute, living in the same castle as him.

"My father does love to blame other people for someone else's actions. When in doubt, blame the Lannisters, Father will believe you every time." Theon's eyes darted about, looking for anyone who might've heard, and Kailyah shook her head, knocking her arrow and pulling the string back, aiming at her target. "Besides, I believe Lord Stark, and his son, would defend you. Jasper and I would too."

"Why?" Theon asked warily, doing the same. Kailyah released her string, and moment's later, her arrow slammed dead center into her target. A second later, Theon's did the same.

"Because we dont believe a child should suffer for their father's actions."

TLR

"It's beautiful." Kailyah decided, glancing around as Robb finished tying their horses to a nearby branch.

"It's not as exciting as King's Landing, I'm sure, but it's home." Robb said, walking over to stand at her side. He'd asked her to go riding with him that morning, and lead her through the Godswood into the forest, Grey Wind trotting along at his side.

"I suppose once you've lived somewhere long enough, you stop seeing the beauty in it."

"Aye. What is King's Landing like?"

"Loud, busy. We aren't often allowed to wander far from the Keep, not that it's ever stopped me. I used to sneak out of the Keep and go down to the Market. It's amazing, the stalls are full of food, silks and jewels, and you can walk along the docks to see all of the ships. I used to slip my guard and escape through the tunnels beneath the Keep."

"I see you haven't exactly grown out of that habit." Robb chuckled, glancing around exaggeratedly at her lack of guard. He'd found her that morning down in the kennels, spoiling the Direwolves relentlessly, with Greywind sprawled over her lap. "Aren't they going to be looking for you?"

"They're used to it. I don't enjoy being followed every moment of the day, and I can handle myself."

"I've noticed. You are rather impressive with your daggers. Where'd you learn?"

"My Uncle, mostly. I had to beg him to teach me, but I think it was worth it."

"Why did you want to learn? You're a Princess, and provided you stay with your guard, I'd think you'd be well protected."

"Kings Landing is a snake pit, Robb. Terrible things happen there, and relying on others to keep you safe ends in a painful death and a shallow grave."

"Your guards wouldn't let anyone-"

"Terrible things happen to Princesses, even with guards. During raids and wars, they're often the first ones to abandon you. Even when they don't, what happens when they fall? Elia Martell had a legion of guards, and it didn't save her." Robb remained quiet, meeting her eyes steadily. "My family has done terrible things, Robb, and they have made a lot of enemies. Targaryen loyalists want us dead because my father took the throne, My grandfather has allies that will turn on us in an instant if they thought they could get away with it, and then there are people who simply want to kill a Princess, whether it's for the glory or power or just for the fun of it. My being a Princess isn't guaranteed protection, I learned that when I was poisoned at four."

"You were poisoned?"

"Mhm, I barely survived. When I woke I realized I couldn't depend on others to protect me, I had to depend on myself."

"That's a bit terrifying."

"That's life. I went to my Uncle Jaime. Mother will never allow me to carry a sword, but daggers and throwing knives? I haven't missed since I was twelve."

TLR

When Kailyah opened her eyes, she was standing before the Weirwood tree, barefoot in the snow.

"Hello, little Raven." Her eyes slid slowly from the face carved into the tree to its branches, to the Three Eyed Raven perched on it's high branches.

"What was it you wanted to show me?" Kailyah asked, tilting her head to the side. The Ravens feathers ruffled, and a moment later, it spread it's wings and swooped down to rest on her shoulder as the world warped around her, and she found herself in Lord Starks solar, Lord Stark seated at the desk with his Maester and Lady Catelynn before him.

"Ned, you can't mean it!"

"You've had intentions to marry Sansa to some Southern Lord since she came into this world, Cat."

"Robb is the next Lord of Winterfell!"

"And you think he could have a better match then the Princess? The firstborn daughter of the King and Queen of Westeros? It's a good match."

"She's a Lannister!"

"She is a Baratheon!"

"She is from the South."

"As were you."

"Ned, it's not a good idea. I fear your Lords already believe Robb inherited more of my Southern blood than yours. He needs a Northern match to unite the houses."

"Who? The most obvious choice would be the Boltons, but Roose had no daughters. So the Karstarks, the Manderlys, the Reeds. If Robb married any girl from these familys, it upsets the others. There is no way to keep my Lords all happy, not if I choose one over the other to be the next Lady Stark."

"And you think they'll be happy with a Lannister?"

"Baratheon. Would you have the same objections if the King offered his son to Sansa?"

"Robb needs his Lords allegiance-"

"He'll have to earn it, just as I did. If my vassels have a problem with the color of my sons hair, they can grow a spine and tell me to my face."

"They wont be happy. Nor will I. You are setting our son up for hardship."

"It builds character. As it is, if the King offers, I cannot refuse without insulting the crown. Then our son will have even more hardship coming his way." Catelynn scowled, rising abruptly and leaving his solar, the door slamming shut behind her. Ned sighed, resting his head in his hands.

"She is worried." The Maester said simply.

"I understand her concerns, Maester Luwin."

"Do you? Your Lords will not be happy with another Southen Lady. As they weren't with the Sept you built her, or the girls Southern Septas."

"My wife was from the South. Has she not served the North well?"

"Lady Catelynn is a fine Lady, Lord Stark. A good, strong woman who gace you a beautiful family. But it was wartime when you married. Your marriage secured your alliance with the Tully's for Robert's rebellion. But a Lannister? Her family doesn't exactly have the best reputation."

"A Baratheon. Robert's daughter, and by all accounts, a kind, intelligent young girl."

"If she is to be the next Lady Stark, the Lords will learn to live with it, though she and Robb will need to earn their respect. However, you may need to find some way to appease your Lords."

"I have six children, Maester Luwin. They'll have to marry someday."

"I wish you luck convincing Arya of that." The world warped again as Lord Stark chuckled quietly, and she found herself standing before the Weirwood tree.

"Why did you show me that?"

"Whether there is a war of five Kings or not, death will march on the wall." Again, the world shifted, and Kailyah shivered violent;y as a frigid wind swept over her, before her breath caught in her throat. She stood before another Weirwood Tree, stones imbedded into the ground around her in some strange pattern. It was the same tree the Raven had shown Bran, where the Children of the forest had made the Night King. And all around her were dead, decaying, frozen bodies, with pale, empty eyes. All of them standing completely still. And behind them, sitting atop its horse, staring right at her, was the Night King. Kailyah gasped, stumbling back, before the world changed again, leaving her on her knees before the Godwood in Winterfell. "You must unite the seven Kingdoms to fight him together."

"I don't know how."

"You will."

TLR

"It's Jon, right?" The dark haired boy paused, his sword falling to his side as he turned away from the training dummy to face the princess. Kailyah examined him curiously. He was handsome, like Robb, and they shared pale skin, a strong jaw and high cheekbones, though Jon's features seemed slightly softer. They shared the same curls, though Robb's were auburn rather than black. Unlike Robbs Tully Blue eyes, Jon's were Stark Gray, though Kailyah swore when the light hit them just right she saw flecks of Targaryen Purple he must've inherited from his father.

"Jon Snow, Princess." Jon bowed stiffly, glancing around nervously.

"Please, call me Kailyah. I haven't seen you at the feasts."

"I- Lady Catelynn didn't wish to insult the royal family with my presence." Jon stuttered.

"Insult us with your presence? You're Lord Stark's son, are you not?"

"His- bastard."

"My father has well over a dozen other children in King's Landing. I assure you, our southern constitutions, fragile they may be, will survive." A small, unsure smile surfaced, and Jon shook his head. "I was hoping I'd run into you soon. Robb's told me so much about you."

"He has?"

"Of course. I was bragging about Jas winning their spar, Robb insisted you'd be the one to knock him off his high horse."

"I- I don't know about that."

"I was told you're the best swordsman in Winterfell. And for your sake, I hope it's true, because Jasper is eager to find out. He's getting tired of fighting the same people in King's Landing."

"He's beaten all of them?"

"No, not all. Most knights there have far more experience. Jaime and Ser Barriston always knock back his ego, and Loras usually gives him a run for his money. I'm sure you will too, from what Robb's told me."

"He exaggerates."

"Proud siblings always do, I'm no better." Kailyah chuckled. "I look forward to seeing it."

"Will you spar with us? Arya wouldn't stop talking about you at supper, and Theon mentioned your skill with a bow, but no one knew if you are trained in swordplay."

"I know the bare basics." Kailyah lied. "My mother wasn't exactly fond of the idea of her daughter running around with a sword, convincing her to let me train with archery and daggers was difficult enough."

"Arya is still fighting that battle."

"You are the one who taught her to wield a bow, yes?"

"Aye, she is very convincing." Jon scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his tense shoulders slowly loosening.

"I can tell, I was the same." The princess smiled, glancing around the dark courtyard, lit only by a few torches.

"Are you lost, princess?"

"Kailyah. No, I can't sleep. It's so quiet here."

"It's not in King's Landing?"

"King's Landing, the city that never sleeps. I was hoping a walk would tire me out."

"Where's your guard?"

"Sleeping outside my door. I thought about waking him, but then I'd be stuck with him, and really, I'd end up feeding him to your wolves." Jon's eyes went wide, and Kailyah grinned. "Trant is quite possibly one of the worst men I've ever met, and most definitely one of the worst knight's In King's Landing. He only got his position because his older brother died defending Father in the war. He's afraid of his own shadow and cares for nothing but his own importance, and he stares at Marcella."

"He stares?"

"Mm, it makes her uncomfortable. He used to have some delusions about marrying into the Royal family, before he took his vows, not that that deterred him. I refuse to let him guard her, ever, so Jasper and I take turns requesting him, since Father can't be bothered to do a thing about it."

"That's- horrible."

"That's life. Jasper will remove him from his position the first chance he gets, and I'm betting it won't be long before he does something to warrant being sent to the wall. Then he'll be your problem, if you still plan to join them."

"I do. I- I will earn my place there."

"I know you will, you'll do well. If I may, can I give you a bit of advice?"

"Yes?"

"Three quarters of prisoners sentenced to death choose the wall, instead. Jasper and I sit in on trial's, our Uncle Renly is Master of law's. We've seen the people that go to the wall. Some are like you, wanting to defend Westeros and find their place there. Some have been sentenced simply for trying to feed themselves, or their family. Good people, like you. But some of them are the worst kind of people. Rapists, murderers, slavers. When they take their vows, they are absolved of their crimes, but that doesn't change who they are, or what they're capable of. Befriend the good one's, stay close to them. But never take your eyes off of the others."

TLR

"You can read." Kailyah noticed, approaching the red haired woman leant against the wall across from where Kailyah's servants were setting up, reading a small journal.

"Yes, Princess." Ros rose gracefully, dropping into a smooth curtsy.

"Who taught you?"

"My mother got me started, everything else I learned myself."

"Unusual for a woman of your profession."

"I wanted to be more than a whore in a whorehouse."

"Is that why you're here?"

"I don't know what you mean, Princess."

"My parents' escort has been frequent visitors of your brothel, you and your companions are making more this month than you have in a year. I'm curious as to why you're here rather than working."

"Why are you here, Princess?" Ros asked instead of answering.

"To feed the hungry."

"Mm. You know, Winterfell isn't as popular as King's Landing, but we get quite a few diplomats, Lords and Ladies passing through. None that I remember bothered to feed the people of Wintertown."

"The smallfolk are the backbone of our country. We cannot function without them, so it's important to take care of them. And I want to improve the relationship between the crown and the people."

"The crown? Or you? You're the only one who came." Ros said boldly. "There are rumors that you are to be the next Lady of the North."

"Oh?"

"Improving the opinion of the smallfolk would go a long way in putting their faith in another Southern Lady. If that is why you're here."

"Robb Stark would make a good husband, but it is my Fathers decision at the end of the day. As of now, I still plan to return South with my family."

"Would there be room in your party for more?"

"Planning to relocate?"

"I'm considering it. I've heard good things about Kings Landing. Women in my profession can do well for themselves."

"Sometimes. Other times, things can go very, very wrong."

"Oh?"

"Children ripped away from there Mothers to be sold, woman brutalized, men murdered for their client's sex. King's Landing is a snake pit, especially dangerous for those who weren't lucky enough to be born with a title. But you don't have to go South to rise high."

"And how would you know?"

"Anyone can rise above their station, with help. Look at Maya." Kailyah nodded at her handmaiden, who was beginning to serve soup to the line of hungry people.

"I see a handmaiden."

"A royal one, who was able to get her Mother out of the brothel she'd worked at her whole life, run by Petyr Baelish, one of the cruelest pimps in King's Landing. She was able to get her two younger sisters jobs in the palace, and makes more than enough to live relatively comfortably. That's a long way to rise for a starving girl from Flea Bottom."

"And how did she manage that?"

"I have a habit of finding the clever ones. I needed someone who could gather information discreetly, and Maya has done exceptionally well. Men aren't as careful around pretty girls or servants."

"What kind of information?"

"Any information. Knowledge is power, and knowing things that people don't want you to know can be extremely helpful."

"Don't you have the Spider for that? The Master of Whispers?"

"The trouble with relying on one person for information, is that they can pick and choose what they share with you. I'd rather have my own little birds than rely on him. Unfortunately I don't have any this far North, though that may need to change, should I become the Lady of the North someday." Ros met her eyes, calculating, and Kailyah smiled, stepping back. "I wish you luck if you decide to go to King's Landing. Do let me know if you decide to stay."

TLR

Time flew by quicker than she thought it would in Winterfell. She spent much of her time with Marcella and Sansa and the other ladies of Winterfell, but when she grew bored of their company she joined the boys on the training ground. She enjoyed spending time with her brothers, and showed off a bit more than she normally would in King's Landing, where rumors flew like lightning. In the pit of snakes, it was safer to keep her skill with weapons hidden, but here in the North, she had to prove she wasn't a delicate southern Lady to the Lords of what very well could be her future house.

She managed to impress many of them, and quickly befriended Dacey Mormont, and her mother, Maege Mormont, the Head of House Mormont. She enjoyed sparring with the girl, as well as her stories of Bear island, and her battles there. Piece by piece, she earned respect in the North, from everyone from the Lords and Vassals of House Stark, to their servants and residents of Wintertown. The men of the North were hardy, stern folk, and though Kailyah never allowed her kind, sweet princess mask to fall in their presence, she also never allowed herself to falter or seem weak in front of them. She was unfailingly kind and respectful to their servant's, and happily played with the children of Wintertown, allowing them to braid ribbons and flowers in her hair as she chatted away with their mothers and sister's, buying from their stalls and teaching children how to write their names in the dirt.

Lady Catelynn was unduly wary of her and the royal party, and Kailyah assumed she had already received Lysa's letter, accusing the Lannisters of poisoning her husband. Beyond being respectful, Kailyah didn't bother putting much effort into endearing the woman to her, instead focusing on her daughters and Ladies, all of which flocked eagerly to her side. Sansa was desperate to impress, and Kailyah remained kind and doting, though she didn't bother hiding her fondness for Sansa's wild little siblings. Marcella bonded with Sansa quickly, while Kailyah doted on Arya, listening to her stories and dreams, not allowing her Septa to harass her, and getting her out of lessons. She also spent time with Bran and Rickon, allowing Tommen to drag her along to play with the wild little boys. She managed to very quickly get rid of her prim and proper reputation when Lord Stark and a few of his council found the four of them rolling around in the dirt, along with their Direwolves. When she wasn't with the children or the ladies, she was with the boys on the training grounds, spending time with her oldest brothers and Lord Stark's boys.

Robb was interesting. Special. She'd planned to get close to him from the beginning, they needed allies in Winterfell, and the best way was to marry in someone into their family. But the strange thing is, she didn't have to force it. Robb kept up with her, he saw her as an equal. He teased and flirted and just talked with her and whatever was between them was like lightning dancing under her skin. She could see a future with him, and wasn't that terrifying? For years all her focus was preventing a war that destroyed her family, she'd never cared about the after, and now she did.

He walked with her every day without fail, they went riding and toured the glass gardens and sat with her quietly as she read in the Starks extensive library. He told her their legends and stories about his siblings' antics and asked her questions and listened when she answered. He cared about her and respected her and so clearly wanted her and so one day when he was wrapping his fur cloak around her shoulders she fisted a hand in his tunic and pulled him down, pressing her plush lips to his cold ones. Robb was still for just a moment before his hand buried in her hair and he devoured her.

"I may never let you go after this." He'd breathed against her lips when they finally separated ages later.

"Good." she'd breathed.